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.
Mountain View allows home occupations in residential zones subject to standards in the zoning ordinance. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling, be clearly incidental to residential use, and not change the residential character of the property or neighborhood. No non-resident employees are permitted on site, customer visits are restricted or prohibited, and no exterior display, signage, or storage is allowed. Deliveries must be limited to normal residential volume. Prohibited uses typically include auto repair, commercial food preparation, kennels, and medical/dental offices. A business license is required through the city Finance Department. Violations can lead to revocation of the home occupation approval.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle home occupation permits.
See how Mountain View's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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