Earlier editions: 2026-09
Chapter 36 — ZONING›Article IV — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Mountain View Municipal Code § 36.10.60 R3 zoning district standards
Mountain View Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Mountain View
Cite as: Mountain View Municipal Code § 36.10.60 · Text as of 2026-10-04
SEC. 36.10.60. - R3 zoning district standards.¶
New land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed and constructed in compliance with this section.
For the purposes of determining the allowed density (number of dwellings) and other appropriate standards for development in specific R3 areas of the city, the R3 symbol on the zoning map may include a suffix. Areas on the zoning map with numerical suffixes (e.g., R3-2) are subject to limitations on the number of dwellings allowed (see Sec. 36.10.75). Areas designated R3-D on the zoning map are intended for high-density residential development and are subject to both density limitations and other development standards that apply only in R3-D areas.
(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)
SEC. 36.10.65. - Limitation on single-family and two (2) units.¶
If only one (1) single-family unit can be built on an existing lot, then the unit is subject to R1 standards (Sec. 36.10.25). If only two (2) units can be built on an existing lot, then the units are subject to R2 standards (Sec. 36.10.50). Except R1 or R2 subdivision standards (i.e., lot area, width, frontage) shall not apply in the R3 district.
(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)
SEC. 36.10.70. - R3 zone development standards.¶
The following table entitled "R3 Zone Development Standards" defines minimum standards for development within the R3 zoning district. See Sec. 36.14.75 for exceptions to the standards that may be granted for home improvements and minor additions to properties subject to R1 or R2 development standards. See Sec. 36.16 for development standards for small-lot, single-family developments and Sec. 36.16.10 for development standards for townhouse developments and Sec. 36.16.20 for development standards for rowhouse developments.
R3 ZONE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
| Dwelling Unit Types | The following standards apply to multi-family housing. Standards for small-lot, single-family developments, townhouse and rowhouse developments are listed separately in Sec. 36.16 , 36.16.10 and 36.16.20 , respectively. The R1 standards ( Sec. 36.10.25 ) apply when there is only one single-family dwelling on a lot, and the R2 standards ( Sec. 36.10.50 ) apply when there is a duplex or two detached single-family dwellings on a lot. | The following standards apply to multi-family housing. Standards for small-lot, single-family developments, townhouse and rowhouse developments are listed separately in Sec. 36.16 , 36.16.10 and 36.16.20 , respectively. The R1 standards ( Sec. 36.10.25 ) apply when there is only one single-family dwelling on a lot, and the R2 standards ( Sec. 36.10.50 ) apply when there is a duplex or two detached single-family dwellings on a lot. |
|---|---|---|
| Lot Area | 12,000 sq. ft. minimum except that lots in small-lot, single-family, townhouse and rowhouse developments approved through a PUD permit may be smaller. See Sec. 36.10.75 for lot area required for multiple-family dwellings. | 12,000 sq. ft. minimum except that lots in small-lot, single-family, townhouse and rowhouse developments approved through a PUD permit may be smaller. See Sec. 36.10.75 for lot area required for multiple-family dwellings. |
| Lot Width | 80 ft. or ⅓ the lot depth (up to 200 ft. maximum), whichever is greater. | 80 ft. or ⅓ the lot depth (up to 200 ft. maximum), whichever is greater. |
| Lot Frontage | As provided above for lot width, except that lots on cul-de-sacs or curved portions of streets may have a minimum frontage of 35 ft. | As provided above for lot width, except that lots on cul-de-sacs or curved portions of streets may have a minimum frontage of 35 ft. |
| Floor Area Ratio | 1.05 maximum. | 1.05 maximum. |
| Setbacks (See Figure 36.10-6) | See Sec. 36.12.35 for setbacks applicable to accessory structures and Sec. 36.14.75 for exceptions to required setbacks for properties subject to R1 or R2 development standards. | See Sec. 36.12.35 for setbacks applicable to accessory structures and Sec. 36.14.75 for exceptions to required setbacks for properties subject to R1 or R2 development standards. |
| Setbacks (See Figure 36.10-6) | Front | 15 ft., but not less than the height of the adjacent building wall of the subject parcel, as measured to the top of the wall plate. |
| Setbacks (See Figure 36.10-6) | Sides | 15 ft. or the height of the adjacent building wall of the subject parcel as measured to the top of the wall plate, whichever is greater. |
| Setbacks (See Figure 36.10-6) | Rear | 15 ft. or the height of the adjacent building wall of the subject parcel as measured to the top of the wall plate, whichever is greater. |
| Setbacks (See Figure 36.10-6) | Between principal structures | 12 ft. or ½ the sum of the height of the nearest opposing walls on the subject parcel, including those portions of the same building separated by a court or other open space. |
| Site Coverage | 35% of site, maximum area covered by structures; In R3-D zone, 40% of site, maximum area covered by structures. | 35% of site, maximum area covered by structures; In R3-D zone, 40% of site, maximum area covered by structures. |
| Pavement Coverage | 20% of site, maximum outdoor area dedicated to automobile use; In R3-D zone, 30% maximum outdoor area dedicated to automobile use. | 20% of site, maximum outdoor area dedicated to automobile use; In R3-D zone, 30% maximum outdoor area dedicated to automobile use. |
| Height Limits | See Sec. 36.08.30 for exceptions to height limits. | See Sec. 36.08.30 for exceptions to height limits. |
| Height Limits | 45 ft. maximum building height; 36 ft. maximum to top of wall plate for R3 only. | 45 ft. maximum building height; 36 ft. maximum to top of wall plate for R3 only. |
| Open Area | 55%, which shall include a minimum of 40 sq. ft. of private open space (yards, decks, balconies) per unit. In R3-D areas, 35% with no private open space requirement. Particular attention shall be given to the inclusion and design of usable common recreation space in projects that may accommodate children of various ages. | 55%, which shall include a minimum of 40 sq. ft. of private open space (yards, decks, balconies) per unit. In R3-D areas, 35% with no private open space requirement. Particular attention shall be given to the inclusion and design of usable common recreation space in projects that may accommodate children of various ages. |
| Personal Storage | 500 cubic ft. of enclosed and secured storage area for bulky personal effects (such as recreational equipment) for each unit; typically in garage area. In R3-D zone, no requirement. | 500 cubic ft. of enclosed and secured storage area for bulky personal effects (such as recreational equipment) for each unit; typically in garage area. In R3-D zone, no requirement. |
| Parking | See Article X (Parking and Loading) | See Article X (Parking and Loading) |
| Fences or Walls | Fences or walls may be 6 ft. in height, but shall not exceed 7 ft., and are subject to development review (See Sec. 36.44.45 ). | Fences or walls may be 6 ft. in height, but shall not exceed 7 ft., and are subject to development review (See Sec. 36.44.45 ). |
| Signs | See Article XII (Signs). | See Article XII (Signs). |
Figure 36.10-6 R3 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS (For Reference Only) [Figure: Figure 36.10-6 R3 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS (For Reference Only)]
(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)
SEC. 36.10.75. - Density.¶
The number of multi-family dwellings allowed on a site in the R3 zoning district is determined by the minimum lot area required for each dwelling as given in the following table, except that:
a. An existing lot of record that is less than seven thousand (7,000) square feet is permitted a maximum of one (1) dwelling unit, subject to the R1 development standards;
b. An existing lot of record that is seven thousand (7,000) square feet or greater, but less than twelve thousand (12,000) square feet, is permitted two (2) dwelling units in all cases, subject to the R2 development standards; or
c. An existing lot of record having a lot width of less than eighty (80) feet shall not be developed with more than two (2) dwelling units, regardless of the depth of the lot, subject to the R2 development standards.
(For maximum densities in small-lot single-family development, see Sec. 36.16; for maximum densities for townhouse developments, see Sec. 36.16.10; and for maximum densities for rowhouse developments, see Sec. 36.16.20).
MINIMUM LOT AREA REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS IN R3 ZONE
| Zone | Minimum Lot Area Required (square feet) by Number of Dwelling Units | Minimum Lot Area Required (square feet) by Number of Dwelling Units | Minimum Lot Area Required (square feet) by Number of Dwelling Units | Minimum Lot Area Required (square feet) by Number of Dwelling Units | Minimum Lot Area Required (square feet) by Number of Dwelling Units | Minimum Lot Area Required (square feet) by Number of Dwelling Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone | 2 units | 3 units | 4 units | 5 units | Additional units | Additional units |
| R3-1 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 14,000 | 15,000 | 1,000 | per unit |
| R3-1.25 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 14,000 | 15,250 | 1,250 | " |
| R3-1.5 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 14,000 | 15,500 | 1,500 | " |
| R3-2 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 14,000 | 16,000 | 2,000 | " |
| R3-2.2 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 14,200 | 16,400 | 2,200 | " |
| R3-2.5 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 14,500 | 17,000 | 2,500 | " |
| R3-3 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 15,000 | 18,000 | 3,000 | " |
| R3-4 | 7,000 | 12,000 | 16,000 | 20,000 | 4,000 | " |
| R3-D | 6,000 | 7,000 | 8,000 | 9,000 | 850 sq. ft. for each additional unit up to 30 units, and 800 sq. ft. for each additional unit for 31 or more units. | 850 sq. ft. for each additional unit up to 30 units, and 800 sq. ft. for each additional unit for 31 or more units. |
(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)
SEC. 36.10.80. - Development review required.¶
All development, including exterior modifications to existing structures or site improvements, within the R3 zoning district shall be subject to development review in compliance with Sec. 36.44.45 (Development Review).
(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)
SEC. 36.10.85. - Rooming and boarding—R3 zoning district.¶
The rooming and boarding of two (2) persons maximum in addition to permanent residents of a dwelling is permitted in the R3 zoning district only in single-family dwellings and duplexes. Rooming and boarding is not allowed in multi-family dwellings.
(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)
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