Driveway Rules: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do driveway rules 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
Mountain View driveways require encroachment permits for new curb cuts through Public Works, with maximum widths of 20 feet for single-family and 30 feet for multi-family. Parking must be on paved surfaces only.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara requires encroachment permits for new driveways, limits driveway width by zoning, and prohibits parking across sidewalks regardless of property ownership.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Permit issuer | Public Works Department | - |
| SF driveway width | 20 ft max at property line | - |
| Multi-family width | 30 ft max | - |
| Paved surface required | No parking on lawns | - |
| Corner clearance | 5 feet minimum | - |
| Curb Cut Permit | - | Public Works encroachment permit required |
| Max Width | - | Typically 20 feet for single-family residential |
| Sidewalk Parking | - | Prohibited per CVC 22500(f) |
| Front Yard Paving | - | Limited by zoning coverage rules |
| Contact | - | Public Works (408) 615-3000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I pour a concrete driveway without a permit?
Replacing an existing driveway on private property may not need a building permit, but any new curb cut or sidewalk work requires a Public Works encroachment permit.
Can I park on my front lawn?
No. Mountain View zoning requires all vehicle parking to be on paved or approved surfaces. Parking on turf or unpaved areas is a code violation.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I widen my driveway to fit three cars?
Only with planning approval; widths beyond the zoning maximum typically require a variance or design review.
Is it legal to park blocking part of the sidewalk?
No, any vehicle overhanging the sidewalk violates CVC 22500(f) and can be ticketed.
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