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Division 8 — MOBILE HOMES AND MANUFACTURED HOMES

Mountain View Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Mountain View

SEC. 36.12.30. - Mobile homes and manufactured housing.

Mobile homes (identified as manufactured homes by the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974) on lots zoned for conventional single-family dwellings, and the storage of mobile homes are subject to the requirements of this section. Mobile homes placed in mobile home parks (Sec. 36.12.25) that are regulated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development, are not subject to the provisions of this section. Modular (also known as factory-built) housing units are considered the same as single-family dwellings for the purposes of this chapter, and are not subject to the provisions of this section.

Mobile homes to be used as permanent dwellings in compliance with this section are subject to the following requirements:

a.

Certified mobile homes. Mobile homes that are certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 USC Sec. 5401, et seq.) are subject to the following

standards:

1.

Location. As required by Government Code § 65852.3, mobile homes for permanent occupancy are considered the same as single-family dwellings, and are permitted by Sec. 36.10.05 (Residential Zone Land Uses and Permit Requirements) in all zoning districts that allow single-family dwellings;

2.

Foundation system. The mobile home shall be placed on a foundation system in compliance with Health and Safety Code § 18551; and

3.

Architectural standards. Mobile homes shall be designed and constructed with roof eave and gable overhangs of not less than one (1) foot measured from the vertical side of the structure.

b.

Noncertified mobile homes. Mobile homes that are not certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Act of 1974, and that do not meet the requirements of Sec. 36.12.30.a above shall be placed only in mobile home parks.

c.

Density. The number of certified mobile homes (as described in Sec. 36.12.30.a above) that may be placed on a single parcel shall be the same as the number of single-family dwellings permitted by Sec. 36.10.10. (R1 District Development Standards). The number of mobile homes that may be placed in a mobile home park is determined by Sec. 36.12.15 (Mobile Home Parks).

d.

Storage of unoccupied mobile homes. Unoccupied mobile homes or portions thereof that are not fixed to a foundation shall be stored only in a mobile home sales lot, or an approved storage yard.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

DIVISION 9. - RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES

SEC. 36.12.35. - Residential accessory uses and structures.

When permitted in the zoning district applicable to a site (see Section 36.10.05, Land Uses and Permit Requirements by Residential Zone), specific residential accessory uses are subject to the provisions of this section. Residential accessory uses and structures include any use or structure that is customarily related to a residence, including, but not limited to, swimming pool structures, workshops, studios, storage sheds, greenhouses, garages, gazebos, arbors and fences.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

SEC. 36.12.40. - General requirements.

All accessory uses and structures are subject to the following standards, except where more restrictive requirements are established by other provisions of this chapter for specific uses.

a.

Relationship of accessory use to principal use. Accessory uses and structures shall be incidental to and not alter the character of the site from that created by the principal use.

b.

Attached structures. If an accessory structure is attached to a principal structure, it shall be architecturally compatible with, and made structurally a part of the principal structure. It shall also comply with all the requirements of this chapter applicable to the principal structure, including setback standards for the principal structure and all applicable building and fire codes.

c.

Kitchens. Accessory structures are not to be used as separate dwelling units and kitchens are not allowed.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

SEC. 36.12.45. - Multiple-family ownership projects—Plans required.

Multiple-family; townhouse; rowhouse; and small-lot, single-family developments proposed with individual unit ownership and a homeowners' association, and existing projects of the same type that are proposed for alteration, shall require approval through the development review process (Section 36.44.45) of an overall plan for all site improvements (e.g., decks, fences, arbors, hot tubs and spas, gazebos, etc.). The construction of site improvements in compliance with the approved plan are subject to design review and may require building permit approval. In the case of proposed changes to an existing project, the plan shall be approved by the homeowners association before submittal to the community development department.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

SEC. 36.12.50. - Development standards for detached structures in the R1 and R2 zoning…

The following standards, in addition to those in Section 36.12.40, shall apply to detached accessory structures in the R1 and R2 zoning districts:

a.

Location: Allowed to the rear or side of the principal structure, prohibited in the front setback, and subject to special setback requirements as listed in this section.

b.

Maximum lot coverage: All accessory structure(s) shall not cumulatively cover more than thirty (30) percent of the required rear yard, excluding accessory structures less than five (5) feet in height which shall not

count toward lot coverage. Any roof eaves greater than one (1) foot in depth on an accessory structure shall count toward lot coverage.

c.

Maximum size: An accessory structure cannot cover more than a maximum of five hundred (500) square feet of area. Depending on the size of the required rear yard of a property, the maximum size of an accessory structure may be less than five hundred (500) square feet in accordance with the maximum rear yard coverage.

d.

Floor area: Enclosed accessory structures shall count toward the total floor area for the lot. Open accessory structures shall not count toward the total floor area for the lot.

e.

Maximum height: An accessory structure shall have a one (1) story limit with a total building height of sixteen (16) feet and a nine (9) foot wall plate measured from the adjacent grade.

f.

Separation from structure(s): An accessory structure shall be set back ten (10) feet from the principal structure and any other accessory structure on-site, excluding accessory structures less than five (5) feet in height and open accessory structures, which shall have no minimum separation between structures.

g.

Side setback: Accessory structures located entirely within the required rear yard may be reduced to a zero (0) foot setback from side property line(s); otherwise, a minimum seven (7) foot setback to side property line(s) is required. Detached garages may have a zero (0) foot setback from side property line(s) whether or not it is located within the required rear yard. In no case shall an accessory structure be located less than five (5) feet from a street side property line.

h.

Rear setback and building width: The minimum rear setback for all accessory structures is seven (7) feet. If the cumulative width of all accessory structures in, or partially in, the required rear yard is less than thirtythree (33) percent of the width of the lot, then the minimum rear setback for these structures can be reduced to zero (0) feet. In no case shall the maximum cumulative width of accessory structures in, or partially in, the required rear yard exceed fifty (50) percent of the width of the lot.

i.

Cooking and smoke-producing facilities. Any accessory structure which includes cooking or smokeproducing components, such as barbecues, fire pits, chimneys and outdoor kitchens, shall maintain a minimum five (5) foot setback from all side and rear property lines.

j.

Eaves. All accessory structures are allowed up to one (1) foot roof eaves, which does not count toward lot coverage, so long as the eaves do not extend beyond the property line and comply with the roof drainage requirement.

k.

Roof drainage: All allowances for zero (0) foot setback listed above are conditioned on the requirement that in no case shall roof drainage of an accessory structure drain onto a neighboring property.

l.

Maximum number of plumbing fixtures: Three (3), not including water heater fixtures.

m.

Building and fire codes. All accessory structures must comply with building and fire codes.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

SEC. 36.12.55. - Other accessory structures and uses.

a.

Antennas. Antennas are subject to the provisions of Sec. 36.28.25.

b.

Garage/yard sales. The sale of miscellaneous items by residents from a yard or open garage is permitted up to four (4) times per year per property, for a maximum of three (3) days per sale.

c.

Home occupations. Home occupations are subject to the requirements of Sec. 36.28.75.

d.

Swimming pools/spas/hot tubs. Private swimming pools, spas and hot tubs are permitted accessory to approved residential uses on the same site, subject to the following provisions:

1.

Limitation on use. The pool is to be used solely by occupants of the dwelling(s) on the same site and their guests;

2.

Setbacks. At least five (5) feet from any property line, for the pool/spa/tub, three (3) feet for related equipment; and

Fencing. The swimming pool shall be secured by fencing and/or building walls to prevent uncontrolled access by children, in compliance with the building code (Chapter 8).

e.

Tennis and other recreational courts. Noncommercial outdoor tennis courts and courts for other sports (e.g., racquetball, etc.) accessory to a residential use are subject to the following requirements:

1.

Fencing. Shall be subject to height limits approved by the zoning administrator; and

2.

Lighting. Court lighting shall not exceed a maximum height of twenty (20) feet, measured from the court surface. The lighting shall be directed downward, shall only illuminate the court, and shall not illuminate adjacent property.

f.

Vehicle storage. The storage of vehicles, including incidental restoration and repair, is subject to Sec. 25.4.j, Chapter 19, Article IX (Vehicle Parking and Storage in Residential Areas) and Chapter 39 of the City Code (Vehicles Abandoned, Wrecked, Dismantled or Inoperative).

g.

Animal Keeping. The keeping of dogs, cats and small animals (for noncommercial purposes) in residential zoning districts is allowable subject to the provisions of Chapter 5 of the City Code.

h.

Mechanical equipment. Mechanical equipment, including, but not limited to, air conditioner units, can encroach into the required side or rear yard setback, but must be at least three (3) feet from the property line. No mechanical equipment can be located within the front yard setback or be visible from the public street. Mechanical equipment may be located in a street side yard setback, but must be within a fenced yard consistent with fence setback requirements and traffic safety visibility area(s).

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13; Ord. No. 20.19, § 5, 12/10/19.)

DIVISION 10. - ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS[[2]]

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 11.20, §§ 4—16, adopted November 10, 2020 amended Division 10 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Division 10, §§ 36.12.60—36.12.75, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 18.13, adopted December 10, 2013; Ord. No. 9.16, adopted June 14, 2016; and Ord. No. 3.17, adopted April 25, 2017.

SEC. 36.12.60. - Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.

Sec. 36.12.60 through Sec. 36.12.120 establish standards for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in conformance with the City Code and all applicable state laws.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 4, 11/10/20.)

SEC. 36.12.65. - Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit definitions.

For the purposes of this division, the following definitions shall apply:

Attached unit. An accessory dwelling unit created by the addition of new floor area which is attached to at least one (1) primary dwelling.

Detached unit. An accessory dwelling unit created by the addition of a new structure which is detached from any primary dwelling.

Dual urban opportunity housing site. An R1-zoned lot which contains two (2) primary dwelling units and/or was created through an urban lot split.

Multi-family dwelling structure. A residential structure or group of attached structures with two (2) or more dwelling units, including, but not limited to, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, apartments, condominiums, rowhouses and townhouses. Multi-family dwelling structures are designed such that multiple families are living independently of each other.

Multi-family interior unit. An accessory dwelling unit created within a portion of an existing multi-family dwelling structure that was not previously used as livable space.

Multi-family residential site. A site containing one (1) or more multi-family dwelling structures or more than one (1) single-family home in a zone that permits single-family or multi-family uses.

Single-family interior unit. An accessory dwelling unit created within a portion of an existing single-family residence or within an existing accessory structure on a single-family residential site.

Single-family residential site. A site containing one (1) single-family home, including a lot within a small-lot, single-family development, in a zone that permits single-family or multi-family uses.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 5, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 4.22, § 10, 4/12/22.)

SEC. 36.12.70. - Findings.

As required by Government Code § 65852.2, the city finds that accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are residential uses that are consistent with the allowable density, with the general plan, and zoning designation for the site, provided the units are located on properties zoned to allow singlefamily or multi-family dwelling residential uses.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 6, 11/10/20.)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, adopted Jan. 23, 2024, repealed §§ 36.12.75—36.12.115, and renumbered and amended §§ 36.12.80—36.12.120 as set out herein. The former §§ 36.12.75—36.12.115 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 11.20, § 7, adopted Nov. 10, 2020.

SEC. 36.12.75. - Maximum number of units.

Accessory dwelling units and/or a junior accessory dwelling unit are permitted on a residential site as follows:

a.

One (1) accessory dwelling unit and one (1) junior accessory dwelling unit per lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 65852.2(A).

b.

One (1) detached, new construction, accessory dwelling unit that does not exceed four (4) foot side- and rear-yard setbacks for a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. The accessory dwelling unit may be combined with a junior accessory dwelling unit.

c.

Multiple accessory dwelling units are allowed within the portions of existing multi-family dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements or garages, if each unit complies with Chapter 8 of the city code. At least one (1) accessory dwelling unit within an existing multi-family dwelling is allowed, and up to twenty-five (25) percent of the existing multi-family dwelling units are allowed.

d.

Not more than two (2) accessory dwelling units that are located on a lot that has an existing multi-family dwelling are allowed to be detached from that multi-family dwelling subject to a height limit in compliance with Section 36.12.85 and four (4) foot rear yard and side setbacks.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 8, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 4.22, § 11, 4/12/22; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)

SEC. 36.12.80. - Provisions applicable to single-family accessory dwelling units.

Except as provided in subsection 36.12.95 b., an accessory dwelling unit is only allowed on a single-family residential site subject to the following requirements. All requirements of the underlying zoning district shall apply unless they are in conflict with this Section.

SINGLE-FAMILY ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT REQUIREMENTS

Minimum lot area No minimum.

Gross foor area Maximum: Eight hundred ffty (850) square feet for one (1) bedroom or fewer,
and one thousand (1,000) square feet for two (2) bedrooms or more. Attached
units shall not exceed ffty (50) percent of gross foor area of the existing
primary unit.
Maximum: Eight hundred ffty (850) square feet for one (1) bedroom or fewer,
and one thousand (1,000) square feet for two (2) bedrooms or more. Attached
units shall not exceed ffty (50) percent of gross foor area of the existing
primary unit.
Setbacks Front Consistent with requirements of the underlying
zone.
Side Four (4) feet minimum.
Rear Four (4) feet minimum.
Height limit Attached unit or
detached unit
For 1- or 2-story structure: Twenty-eight (28) feet
maximum, including a basement level.
Above an accessory
structure
For 2-story structure: Twenty-eight (28) feet
maximum if the accessory dwelling unit is
proposed on the second story of an accessory
structure.
Required parking
spaces
No bedrooms None.
One (1) or more
bedrooms
One (1) space (covered or uncovered), which can
be provided in a garage or carport or as tandem
parking in a driveway. No parking is required if the
accessory dwelling unit meets the provisions of
Section 36.12.95.
Entrances Shall have a separate entrance from the primary dwelling unit provided as a
side-hinged door per Section R311 of the California Residential Code. Internal
access to the primary dwelling unit is permitted in addition to the separate
entrance.
Stairs Setbacks. Staircases must comply with accessory dwelling unit minimum
setbacks. No encroachments into setbacks are permitted.
Enclosed Staircase. Enclosed staircases are counted toward the gross foor
area of an accessory dwelling unit.
Porch, decks and
balconies and other
accessory structures
At-grade patio or deck A covered, unenclosed porch at the entrance of an
accessory dwelling unit is permitted in accordance
with building and fre code requirements, where up
to ffteen (15) square feet does not count toward
gross foor area of the unit. An uncovered deck
must comply with subsection 36.14.95 a.
Second-story balcony Attached unit. A balcony is permitted if compliant
with
Section 36.10.25 for balconies on the primary
dwelling unit.
Detached unit. A balcony is permitted on the front
of the unit facing the primary home or street, the
side of the unit facing the interior yard of the
property or, for corner lots, on the street side yard
of the unit facing the street. A balcony can face the
rear property line only if compliant with
Section
36.10.25 for balconies on the primary dwelling unit.
The total square footage of all balconies cannot
exceed seventy-fve (75) square feet and must be a
minimum distance of ten (10) feet from the rear
property line, seven (7) feet from any side property
line and four (4) feet from the street side property
line.
Roof deck Prohibited.
Accessory structures All other accessory structures must comply with
Section 36.12.50.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 9, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)

SEC. 36.12.85. - Provisions applicable to multi-family accessory dwelling units.

Except as provided in subsection 36.12.95 b., accessory dwelling unit(s) may be permitted on a multifamily residential site subject to the following requirements. All requirements of the underlying zoning district shall apply unless they are in conflict with this Section.

MULTI-FAMILY ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT REQUIREMENTS

Minimum lot area No minimum. No minimum. No minimum.
Gross foor area Maximum: One thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet for a detached accessory
dwelling unit.
Setbacks Detached unit Front Consistent with the required setbacks of
the underlying zoning district.
Side Four (4) feet minimum.
Rear Four (4) feet minimum.
Height limit Detached unit For a 1- or 2-story structure: Twenty-eight (28) feet
maximum, including a basement level.
Required parking
spaces
None.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 10, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)

SEC. 36.12.90. - Provisions applicable to junior accessory dwelling units.

A junior accessory dwelling unit may be permitted on a single-family residential site subject to the following requirements.

JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT REQUIREMENTS

Minimum lot area No minimum.
Gross foor area Maximum: Five hundred (500) square feet of foor area.
Location of unit Must be contained entirely within the walls of a single-family dwelling.
Required parking
spaces
None.
Entrances A junior accessory dwelling unit must have a separate entrance from the primary
dwelling unit. An interior entry between the primary dwelling unit and junior
accessory dwelling unit may be allowed in addition to the separate entrance, but an
interior entry is required if the junior accessory dwelling unit does not include a
bathroom.
Owner occupancy One (1) of the dwellings on the property must be occupied by at least one (1) legal
owner of the property, unless the property is owned by a governmental agency, land
trust or housing organization.
Deed restriction Prior to issuance of a building permit for a junior accessory dwelling unit, a deed
restriction, in a form satisfactory to the city attorney and zoning administrator, shall
be recorded at the Santa Clara County Recorder's ofce and fled with the city. The
deed restriction shall prohibit the sale of the junior accessory dwelling unit separate
from the sale of the single-family dwelling, restrict any modifcations to the junior
accessory dwelling unit that would render the unit nonconforming, prohibit renting
the unit for fewer than thirty (30) days and require that one (1) of the dwellings on the
lot must be occupied by at least one (1) legal owner of the property, unless the
property is owned by a governmental agency, land trust or housing organization.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 11, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)


SEC. 36.12.95. - Exceptions.

a.

Parking exceptions. No parking space is required for an accessory dwelling unit if any of the following conditions are met:

The unit is located within one-half (1/2) mile walking distance of public transit.

2.

The unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

3.

The unit is part of the existing primary dwelling unit or an existing accessory structure.

4.

On-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.

5.

There is a car-share vehicle parking space located within one (1) block of the accessory dwelling unit.

6.

When an existing garage, carport or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or converted to an accessory dwelling unit, no replacement parking spaces shall be required.

b.

Development standard exceptions.

1.

An attached or detached accessory dwelling unit no more than eight hundred (800) square feet in size with heights consistent with this Division and minimum side and rear setbacks of four (4) feet shall be permitted regardless of any development standard that would prevent construction of the unit, including, but not limited to, limits on the front setback, lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space or detached accessory dwelling unit location.

2.

An expansion of no more than one hundred fifty (150) square feet of an existing accessory structure to accommodate ingress and egress shall be allowed when an accessory dwelling unit is otherwise within the existing space of an accessory structure or within the existing space of an existing single-family dwelling.

3.

The height and setback standards listed in Section 36.12.80 do not apply to accessory dwelling units located entirely within a single-family dwelling, nonlivable space of a multi-family dwelling structure, or accessory structure; or in the place of and to the same dimensions, including height, as an existing accessory structure. The side and rear setbacks must be sufficient for fire and safety.

4.

Up to two (2) feet of roof eave may encroach into required setbacks in accordance with building and fire codes.

5.

The gross floor area for a single-family accessory dwelling unit may be exempt from the subject parcel's maximum allowable floor area per the underlying zoning district, up to a maximum of eight hundred (800) square feet.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 12, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)

SEC. 36.12.100. - Sale of units.

Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units may be rented independently of the primary single-family dwelling or multi-family dwelling structure but may not be sold or conveyed separately from the primary dwelling(s) on the lot except as provided in Government Code Section 65852.26.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 13, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)

SEC. 36.12.105. - Short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals with a term thirty (30) days or shorter are prohibited in: all junior accessory dwelling units; all accessory dwelling units of eight hundred (800) square feet or less; single-family interior units; detached units created under subsection 36.12.95 b.1.; multi-family interior units; and detached units on multi-family residential sites.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 14, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)

SEC. 36.12.110. - Corrections of nonconforming conditions or violations.

The correction of nonconforming zoning conditions, building code violations or unpermitted structures shall not be required of an accessory dwelling unit unless the improvements present a threat to public health and safety, which are affected by the construction of the accessory dwelling unit, or a correction is necessary to the primary dwelling unit to protect health and safety as determined by the chief building official.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 15, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.) SEC. 36.12.115. - Utilities.

a.

Except as provided in subsection b. below, an accessory dwelling unit may be required to have a new or separate utility connection, including a separate sewer lateral, between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility. A connection fee or capacity charge may be charged that is proportionate to the size in square feet of the accessory dwelling unit or its drainage fixture unit (DFU) values. Separate electric and water meters shall be required for the second unit.

b.

Junior accessory dwelling units and accessory dwelling units converted from the existing space of a singlefamily dwelling or accessory structure are exempt from any requirement to install a new or separate utility connection and to pay any associated connection or capacity fees or charges.

c.

All utility extensions shall be placed underground.

d.

No accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted if it is determined that there is not adequate water or sewer service to the property.

(Ord. No. 11.20, § 16, 11/10/20; Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, 1/23/24.)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 01.2024, § 9, adopted Jan. 23, 2024, repealed the former § 36.12.115, and enacted a new § 36.12.115 as set out herein. The former § 36.12.115 pertained to fire sprinklers and derived from Ord. No. 11.20,§ 15, adopted Nov. 10, 2020.

DIVISION 11. - DUAL URBAN OPPORTUNITY HOUSING

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