Pop. 82,376 · Santa Clara County
Mountain View charges a 10 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on all short-term rental stays under 30 days, plus business license fees that apply to all STR operators.
Mountain View does not mandate specific STR insurance, but standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, making commercial or host-specific coverage essential.
Mountain View does not impose a hard annual night cap on short-term rentals, but any stay exceeding 30 consecutive days converts to a long-term rental subject to different rules.
Mountain View pools must meet California Swimming Pool Safety Act requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers, barriers, and at least one of seven approved safety features.
Mountain View requires pool barriers at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates to comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S 115920).
Mountain View requires building, plumbing, and electrical permits to construct or install any in-ground or above-ground swimming pool deeper than 18 inches under the California Building Code.
Above-ground pools in Mountain View deeper than 18 inches require permits and must meet the same fencing and safety rules as in-ground pools under California H&S 115920.
Hot tubs and spas in Mountain View require electrical and building permits, and those without locking safety covers must meet the same fencing requirements as pools.
Mountain View regulates pruning of heritage and street trees. Work on protected trees requires a permit and must follow ISA pruning standards.
Mountain View property owners must control weeds and rank growth that create fire hazards, blight, or vermin habitat. Santa Clara County Fire handles abatement.
Mountain View enforces permanent water waste rules and follows state mandates. Outdoor watering is limited and runoff, hosing down pavement, and leaks are prohibited.
Rainwater harvesting in rain barrels and small cisterns is legal and encouraged in Mountain View. Larger systems and any potable use require permits.
Mountain View encourages California native and low-water plants through its Bay-Friendly landscaping policies and water-efficient landscape ordinance for new projects.
Artificial turf is allowed in Mountain View residential yards subject to setbacks, drainage, and design standards. Some front-yard coverage and aesthetic limits may apply.
Mountain View requires property owners to keep weeds and grass trimmed as a nuisance and fire-hazard standard. Overgrowth can trigger weed abatement and cost recovery.
Removing a Heritage Tree in Mountain View requires a permit, a finding of justification, and replacement plantings. Unpermitted removal carries significant penalties.
Santa Clara County Code Title C and California SB-1383 require residents and businesses to separate organic waste from trash, either through curbside green-bin service or backyard composting. The county's Home Composting Education Program teaches techniques and offers discounted bins.
Amplified music from speakers, DJs, and live bands requires compliance with decibel limits and quiet hours; Shoreline Amphitheatre operates under a separate use permit with its own noise conditions.
Continuous or habitual barking that disturbs neighbors is a noise violation in Mountain View, with Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority handling complaints and citations.
Industrial and commercial properties in Mountain View must comply with stationary noise source limits measured at property lines, with conditions enforced through zoning and use permits.
Aircraft noise in Mountain View is regulated federally by the FAA; Moffett Federal Airfield operations are managed by NASA Ames, and Mountain View participates in regional airport noise roundtables.
Mountain View was an early California city to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, aligning with AB 1346; only electric and battery units are permitted, with time restrictions on all blowers.
Outdoor music events require permits from the city, with Shoreline Amphitheatre, Castro Street festivals, and park concerts operating under specific conditions tailored to neighborhood impact.
Mountain View Chapter 21 sets specific decibel thresholds varying by zoning district and time of day, measured at property lines with standardized equipment.
Construction noise in Mountain View is limited to 7am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 5pm Saturdays, with no construction allowed on Sundays or major holidays.
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 prohibits ownership of wild and exotic animals consistent with California Fish and Game Code, limiting residents to common domestic pets and certain small reptiles.
All dogs in Mountain View public spaces must be on a leash no longer than six feet unless in a designated off-leash park, with Shoreline Park featuring a dedicated dog area.
Mountain View does not impose breed-specific restrictions, consistent with California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 which preempts breed-based bans, but regulates dangerous dogs by behavior.
Feeding wild animals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and waterfowl is prohibited in Mountain View to prevent dependency and safety issues, especially near Shoreline Park habitat areas.
Mountain View allows a limited number of hens in residential zones with setback requirements; roosters are prohibited and larger livestock is generally not allowed on standard lots.
Mountain View allows hobby beekeeping on residential properties with hive setback and flyway requirements to minimize neighbor conflicts.
Traditional livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and pigs are generally prohibited on Mountain View residential lots, with limited exceptions for large agricultural-zoned parcels.
Santa Clara County Title C (Animals) sets care standards and pet limits while California Penal Code §597 makes neglect or cruelty a crime. SCC Animal Services investigates hoarding with the Sheriff and District Attorney for seizure and prosecution.
Santa Clara County Title 4 zoning permits veterinary clinics in commercial zones with conditions on overnight boarding, outdoor runs, noise, and odor. Larger animal hospitals, kennels, or large-animal practices typically require a use permit from county Planning.
California Fish & Game Code §3503 to §3516 protect native birds, nests, and eggs, with raptors and migratory species getting enhanced safeguards. Santa Clara County Title C reinforces wildlife protection by banning intentional harm and feeding in unincorporated areas.
Santa Clara County Code Title C requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months and sets nuisance standards. SCC Animal Services and city partners support trap-neuter-return for managed feral colonies; outdoor cat owners remain liable for damage and wildlife harm.
Santa Clara County Code Title C requires sterilization of dogs and cats released from county shelters, mirroring California Food & Agricultural Code §30503. Cities such as San Jose and Sunnyvale extend a broader spay-neuter mandate to all owned dogs and cats over four months.
Santa Clara County Animal Services microchips every dog and cat adopted, redeemed, or released from its shelter and registers the chip to the new owner. San Jose and other cities now require microchips at licensing, expanding the mandate beyond shelter exits.
Santa Clara County and partner cities follow a coexistence model led by SCC Vector Control and CDFW: hazing, attractant removal, and lethal control only for sick or aggressive animals. Title C and city codes ban intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife.
California Health & Safety Code §122354.5 (AB-485, 2019) bars retail pet stores statewide, including throughout Santa Clara County, from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless sourced from public shelters or registered nonprofit rescues. SCC and city counsel handle enforcement.
Santa Clara County Code Title C generally caps unincorporated single-family residences at about three dogs and three cats over four months without a kennel or cattery permit. SCC Animal Services issues higher-count permits subject to zoning under SCC Title 4.
Pet groomers in unincorporated Santa Clara County need a county business license, zoning compliance under SCC Title 4, and sanitation standards under SCC DEH. Mobile groomers add vehicle and wastewater discharge requirements. California has no state grooming license.
Shared fences between Mountain View neighbors are governed by California Civil Code 841 which presumes equal cost sharing for maintenance with 30 day written notice required before work.
Mountain View requires fences to be structurally sound, maintained in good repair, with finished side facing the neighbor or street and compliance with zoning setback and height rules.
Common fence materials including wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and masonry are permitted in Mountain View; chain link is restricted in front yards and barbed wire is prohibited residentially.
Mountain View enforces California Health and Safety Code 115920 et seq. requiring at least two pool safety features including compliant 60 inch barriers with self-closing self-latching gates.
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) require a building permit and engineering in Mountain View, with additional scrutiny for walls supporting surcharge loads.
Mountain View does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet, but retaining walls, taller fences, and corner lot fences may require permits or planning review.
Fences in Mountain View are limited to 3 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards; anything taller requires a fence exception or design review approval.
Small recreational backyard fires are permitted in approved devices with clean fuel. Wood fires are banned on BAAQMD Spare the Air alert days across the Bay Area.
Most of Mountain View sits outside state-mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, but western hillside areas near open space are treated as elevated risk by local fire authorities.
All fireworks, including California Safe and Sane fireworks, are illegal to possess, sell, or use in Mountain View. Violations carry significant fines and potential criminal charges.
Property owners must maintain defensible space and remove dry vegetation that poses a fire hazard. Mountain View follows Santa Clara County weed and fire abatement standards.
California law requires working smoke alarms in all dwellings, and carbon monoxide alarms in any home with fuel appliances or an attached garage. Mountain View enforces these on sale and at rental turnover.
Open outdoor burning of leaves, yard waste, or debris is prohibited in Mountain View. Only contained recreational fires using approved fuel are allowed.
Mountain View allows portable outdoor fire pits fueled by natural gas or propane. Open wood burning is generally prohibited on Spare the Air days declared by BAAQMD.
Santa Clara County Fire Code under Title B incorporates the California Fire Code and IFC §6101 governing propane storage. Residential cylinders aggregating 10 gallons or less are exempt; aggregate quantities above 25 gallons require an SCCFD or CalFire CZU operational permit and IFC §6104 setbacks.
Sheds under 120 square feet do not require a building permit in Mountain View but must meet zoning setbacks and height limits. Larger sheds need a permit.
Carports in Mountain View require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks. Front-yard carports are generally restricted to preserve neighborhood character.
Mountain View ADU regulations follow California Government Code 65852.2 as amended by AB 68, AB 881, SB 13, and AB 1033. Ministerial approval applies to most ADUs and JADUs on single-family lots.
Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs in Mountain View. Movable tiny houses on wheels may be allowed as ADUs if they meet state movable tiny house standards.
Converting a garage to living space or ADU in Mountain View is allowed with permits. State ADU law waives replacement parking when the garage is converted to an ADU.
Home Occupations in Mountain View may not display exterior business signage. The residence must retain its residential appearance from the street.
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 that keep the business clearly secondary to the dwelling and compatible with neighbors.
Mountain View follows the California Homemade Food Act allowing Cottage Food Operations at home. State law sets product, revenue, and registration rules.
Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) and large family daycare homes (up to 14 children) are permitted by right in Mountain View residential zones under California H&S Code 1597.45.
Home Occupations must not generate significant customer or client traffic. Only limited client visits by appointment are typically permitted.
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB 1236, typically approved same-day.
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW or 22 feet long cannot park on Mountain View residential streets overnight. Business vehicles must be stored at commercial sites or in approved industrial zones.
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.
Mountain View has no citywide overnight parking ban for passenger vehicles, but 72-hour limits, permit districts, and large vehicle restrictions apply. Sleeping in vehicles on public streets is generally prohibited.
Vehicles left on Mountain View streets over 72 hours or on private property in public view without movement may be declared abandoned and towed. Reports can be submitted online or by phone to Police non-emergency.
On-street parking in Mountain View is limited to 72 consecutive hours per CVC 22651(k), with time-limit zones downtown and permit parking districts in several neighborhoods. Street sweeping restrictions apply weekly.
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 paved surfaces, screened from view.
California Vehicle Code §21458 standardizes curb-paint meanings statewide: red (no stopping), yellow (loading), white (passenger), green (timed), blue (disabled). Santa Clara County Roads paints unincorporated curbs accordingly.
California Vehicle Code §22500.1 and Santa Clara County Title B regulate loading-zone parking. Yellow curbs limit commercial loading to active loading only, with strict time caps and citation rules.
Elevators in Mountain View must be inspected and permitted by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Elevator Unit, with annual permits and regular maintenance required.
Scaffolding in Mountain View requires a building permit when used on projects exceeding Cal/OSHA thresholds or when encroaching on public right-of-way. Contractors must comply with CCR Title 8 safety standards.
Lead-based paint disturbance in Mountain View pre-1978 housing must follow EPA RRP rules and California lead-safe work practices, with disclosure required for rentals and sales.
Mountain View property owners must maintain buildings free from rodent and insect infestations. Commercial applicators need state licensing, and tent fumigation requires advance notification.
Santa Clara County has no countywide mansionization ordinance, but Title C zoning sets floor area ratio caps, lot coverage limits, and tiered setbacks in residential and rural districts of unincorporated areas, including hillside, scenic, and AP-Agricultural Preserve overlays.
Santa Clara County Code Title B adopts the California Residential Code R313, requiring NFPA 13D fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes in unincorporated areas, with County Fire reviewing plans.
Santa Clara County Title B classifies childcare centers as Group E or I-4 occupancies with specific egress, fire-protection, and lead clearance requirements. CCR Title 22 licensing through CDSS adds operational rules on staffing, square footage, and outdoor space.
Santa Clara County Title B and the California Fire Code adopt CFC Section 1010, restricting locks and latches on required egress doors. Single-action hardware, no double-cylinder deadbolts on exits, and panic hardware in assembly occupancies are mandatory.
Santa Clara County Title B adopts the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) plus reach-code amendments requiring all-electric new construction, EV-ready parking, and heat-pump water heating in unincorporated areas effective 2023.
Recology offers free on-call bulky item pickup for Mountain View residents, typically two collections per year per household. Items include mattresses, furniture, and large appliances.
Recology is Mountain View's exclusive hauler for garbage, recycling, and organics. Containers go out no earlier than the evening before collection and must be removed by the end of service day.
Carts must sit at the curb with handles facing the house, 3 feet clear on all sides, and away from parked cars, mailboxes, and fire hydrants so Recology's automated trucks can service them.
Mountain View residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organics from trash under California AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. Recology provides three-cart service for compliance.
California SB-1383 requires every household and business in Santa Clara County to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash. Local haulers including Recology, GreenWaste, and Mission Trail Waste run weekly green-cart collection for compostable organics.
HOA boards in Mountain View operate under the California Davis-Stirling Act, requiring open meetings, agenda notices, and recorded minutes for common interest developments.
HOA disputes in Mountain View must go through Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) under Davis-Stirling before most lawsuits can be filed.
HOA CC&R enforcement in Mountain View must follow Davis-Stirling due process rules, with written notice, a hearing opportunity, and fines limited to published schedules.
HOA architectural review committees in Mountain View must follow Davis-Stirling rules requiring fair, written standards and procedures, and cannot prohibit solar, EV charging, or low-water landscaping.
HOA assessments in Mountain View are governed by Davis-Stirling, capping regular increases at 20 percent per year and special assessments at 5 percent of the budget without member approval.
California Civil Code 714 prohibits Mountain View HOAs from unreasonably restricting residential solar. Aesthetic guidelines are allowed but cannot significantly raise cost or cut performance.
Mountain View processes residential rooftop solar permits through SolarAPP+ for same-day online approval. Title 24 Solar Mandate requires PV systems on new single-family homes and low-rise multi-family construction.
California AB-2188 and SB-379 require expedited permitting for residential rooftop solar and battery storage. Santa Clara County uses the federal SolarAPP+ platform under Title B for instant online plan-check approval of code-compliant systems.
California SB-43 enables Pacific Gas and Electric customers to subscribe to community solar projects without rooftop panels. Santa Clara County renters and condo owners can join the Green Tariff Shared Renewables and Community Solar Green Tariff programs.
Mountain View allows political signs on private residential property without a permit. Size, placement, and timing rules must follow the content-neutral sign ordinance and First Amendment protections.
Mountain View allows small temporary garage sale signs on private property but prohibits posting on utility poles, trees, traffic signs, or public right-of-way. All signs must be removed after the sale.
Mountain View permits residential holiday decorations and lighting without a permit. Displays must not block sidewalks, create traffic hazards, or violate noise and nuisance standards.
Santa Clara County Title C zoning prohibits new off-premises digital billboards in unincorporated areas. The California Outdoor Advertising Act sets statewide controls along Interstate and primary highways and requires Caltrans permits for any roadside display.
Santa Clara County Title C zoning limits window signs in unincorporated commercial districts to roughly 25 percent of the window area. Larger temporary banners and obstructive signage trigger sign-permit review by the Planning Department.
Signs visible to motorists on US-101, I-280, I-680, I-880, SR-85, and SR-87 require both Caltrans Outdoor Advertising approval and County zoning sign permits. The Outdoor Advertising Act preempts inconsistent local rules along these routes.
Trash, recycling, and organics carts must be stored out of public view except on collection day. Visible carts on non-collection days are a property-maintenance violation in Mountain View.
Mountain View requires owners of vacant lots to control weeds, remove debris, and secure the property against trespass. Overgrown lots pose a fire hazard and can be abated at the owner's expense.
Mountain View allows garage sales in residential zones without a permit but limits frequency and prohibits merchandise displays that spill into the public right-of-way or block sidewalks.
Mountain View does not receive measurable snow, so there is no snow-clearing ordinance. Property owners must still keep sidewalks free of obstructions, debris, and overgrown vegetation year-round.
Mountain View prohibits property blight including accumulated junk, inoperable vehicles, graffiti, broken windows, and overgrown vegetation. Code Enforcement issues warnings and citations.
Mountain View requires shielded outdoor lighting for new commercial and multi-family developments to minimize glare and skyglow. Title 24 Part 6 lighting efficiency standards apply to all new construction.
Light trespass across property lines in Mountain View is limited to 0.5 foot-candles in residential areas. Persistent light pollution causing nuisance can be reported to Code Enforcement for abatement.
Outdoor advertising in Santa Clara County must follow Caltrans brightness rules adopted from the federal Highway Beautification Act. Digital displays cannot exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient at the regulated measurement distance and must dim automatically at night.
Decorative holiday and seasonal lighting is broadly exempt from Santa Clara County outdoor-lighting standards from November through early January. Permanent year-round string lighting still must meet shielding, color-temperature, and light-trespass rules under Title C zoning.
Santa Clara County Title C outdoor-lighting standards require full-cutoff shielding on security and area lights to prevent glare and light trespass. The rules align with International Dark-Sky Association practice and limit upward and lateral light beyond property lines.
Mountain View parks are closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Remaining in a city park after hours is an infraction enforceable by Mountain View Police and Community Services rangers.
Mountain View's curfew ordinance generally prohibits minors under 18 from being in public between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a parent or qualifying exception. Daytime school-hours curfew also applies.
Mountain View recognizes No Soliciting signs as legally enforceable. Ignoring a posted sign after notice can result in a citation or trespass complaint, even for activity otherwise protected as speech.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Mountain View must register with the Police Department and carry an identification card. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is protected and exempt.
Adults 21 and older in Mountain View may grow up to 6 cannabis plants per residence under California Proposition 64. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited; plants must be inside a locked, secure area.
Mountain View permits a small, capped number of cannabis retail storefronts under a local regulatory framework. Dispensaries need a City commercial cannabis permit and must meet strict zoning buffers.
California permits state-licensed retailer cannabis delivery into any jurisdiction under DCC regulations. Santa Clara County does not host retail storefronts in unincorporated areas but cannot ban delivery into homes.
California's MAUCRSA framework lets local jurisdictions adopt social equity programs. Santa Clara County has limited unincorporated cannabis licensing, with state Bureau of Cannabis Control administering equity outreach grants.
California Business and Professions Code §26054 prohibits cannabis licensees within 600 feet of schools, daycares, and youth centers. Santa Clara County Title C zoning may impose larger buffers in unincorporated areas.
California Proposition 64 and Health and Safety Code §11362.1 allow adults 21+ to grow up to six cannabis plants per residence for personal use. Santa Clara County follows the state baseline.
Santa Clara County Title C zoning sharply limits commercial cannabis in unincorporated areas. Most cultivation, manufacturing, and retail must locate in incorporated cities with permissive ordinances like San Jose.
Recreational drone flight in Mountain View is governed primarily by FAA rules. Moffett Federal Airfield creates restricted airspace that requires authorization through LAANC for most of the city.
Commercial drone operation in Mountain View requires FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC airspace authorization. Moffett Field creates controlled airspace over most of the city.
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation prohibits drone takeoff, landing, and operation in nearly all county parks. Limited exceptions exist for designated model-aircraft areas and for permitted commercial filming with advance Parks Department approval.
Federal law preempts local airspace control. Drones near San Jose Mineta and Reid-Hillview airports must obtain LAANC authorization through the Federal Aviation Administration, follow controlled airspace altitude limits, and avoid temporary flight restrictions issued for emergencies.
Major events at Levi's Stadium, SAP Center, and PayPal Park trigger FAA temporary flight restrictions banning drones within three nautical miles up to 3,000 feet. Violations carry federal criminal penalties in addition to civil fines.
Mountain View contains FEMA AE and X flood zones along Stevens Creek, Permanente Creek, and the Bay shoreline. Construction in special flood hazard areas requires elevation to BFE plus 1 foot and flood insurance.
Construction sites in Mountain View must install erosion control BMPs year-round, with enhanced measures October 1 through April 30. Sites over 1 acre need a Construction General Permit.
Mountain View enforces MRP 3.0 requiring C.3 treatment for projects creating 5,000 sq ft or more of impervious surface. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited and fined.
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.
Santa Clara County declared a climate emergency in 2020 and adopted the OneSCC 2030 Sustainability Master Plan setting county-operations carbon neutrality and aggressive countywide reduction targets. The Office of Sustainability coordinates implementation across departments serving 1.9 million residents.
Properties in CalFire State Responsibility Area and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC §4291. Santa Clara County FireSafe Council and CalFire enforce in foothill unincorporated communities like Saratoga Hills, Los Altos Hills, and Mount Hamilton.
California Code of Regulations Title 13 §2485 caps heavy-duty diesel idling at five minutes statewide, enforced across Santa Clara County by CARB and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The county fleet idle-reduction policy mirrors the limit for county-owned trucks and buses.
California AB-1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and other small off-road engines under 25 horsepower starting 2024, applying across Santa Clara County. Several cities including Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Gatos enforce stricter operating bans, while unincorporated areas follow the state floor.
Santa Clara County's Sustainable Procurement Policy directs all departments to prioritize recycled-content, energy-efficient, low-toxicity, and locally sourced products. Procurement leads the county's transition to a zero-emission light-duty fleet under the OneSCC Sustainability Plan.
Santa Clara County Roads and Airports runs limited cool pavement pilots in heat-vulnerable unincorporated communities like East San Jose foothill fringes. Reflective coatings reduce surface temperatures by roughly 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit on summer afternoons aligned with OneSCC heat equity goals.
Santa Clara County Title B Building Code adopts CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 baseline plus reach-code amendments requiring cool roofing on new construction and major reroofs in unincorporated areas. Reflective materials must meet minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance ratings under Title 24 Part 6.
The OneSCC 2030 Sustainability Master Plan and county tree canopy goals guide heat island mitigation through cool roofs, cool pavement, urban forestry, and cooling-center activations when National Weather Service forecasts highs at or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit for two consecutive days in unincorporated areas.
The California Coastal Act, Public Resources Code sections 30000 through 30900, requires Coastal Development Permits for nearly all work in the coastal zone and gives the Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction over local decisions.
Food trucks in Mountain View need a Santa Clara County Environmental Health Mobile Food Facility permit plus a city business license. SB 946 limits the city's ability to restrict sidewalk vending locations.
Food trucks in Mountain View may operate in commercial and industrial zones with property owner consent. Castro Street downtown restricts vending to special events. Sidewalk vendors are protected by SB 946 statewide.
The Mountain View CSFRA caps rent increases on pre-1995 multi-family units at CPI (2-5 percent). Just-cause eviction and relocation assistance apply. AB 1482 covers newer units.
Mountain View's CSFRA (Measure V, City Charter Article XVII) plus California AB 1482 give tenants strong just-cause protections. Landlords must state an allowable reason and often pay relocation assistance.
Landlords of CSFRA-covered units must register with the Mountain View Rental Housing Committee and pay an annual per-unit fee. Registration is required before collecting rent or serving notices.
Santa Clara County has no countywide relocation ordinance for unincorporated areas. State law controls: AB-1482 requires one month of rent for no-fault terminations and the Ellis Act adds extra pay for elderly or disabled tenants.
California Civil Code §1950.5, amended by AB-12 effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent statewide. Santa Clara County adds no local cap, so the state rule governs unincorporated and incorporated rentals alike.
Santa Clara County imposes no countywide buyout disclosure rule. Cash-for-keys agreements in unincorporated areas follow only baseline California contract and Civil Code rules, unlike San Jose and Mountain View, which require formal disclosures.
Unincorporated Santa Clara County applies California's AB-1482 no-fault grounds: owner move-in, substantial remodel, demolition, government order, and Ellis Act withdrawal. Each path requires written notice, statutory relocation, and good-faith intent.
Santa Clara County has no countywide rent stabilization, so pass-through charges in unincorporated areas follow state law. AB-1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI, capped at 10%, including any operating cost passthroughs.
Santa Clara County has not adopted a countywide tenant anti-harassment ordinance for unincorporated areas. Tenants rely on California Civil Code §1940.2 against forcible exclusion plus tort remedies for retaliation or harassment.
California Government Code §12955, expanded by SB-329 in 2020, prohibits housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers. Santa Clara County enforces statewide rules through state CRD; no separate county code exists.
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) administers federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers across the county. Landlords accepting vouchers must pass an HQS inspection and cannot refuse applicants based on voucher status.
Mountain View R1 zones require 20-foot front setbacks, 5-foot side yards, and 20-foot rear setbacks for primary dwellings. R2 and R3 zones vary by density, with specific plan districts having custom standards.
Mountain View R1 zoning limits lot coverage to 40 percent for the main structure plus accessory buildings. Floor Area Ratio caps vary from 0.45 for standard lots to 0.55 for smaller lots under special provisions.
Mountain View R1 zones cap homes at 30 feet and 2 stories. Accessory structures are limited to 14 feet. Downtown and North Bayshore Precise Plans allow up to 180 feet in some districts.
Santa Clara County has adopted strong sanctuary policies since 2011, refusing to honor ICE civil detainers without a judicial warrant. Board resolutions in 2011, 2017, and 2023 reaffirmed the policy. California SB-54 reinforces the limits statewide.
California AB-1236 (Labor Code §2814) prohibits Santa Clara County and any city from requiring private employers to use E-Verify. Federal mandates apply only to federal contractors. SCC and its 15 cities impose no E-Verify requirement.
California Penal Code section 53071 preempts almost all local firearm regulation, so Santa Clara County cannot register or restrict gun ownership beyond state law. Narrow zoning and ammunition vendor rules survive in unincorporated areas under SCC Ord. NS-509.99.
California Penal Code sections 25400 and 25610 require firearms transported by vehicle in Santa Clara County to be unloaded, with handguns inside a locked container or trunk. Long guns must be unloaded but may ride in the passenger compartment if encased.
California Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. The Santa Clara County Sheriff issues permits to county residents under shall-issue rules following Bruen and SB-2, with sensitive-place limits applied countywide.
California Penal Code section 26350 bans open carry of unloaded handguns in incorporated areas, and section 26400 bans openly carried unloaded long guns. All fifteen Santa Clara County cities are incorporated; loaded open carry is barred everywhere countywide.
Santa Clara County requires every vape and tobacco retailer in unincorporated areas to hold a Tobacco Retail License under Ordinance NS-300.789 plus a state CDTFA license. Sales of flavored vape products are barred under earlier county Ordinance NS-300.913 and California SB-793.
Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94) and California Business and Professions Code section 22963 bar Santa Clara County retailers from selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or any tobacco product to anyone under twenty-one. SCC Public Health enforces in unincorporated areas with photo-ID checks.
Santa Clara County Ordinance NS-300.913, adopted in 2010 and predating the LA County and statewide bans, prohibits sale of all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes and flavored e-liquids in unincorporated areas. California SB-793 imposes the same ban statewide as of December 2022.
Santa Clara County has no county-specific minimum wage above the California state floor for unincorporated areas. Workers in unincorporated SCC follow the state rate set by SB-3, while San Jose and other cities maintain higher local minimums.
Santa Clara County has no county paid-leave ordinance. Workers in unincorporated areas follow California SB-616's five-day statewide floor. San Jose and a few other cities have not enacted higher local rules, so SB-616 governs across the county.
Santa Clara County has no predictive-scheduling ordinance. California AB-1228 governs fast-food workers via the statewide Fast Food Council. Outside fast food, no local or state predictable-schedule mandate applies in SCC unincorporated areas or its 15 cities.
California SB-525, signed October 2023, establishes tiered minimum wages for covered healthcare workers ranging from $18 to $25 per hour. Santa Clara County hospitals and clinics follow state schedules; the county adds no additional local healthcare wage floor.
Santa Clara County Ordinance NS-1100, adopted in 2008 as the first county-level bag ban in the nation, prohibits single-use plastic carryout bags in unincorporated areas and requires a paper-bag charge. California SB-270 and AB-1162 (2024) now mirror the rule statewide.
Santa Clara County Ordinance NS-300.881 bars food vendors and county facilities in unincorporated areas from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates, and trays. California AB-1276 (Public Resources Code section 42273) and SB-54 extend parallel statewide standards to all cities.
California AB-1884 (Public Resources Code section 42270) and AB-1276 make Santa Clara County a straws-on-request jurisdiction. Restaurants countywide cannot auto-distribute single-use plastic straws; disability requests must be accommodated without burden under state and federal law.
California AB-1276 (Health and Safety Code §42270 et seq.) prohibits full-service and takeout food facilities from providing single-use utensils, straws, or condiment packets unless requested by the customer. Santa Clara County DEH enforces locally.
California Civil Code §1954.603 requires every Santa Clara County landlord to give new tenants a written bed-bug information notice and disclose known infestations. SCC DEH and city code enforcement respond to habitability complaints; treatment cost normally falls on the landlord.
Under California Health and Safety Code §113948, every food handler in Santa Clara County must obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire. Cards are valid for three years. SCC DEH inspectors verify compliance during routine retail food inspections countywide.
Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health inspects every restaurant, market, and mobile food facility countywide and posts a numerical inspection score and report online. Unlike LA, SCC uses risk-based scoring rather than letter grades; sub-standard facilities may face closure.
Santa Clara County Vector Control District handles outdoor rodent surveillance and resident complaints countywide, while SCC DEH addresses food-facility infestations. California AB-1788 bans second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides for non-licensed users to protect raptors and other wildlife.
California Health & Safety Code §118286 bans home-generated sharps in trash or recycling. Santa Clara County Public Health distributes free SHARP containers and operates syringe exchange and drop-off sites countywide. Mail-back kits are also available through the program.
Santa Clara County Public Health's Healthy Stores program partners with corner stores and small markets to stock fresh produce, low-sugar beverages, and whole-grain items. Participation is voluntary, with technical assistance, signage, and refrigeration grants offered to qualifying retailers.
FDA menu labeling under 21 CFR §101.11 requires chain restaurants of 20 or more locations to post calorie counts on menus and menu boards. Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health enforces compliance during routine food facility inspections.
California Civil Code §3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits after three years of consistent activity. SCC layers this with the Williamson Act and agricultural preserves in Coyote Valley and the Gilroy-Morgan Hill area.
Santa Clara County Code Title C Zoning establishes A (Exclusive Agriculture) and AR (Agricultural Ranchlands) districts for unincorporated areas. Williamson Act contracts further restrict prime farmland in Coyote Valley, San Martin, and the Gilroy growing belt to agricultural use.
Santa Clara County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for non-ductile concrete buildings in unincorporated areas. The County Office of Emergency Services maintains a voluntary inventory and supports ASCE 41-17 evaluation, while no countywide mandate parallels San Francisco or Berkeley.
California SB-721 (apartments) and SB-326 (HOA condos) require periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements like balconies, decks, and walkways. Santa Clara County Planning and Development enforces in unincorporated areas; first inspections were due January 1, 2025.
California Vehicle Code Section 22658 governs private-property towing; tow operators serving Santa Clara County Sheriff calls must qualify for the Official Police Garage rotation, meeting equipment, response time, storage, and rate-posting standards.
Unincorporated Santa Clara County restricts adult businesses to specific commercial zones under Title C, requiring buffers from schools, churches, parks, residences, and other adult uses, plus county business licensing and operator permits.
California Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq. preempts most local massage licensing through the CAMTC; Santa Clara County still requires a business license, zoning compliance, and adds local sanitation and inspection rules for unincorporated establishments.
Tattoo, piercing, branding, and permanent cosmetics in Santa Clara County require Department of Environmental Health Body Art permits; California Penal Code Section 653 prohibits tattooing anyone under 18 statewide.
Santa Clara County's Tobacco Retail License ordinance NS-300.789, among California's strongest, requires every tobacco and vape retailer in unincorporated areas to hold an annual license, caps density, and bans new tobacco retail near schools.
Smoke shops in unincorporated Santa Clara County must hold a Tobacco Retail License and comply with Ordinance NS-300.913, which bans the sale of all flavored tobacco and vape products including menthol, predating California's statewide ban.
California Business and Professions Code Section 21626 requires secondhand dealers to register with local law enforcement, hold tangible items 30 days, and report acquisitions daily; the Santa Clara County Sheriff administers registration for unincorporated areas.
Pawnbrokers in California operate under Financial Code Section 21000 et seq., requiring state licensing through the Department of Justice plus local law enforcement registration; Santa Clara County Sheriff handles reporting for unincorporated areas.
Santa Clara County Title C zoning prohibits commercial auto repair as a home occupation in residential zones; mechanics may service their own vehicles inside an enclosed garage but cannot operate a paid auto repair business from a home.
Santa Clara County Code Title B and California Penal Code Section 647 prohibit aggressive solicitation in unincorporated areas, including blocking pedestrians, threatening conduct, touching, or soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor dining. Passive panhandling remains protected speech, but aggressive conduct is enforced by the Sheriff.
Santa Clara County Code Title D public-health provisions and California Penal Code Section 647(c) prohibit urinating or defecating in any public place or on private property visible from a public way. Violations are infractions starting around $250, enforced by the Sheriff and the County Public Health Department.
Skateboarding in unincorporated Santa Clara County is restricted to designated park facilities under Title M, while California Vehicle Code Section 21212 requires riders under eighteen to wear a helmet on any street, bikeway, or trail. San Jose, Sunnyvale, and other cities add downtown and plaza-specific bans.
Santa Clara County Code Title B and California Penal Code Section 415 treat loud or unruly gatherings as a public nuisance. Several cities, including San Jose and Sunnyvale, layer second-response cost-recovery ordinances that bill hosts, owners, and adult residents for repeat law-enforcement responses after a written warning.
Santa Clara County does not prohibit loitering itself because vague loitering bans violate the First and Fourth Amendments. Only narrow loitering-with-intent conduct is reachable under California Penal Code Sections 647(b) and 647(h), consistent with Papachristou v. Jacksonville and City of Chicago v. Morales.
Santa Clara County Smoke-Free Air Ordinance NS-300.821, codified in Title D, is among California's strongest county-level smoke-free rules. It bans tobacco, vaping, and cannabis smoking in unincorporated multi-unit housing, outdoor dining, public events, parks, and within thirty feet of doorways and air intakes.
California Assembly Bill 2147, the Freedom to Walk Act, amended Vehicle Code Section 21955 effective January 2023. Crossing midblock outside a marked crosswalk is now an infraction only when an immediate hazard of collision exists. The Santa Clara County Sheriff applies the statewide standard in unincorporated areas.
California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.3 prohibits smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis in any public place, anywhere tobacco smoking is banned, and within one thousand feet of a school, daycare, or youth center while children are present. The Sheriff enforces a $100 infraction in unincorporated areas.
California Business and Professions Code Section 25620 makes possessing an open container of alcohol in any public place an infraction. Santa Clara County Code Title B separately bans drinking in unincorporated parks, beaches at Vasona and Calero reservoirs, and public rights-of-way without a permit. The Sheriff and park rangers enforce.
Santa Clara County Planning operates under the Comprehensive General Plan with mandatory state elements plus area-specific plans for South County, Rural Unincorporated Areas, and the Stanford Community Plan. These overlay Title C base zoning across all unincorporated land.
Projects setting aside affordable units in unincorporated Santa Clara County qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government Code Section 65915, implemented locally through Title C zoning provisions, with bonuses now up to 80 percent.
Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley Water District) sets countywide conservation rules requiring outdoor irrigation only on assigned days, banning watering during daytime hours, and tightening cuts during declared droughts. Retailers like San Jose Water enforce locally with surcharges.
Valley Water and partner retailers operate recycled water programs distributing tertiary-treated water through purple-pipe systems for irrigation and industrial use. South Bay Water Recycling and the SVAWPC supply Santa Clara County under California Code Title 22 standards.
Santa Clara County imposes a business license tax on businesses operating in unincorporated areas. Each SCC city operates an independent business tax with varying rate structures; San Jose's Business Tax Ordinance is largest, generating millions annually.
Santa Clara County has not adopted a Measure ULA-style mansion tax on high-value real estate transfers. The California Documentary Transfer Tax under Revenue and Taxation Code §11911 sets the baseline rate for SCC property conveyances.
Santa Clara County has not adopted a vacant-property tax on long-empty residential or commercial units. No SCC city has enacted a vacancy tax, leaving owners unaffected by Oakland-style or San Francisco-style penalties on prolonged vacancy.
Santa Clara County imposes limited inclusionary housing requirements in unincorporated areas. Major SCC cities including San Jose, Mountain View, Cupertino, and Palo Alto adopted their own commercial linkage fees and inclusionary ordinances at varying rates.
Santa Clara County has no countywide parking tax in unincorporated areas. San Jose imposes a 10% parking-tax on commercial parking facilities. Other SCC cities have not enacted similar taxes, making San Jose the primary venue for parking taxation.
Planting any tree in a Santa Clara County parkway, the strip between sidewalk and curb on county-maintained roads, requires an encroachment permit and approved species selection from the County Roads and Airports approved street tree list.
Santa Clara County Ordinance NS-300.847 protects heritage oaks, native sycamores, redwoods, buckeyes, and other native species in unincorporated areas. Removal requires permits, mitigation planting, and arborist reports. Cities including Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Saratoga add comparable protected lists.
The OneSCC Sustainability Master Plan and county Climate Roadmap 2030 set urban forest equity goals tied to heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. Targets include doubling canopy cover in low-income areas through partnerships with cities, Valley Water, and Our City Forest.
California provides statewide protections for native oak woodlands and heritage trees through CEQA review, Public Resources Code, and Forest Practice Rules that apply uniformly.
Santa Clara County Title B noise standards measure complaints in dBA, which underweights low-frequency bass. Code enforcement may use dBC slow-response measurements when bass complaints persist, especially from car stereos, nightclub subwoofers, and residential parties.
Helicopter noise over Santa Clara County is regulated by the FAA, not by county ordinance. SCC Title B noise rules cannot bind aircraft in flight; complaints route to the FAA Western-Pacific Region or the operator's voluntary noise hotline.
Santa Clara County Title B limits construction equipment noise in unincorporated areas to weekday daytime hours and caps levels at the property line. Cities like San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino adopt their own stricter or comparable construction noise ordinances.
Truck noise on Santa Clara County roads is governed by California Vehicle Code sections 23130 and 27007, capping engine and stereo noise. SCC unincorporated commercial zones add early-morning loading restrictions enforced by Title B.
Helicopter routes across Santa Clara County are set by FAA NorCal TRACON, not by county or city ordinance. San Jose Mineta International publishes voluntary noise abatement procedures, and Reid-Hillview maintains preferred corridors over commercial zones.
San Jose Mineta International and Reid-Hillview Airport restrict aircraft engine run-ups during nighttime hours under voluntary noise abatement procedures. Pilots must use designated run-up pads, and ground operations are governed by airport rules under FAA Part 150 noise compatibility plans.
Hospital helipads in Santa Clara County operate under California Department of Public Health licensing and FAA flight rules. SCC Title B governs ground noise but cannot restrict emergency arrivals. Stanford, Valley Medical, and Good Samaritan operate active helipads.
Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated Santa Clara County must operate under a Conditional Use Permit with noise conditions. ABC licensing and 45 dBA night limits at residential apply.
HVAC noise in Santa Clara County must comply with 55/45 dBA residential limits at neighbor property lines. New installations often need acoustic screening and setback compliance.
Generators in Santa Clara County are allowed for emergency use during PSPS and outages, but routine testing must meet 55/45 dBA limits. Permanent standby units need building permits.
Santa Clara County imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax under Title B on hotel stays in unincorporated areas. Cities collect their own TOT at higher rates: San Jose 10%, Sunnyvale 12.5%, Mountain View 10%, with funds supporting general operations and tourism.
Santa Clara County and its cities have not enacted hotel worker retention ordinances similar to Los Angeles or Long Beach. Hotel workers in SCC rely on California Labor Code protections and union contracts rather than mandatory retention rules during ownership transitions.
Santa Clara County's Living Wage Policy requires county service contractors to pay minimum living wages and provide health benefits. The policy covers contractors providing services to the county, not hotels broadly, which fall under city wage rules.
Santa Clara County has no equivalent to Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.18 anti-camping ordinance. SCC cities vary: San Jose enforces narrow obstruction rules, Sunnyvale prohibits public camping, while unincorporated SCC relies on Sheriff's discretion under state public-nuisance law.
Santa Clara County unincorporated has no sit-lie ordinance. SCC cities maintain limited rules subject to Martin v. Boise and Grants Pass v. Johnson constitutional limits, blocking enforcement when shelter capacity is unavailable.
Santa Clara County operates the CA-501 Continuum of Care coordinating encampment response across cities. Major operations including Vallco and Coyote Creek follow phased outreach, sanitation, and rehousing protocols rather than immediate sweeps.
Santa Clara County's Continuum of Care operates bridge housing through Project Homekey hotel conversions, navigation centers, and tiny-home villages. SB-9 and AB-2011 streamlining accelerate affordable conversions in commercial corridors with reduced CEQA review.
Filming on Santa Clara County roads or property requires a county film permit through the Office of the County Executive. Cities including San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale operate independent film offices with separate fees and insurance requirements.
Santa Clara County and most cities offer reduced or waived filming fees for verified student productions from accredited institutions. San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Stanford-area filming follows streamlined student permit processes with faster turnaround.
Parades on Santa Clara County roads require permits from Roads and Airports plus Sheriff coordination for traffic control. Cities including San Jose, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale issue parade permits independently under their own municipal codes.
Santa Clara County's permanent outdoor dining programs vary by city. San Jose Al Fresco transitioned pandemic parklets to a permanent program in 2024, while Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale operate parallel programs with separate design and permit standards.
Santa Clara County does not classify any palm species as heritage or protected by default. Palms only gain protection when individually designated as a heritage tree, located in a public right-of-way, or sited in a riparian protection zone managed by Valley Water.
Ailanthus altissima, the host plant of the spotted lanternfly, is a Cal-IPC high-rated invasive that Santa Clara County's Agricultural Commissioner monitors. Property owners are urged to remove seedlings promptly to slow spread along creeks and roadsides.
Santa Clara County does not have specific bamboo restriction ordinances. California does not regulate bamboo statewide. Bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties may be addressed as a nuisance under California Civil Code.
Santa Clara County follows CDFA and Cal-IPC invasive plant lists. Notable invasive species in the area include yellow starthistle, French broom, pampas grass, and English ivy. The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority actively manages invasive species on public lands.
California AB 2561 (2022) protects front-yard vegetable gardens. Santa Clara County residents can grow food in front yards. The county and many cities encourage drought-tolerant landscaping, including edible gardens, through the MWELO and water district rebate programs.
California Penal Code §632 requires two-party consent for confidential audio recording. Santa Clara County doorbell-camera owners may legally record video of visitors but must avoid recording private audio conversations without disclosure or consent.
California Civil Code §1798.90 (SB-34) sets minimum privacy rules for automated license plate reader systems. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office posts an ALPR usage and retention policy and limits sharing of plate data with outside agencies.
Residential security cameras are legal in Santa Clara County without a permit. California's all-party consent law applies to audio recording. Video recording in public and on your own property is legal, but cameras must not target private areas.
California is an all-party consent state. All parties to a confidential conversation must consent to audio recording under Penal Code §632. Video recording in public is legal. Violations are misdemeanors with civil damages of $5,000 per violation.
Santa Clara County allows fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet (solid) or 4 feet (open). Fences under 7 feet do not require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet require permits and engineering.
Santa Clara County has no countywide HPOZ. A handful of cities run their own heritage districts, including Mountain View's Whisman and Old Mountain View, plus Palo Alto's Professorville, where overlay design review applies to exterior changes.
Santa Clara County maintains a Heritage Resource Inventory under SCC Ordinance NS-1200.27. Landmarked properties receive county Historical Heritage Commission review before alteration, demolition, or relocation, and qualify for state Mills Act tax relief.
California Government Code §50280 lets local governments grant property tax reductions to owners of designated historic properties who sign ten-year preservation contracts. Santa Clara County and several cities offer Mills Act programs, with savings averaging 40 to 60 percent.
Demolition of a designated Santa Clara County heritage resource triggers full CEQA review and a Heritage Commission stay of up to 180 days. Loss of historic fabric is treated as a significant environmental impact requiring mitigation or mandatory findings of override.
Santa Clara County operates no countywide systematic rental inspection program. San Jose runs the Multiple Housing Program inspecting buildings of three or more units. Other cities and unincorporated areas rely on complaint-driven enforcement.
California Code of Regulations Title 17 §17920.10 defines lead hazards as substandard housing. Santa Clara County Public Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program coordinates blood-lead screening, source identification, and abatement orders for lead-impacted homes.
California Streets and Highways Code 5610 makes abutting property owners responsible for sidewalk repair in unincorporated Santa Clara County, with county-issued repair notices.
Santa Clara County prohibits blocking public sidewalks with vehicles, overgrown vegetation, merchandise, or debris under county ordinances and CVC 22500(f).
In Santa Clara County, one-story detached accessory structures (sheds) not exceeding 120 square feet do not require a building permit if they have no utilities. Larger sheds require permits. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
Decks under 200 square feet, under 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit door do not require a permit. Larger or elevated decks require building permits in Santa Clara County.
Fences under 7 feet do not require a building permit in Santa Clara County. Retaining walls over 4 feet require permits. Front-yard fences are limited to 3-4 feet depending on whether solid or open.
Renovation work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical modifications requires a building permit in Santa Clara County. Cosmetic work does not. ADU conversions follow streamlined state permitting requirements.
Santa Clara County Code Enforcement handles violations in unincorporated areas through the Department of Planning and Development. Reports can be filed online or by calling (408) 299-5770. Within cities, each municipality has its own enforcement division.
Santa Clara County prioritizes code enforcement complaints by severity. Health and safety hazards receive expedited response within 1-3 days. Standard violations are investigated within 5-15 business days with compliance periods of 30-90 days.
Common violations in Santa Clara County include building or occupying structures without permits, unpermitted grading, illegal accessory dwelling units, cannabis cultivation violations, and improper land use in agricultural and hillside zones.