Mountain View, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Mountain View.

Department

Community Development Department, Building Division

Address

500 Castro Street, First Floor, Mountain View, CA 94041

Phone

(650) 903-6313

Email

building@mountainview.gov

Website

https://developmentpermits.mountainview.gov/about-permits/permit-center

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for most construction activity, including installing/replacing equipment and upgrading or replacing structural or building components.

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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$74 (valuation $1 to $500)

Plan check fee

Per the fee schedule; plan check and trade permit fees listed separately

Permit fee formula

Based on construction valuation, scaling by valuation bracket per the posted building fee table

Reinspection fee

Re-inspection fee may be charged if project is not ready when inspector arrives

Payment note

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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 9, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: 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.

Inspections

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 inspection 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.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as adopted with local amendments (effective January 1, 2026)
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Building Code Information
• Who Can Pull a Permit
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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