On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mountain View
Building permits are required for most construction activity, including installing/replacing equipment and upgrading or replacing structural or building components.
One-story detached accessory structures used as sheds/playhouses/similar uses up to 120 square feet, with no mechanical, electrical, or plumbing
Wood fences 7 feet or less in height, if zoning-compliant
Retaining walls 4 feet or less measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
Certain sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, if not over a basement/habitable story and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work (kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacements require a permit)
Prefabricated above-ground pools for single-family use below stated depth/capacity thresholds
Some small detached decks at single-family/duplex properties if not attached, not over 200 square feet, not over 30 inches above grade, and not serving a required exit door
Minor electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas repair items in narrow circumstances
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as sheds/playhouses/similar uses up to 120 square feet, with no mechanical, electrical, or plumbing
- Exempt Wood fences 7 feet or less in height, if zoning-compliant
- Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Certain sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, if not over a basement/habitable story and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work (kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacements require a permit)
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground pools for single-family use below stated depth/capacity thresholds
- Exempt Some small detached decks at single-family/duplex properties if not attached, not over 200 square feet, not over 30 inches above grade, and not serving a required exit door
- Exempt Minor electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas repair items in narrow circumstances
Note: Some work may be exempt from a planning/zoning permit but still require a building permit, and vice versa. Kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacements specifically require a permit. Confirm with the Building Division before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed application through ePermitsMV
- Site plans
- Architectural plans
- Structural calculations
- Utility/mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans
- Energy documents
- Green building forms
- Other support documents as applicable
- Building code
- 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as adopted with local amendments (effective January 1, 2026)
- Owner-builder
- For single-family and duplex properties, an owner may sign as an owner-builder.
- Contractor requirements
- The permit must be signed by a California licensed contractor, except that for single-family and duplex properties an owner may sign as an owner-builder. Other non-owner/non-licensee signers may need notarized authorization paperwork.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Create an account in ePermitsMV.
- 02 Choose the appropriate permit path: standard building permit, same-day permit for qualifying minor single-family/duplex work, or solar permit.
- 03 Submit the application online, upload plans/documents through ePermitsMV.
- 04 City staff performs prescreen/completeness review and issues corrections if needed.
- 05 Respond to correction comments and resubmit through the portal.
- 06 Pay fees once approved. Permit is issued before construction starts.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective August 9, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$74 (valuation $1 to $500)
02
Plan check fee
Per the fee schedule; plan check and trade permit fees listed separately
03
Permit fee formula
Based on construction valuation, scaling by valuation bracket per the posted building fee table
04
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fee may be charged if project is not ready when inspector arrives
5% technology fee on the total permit cost of each building and fire permit. Payment methods: in-person, check by mail, online credit card/e-check/PayPal for smaller amounts, wire transfer for large payments.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective August 9, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Mountain View Inspection Portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests received by 3:00 PM on a business day are generally scheduled for the next business day; later requests are scheduled for the second business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Time windows
- AM or PM windows (not exact appointment times)
Typical sequence: Building inspection requests can be scheduled 24 hours a day online. Applicants need the permit number or project address to schedule. Separate inspections may also be required from Fire Protection, Planning, or Public Works.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Mountain View permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Mountain View, CA? ▸
Building permits are required for most construction activity, including installing/replacing equipment and upgrading or replacing structural or building components.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Mountain View, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Mountain View, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $74 (valuation $1 to $500). Fees are calculated as: Based on construction valuation, scaling by valuation bracket per the posted building fee table. Plan check fee: Per the fee schedule; plan check and trade permit fees listed separately.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Mountain View, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Mountain View, CA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account in ePermitsMV. 2. Choose the appropriate permit path: standard building permit, same-day permit for qualifying minor single-family/duplex work, or solar permit. 3. Submit the application online, upload plans/documents through ePermitsMV. 4. City staff performs prescreen/completeness review and issues corrections if needed. 5. Respond to correction comments and resubmit through the portal. 6. Pay fees once approved. Permit is issued before construction starts.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Mountain View, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Mountain View, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as sheds/playhouses/similar uses up to 120 square feet, with no mechanical, electrical, or plumbing; Wood fences 7 feet or less in height, if zoning-compliant; Retaining walls 4 feet or less measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids; Certain sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, if not over a basement/habitable story and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work (kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacements require a permit); Prefabricated above-ground pools for single-family use below stated depth/capacity thresholds; Some small detached decks at single-family/duplex properties if not attached, not over 200 square feet, not over 30 inches above grade, and not serving a required exit door; Minor electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas repair items in narrow circumstances. Note: Some work may be exempt from a planning/zoning permit but still require a building permit, and vice versa. Kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacements specifically require a permit. Confirm with the Building Division before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Mountain View, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Mountain View, CA via: Mountain View Inspection Portal. Requests received by 3:00 PM on a business day are generally scheduled for the next business day; later requests are scheduled for the second business day..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/santa-clara/mountain-view
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.