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.
Short-term rental guests in Mountain View must comply with the citywide noise ordinance, with quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM and amplified sound restrictions that apply to any…
Mountain View short-term rentals must comply with building and fire code occupancy rules based on dwelling size and bedroom count, typically two persons per bedroom plus two additional.
Mountain View short-term rental operators must register with the city Finance Department, obtain a business license, and set up a TOT account before accepting bookings.
Short-term rental guests in Mountain View must follow the same residential parking rules as any resident, including no overnight RV parking, permit zones, and street sweeping…
Mountain View requires short-term rental operators to register with the city, obtain a business license, and comply with transient occupancy tax collection and hosting rules.
Santa Clara County zoning enforcement under Title A escalates penalties for repeated STR violations. Cities use formal strike systems suspending or revoking permits after multiple…
Santa Clara County does not operate an extended home-share program for stays beyond standard short-term rental periods. State law treats stays of 30+ days as tenancies under California…
California state law and city ordinances impose joint liability on STR hosts and platforms like Airbnb. Platforms must collect TOT, verify permits, and remove unpermitted listings on…
Unincorporated Santa Clara County imposes no general primary-residence requirement on short-term rentals. The only primary-residence condition in the County code applies to 'Bed and…
Unincorporated Santa Clara County has no host-presence or on-site-host requirement for short-term rentals. Because there is no dedicated STR ordinance, neither hosted-only operation…
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…
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…
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.
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 4 zoning permits veterinary clinics in commercial zones with conditions on overnight boarding, outdoor runs, noise, and odor. Larger animal hospitals, kennels…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
On unincorporated parcels under five acres, the County Code allows up to two dogs (plus one litter per year) and five cats over four months old without a kennel permit. Parcels of five…
Cats over four months old in unincorporated Santa Clara County must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated, with up to five cats allowed per parcel under five acres. Unaltered cats may not…
Unincorporated Santa Clara County addresses animal hoarding through its pet and kennel limits and public-nuisance authority under County Code Division B31, backed by California's…
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.
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.
Rainwater harvesting in rain barrels and small cisterns is legal and encouraged in Mountain View. Larger systems and any potable use require permits.
Removing a Heritage Tree in Mountain View requires a permit, a finding of justification, and replacement plantings. Unpermitted removal carries significant penalties.
Mountain View enforces permanent water waste rules and follows state mandates. Outdoor watering is limited and runoff, hosing down pavement, and leaks are prohibited.
Mountain View encourages California native and low-water plants through its Bay-Friendly landscaping policies and water-efficient landscape ordinance for new projects.
Composting is encouraged in unincorporated Santa Clara County, and the County's Sustainable Landscape Ordinance explicitly promotes compost use. California's SB 1383 also requires all…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
Unincorporated Santa Clara County's Noise Ordinance includes a motor-vehicle noise provision (Section B11-155). On public roads, vehicle exhaust and muffler noise are primarily…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
Santa Clara County does not mandate specific fence materials for unincorporated residential properties. Wood, vinyl, metal, masonry, and chain link are all generally allowed if height…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Santa Clara County follows the adopted California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58. Permits from the fire code official are required above…
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…
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…
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…
Home Occupations must not generate significant customer or client traffic. Only limited client visits by appointment are typically permitted.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB 1236, typically approved…
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…
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…
Oversized and heavy vehicles face restrictions in unincorporated Santa Clara County. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight rating are barred from residential areas…
Santa Clara County designates passenger and commercial loading zones on unincorporated roads under its Stopping, Standing and Parking ordinance (Division B12, Chapter III). Passenger…
Curb colors on unincorporated Santa Clara County roads follow California Vehicle Code Section 21458 and the County's Stopping, Standing and Parking ordinance: red (no stopping), yellow…
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).
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.
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.
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 building, plumbing, and electrical permits to construct or install any in-ground or above-ground swimming pool deeper than 18 inches under the California…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Under California SB 1383 and the County garbage code, residents and businesses in unincorporated Santa Clara County must separate organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard…
California Civil Code 714 prohibits Mountain View HOAs from unreasonably restricting residential solar. Aesthetic guidelines are allowed but cannot significantly raise cost or cut…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mountain View prohibits property blight including accumulated junk, inoperable vehicles, graffiti, broken windows, and overgrown vegetation. Code Enforcement issues warnings and…
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…
Unincorporated Santa Clara County requires flammable grass and weeds to be kept at or below 6 inches after the compliance deadline under the Weed Abatement Program. The unincorporated…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
California permits state-licensed retailer cannabis delivery into any jurisdiction under DCC regulations. Santa Clara County does not host retail storefronts in unincorporated areas…
California's MAUCRSA framework lets local jurisdictions adopt social equity programs. Santa Clara County has limited unincorporated cannabis licensing, with state Bureau of Cannabis…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County Title C zoning sharply limits commercial cannabis in unincorporated areas. Most cultivation, manufacturing, and retail must locate in incorporated cities with…
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…
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…
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 law preempts local airspace control. Drones near San Jose Mineta and Reid-Hillview airports must obtain LAANC authorization through the Federal Aviation Administration, follow…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County's Sustainable Procurement Policy directs all departments to prioritize recycled-content, energy-efficient, low-toxicity, and locally sourced products. Procurement…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
California evictions run through the unlawful detainer process. Under Code of Civil Procedure § 1161, nonpayment requires a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and…
California landlords must keep rentals fit to live in. Civil Code §§ 1941 and 1941.1, reinforced by Green v. Superior Court, imply a warranty of habitability covering plumbing, heat…
California Civil Code § 1954 limits when a landlord may enter a rented home. Except in emergencies, abandonment, or with tenant consent, the landlord must give reasonable written…
California sets no fixed dollar or percentage cap on rent late fees, but a late fee in a residential lease is treated as liquidated damages. Under Civil Code § 1671, such a fee is…
To end a California month-to-month tenancy, a tenant gives 30 days' written notice. A landlord gives 30 days if the tenant has lived there under a year, or 60 days if a year or more…
California requires written notice before raising a month-to-month tenant's rent. Under Civ. Code § 827, increases of 10% or less in 12 months need 30 days' notice; increases above 10%…
California adverse possession requires five years of continuous, open, hostile possession AND payment of all property taxes during that period under Code of Civil Procedure § 325. A…
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…
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…
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 architectural review committees in Mountain View must follow Davis-Stirling rules requiring fair, written standards and procedures, and cannot prohibit solar, EV charging, or…
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…
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 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.
California HOAs may fine members for rule violations, but only under a published schedule of fines and after strict due-process steps. Civil Code section 5855 requires written notice…
California overrides HOA governing documents on several owner protections. The Davis-Stirling Act and related Civil Code sections bar HOAs from prohibiting solar systems, U.S. flag…
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…
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…
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.
Mountain View has no cryptocurrency-mining ordinance and no energy cap. A commercial mining operation functions as a data center, permitted by right in the ML and MM industrial…
Mountain View's Zoning Ordinance names "data center" as a distinct use, permitted by right in the Limited Industrial (ML) and General Industrial (MM) districts when housed in a fully…
Mountain View does not set numeric decibel limits. Its Noise Control ordinance, City Code Chapter 10, Article 13, prohibits any noise that creates a "noise disturbance" across a…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 (Health and Safety Code §42270 et seq.) prohibits full-service and takeout food facilities from providing single-use utensils, straws, or condiment packets unless…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County Vector Control District handles outdoor rodent surveillance and resident complaints countywide, while SCC DEH addresses food-facility infestations. California…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County Code Title C Zoning establishes A (Exclusive Agriculture) and AR (Agricultural Ranchlands) districts for unincorporated areas. Williamson Act contracts further…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Unincorporated Santa Clara County restricts adult businesses to specific commercial zones under Title C, requiring buffers from schools, churches, parks, residences, and other adult…
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…
Tattoo, piercing, branding, and permanent cosmetics in Santa Clara County require Department of Environmental Health Body Art permits; California Penal Code Section 653 prohibits…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County Code Title B and California Penal Code Section 647 prohibit aggressive solicitation in unincorporated areas, including blocking pedestrians, threatening conduct…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Projects setting aside affordable units in unincorporated Santa Clara County qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government…
Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley Water District) sets countywide conservation rules requiring outdoor irrigation only on assigned days, banning watering during daytime hours, and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County Ordinance NS-300.847 protects heritage oaks, native sycamores, redwoods, buckeyes, and other native species in unincorporated areas. Removal requires permits…
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…
Division C16 of the County Ordinance Code requires an Administrative Tree Removal Permit and mitigation to remove protected trees in designated unincorporated areas - Hillsides, Design…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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%…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County does not have specific bamboo restriction ordinances. California does not regulate bamboo statewide. Bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties may be…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County maintains a Heritage Resource Inventory under SCC Ordinance NS-1200.27. Landmarked properties receive county Historical Heritage Commission review before alteration…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Santa Clara County prohibits blocking public sidewalks with vehicles, overgrown vegetation, merchandise, or debris under county ordinances and CVC 22500(f).
California Streets and Highways Code 5610 makes abutting property owners responsible for sidewalk repair in unincorporated Santa Clara County, with county-issued repair notices.
Propane and gas BBQ grills are allowed in unincorporated Santa Clara County, including during summer burn bans when open wood and charcoal fires are prohibited. The county fire…
Wood- and charcoal-fired smokers in unincorporated Santa Clara County are limited by fire and air rules: charcoal and open wood fires are banned during CAL FIRE/county burn bans, and…
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…
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…
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…
Renovation work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical modifications requires a building permit in Santa Clara County. Cosmetic work does not. ADU…
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)…
Santa Clara County prioritizes code enforcement complaints by severity. Health and safety hazards receive expedited response within 1-3 days. Standard violations are investigated…
Common violations in Santa Clara County include building or occupying structures without permits, unpermitted grading, illegal accessory dwelling units, cannabis cultivation…