Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Home occupations in Mountain View require a zoning clearance and business license, must be secondary to residential use, and cannot generate customer traffic, employees, or outward signs of business activity.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara requires a home occupation permit and business license for residents operating a business from a dwelling, with limits on signage, employees, customer visits, and external evidence of commercial activity.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Where allowed | All residential zones | - |
| Employees on site | Residents only | - |
| Customer visits | Restricted or prohibited | - |
| Signage | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Business license | Required | Required from Finance Dept |
| Permit | - | Home occupation permit required |
| Employees | - | Residents only |
| Contact | - | (408) 615-2000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I run an online business from my Mountain View home?
Yes. Online and remote-work businesses with no client visits, no employees, and no outward signs of activity are generally allowed with a business license.
Can clients come to my home office?
Client visits are heavily restricted. Check the zoning ordinance for limits on frequency and hours, and whether your specific use is permitted.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I hire an employee who does not live with me?
No. Santa Clara home occupations must be operated by residents of the dwelling, with no non-resident employees on-site.
Can customers visit my home business?
Limited customer visits are allowed, but activity must not generate traffic or parking demand beyond normal residential levels.
Compare other topics
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