Mountain View requires a grading permit for any excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards, any cut or fill over 4 feet deep, or work on slopes steeper than 3:1. Drainage must not cross property lines without easements.
Mountain View City Code Chapter 32 regulates grading, excavation, and fill per the California Building Code Appendix J. A grading permit is required for: excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards, cuts or fills deeper than 4 feet, grading on slopes steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical, or any work that changes drainage patterns affecting neighboring properties. Soils reports stamped by a California-licensed geotechnical engineer are required for larger projects and any work in liquefaction zones mapped by the California Geological Survey. Drainage plans must direct runoff to approved outfalls without causing ponding or flow onto adjacent parcels; private drainage easements may be required. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require separate structural permits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View prohibits disturbing noise between 10pm and 7am weekdays and 10pm to 8am weekends, with enforcement by police and code enforcement officers.
Mountain View, CA
Amplified music from speakers, DJs, and live bands requires compliance with decibel limits and quiet hours; Shoreline Amphitheatre operates under a separate ...
Mountain View, CA
Industrial and commercial properties in Mountain View must comply with stationary noise source limits measured at property lines, with conditions enforced th...
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View Chapter 21 sets specific decibel thresholds varying by zoning district and time of day, measured at property lines with standardized equipment.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB ...
Mountain View, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats in Mountain View cannot park on public streets over 72 hours and face Large Vehicle Ordinance limits. Residential storage must be on...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle grading & drainage.
See how Mountain View's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.