Historic homes in Mountain View: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Mountain View Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Mountain View's code says

Mountain View code What Mountain View's code adds
Changing a historic home	A historic preservation permit (HP permit) is required Applies: Significant alteration, redevelopment or relocation of a structure or improvement on a property designated as a historic resource § 36.54.85 · code text No person shall make a significant alteration, redevelop, or relocate any structure or improvement, or any portion thereof, upon a property designated as a historic resource on the Mountain View Register of Historic Resources without first obtaining a "historic preservation permit" or HP permit.
Work that needs no review	Ordinary repair and maintenance of architectural features is allowed Applies: Designated historic resource § 36.54.85 · code text Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prevent the ordinary repair and maintenance of any architectural feature of a designated historic resource. Construction, alteration or demolition needed to correct an unsafe or dangerous condition is allowed Applies: The condition is declared unsafe or dangerous in writing and the measures are declared necessary on an urgency basis § 36.54.85 · code text Construction, alteration or demolition necessary to correct the unsafe or dangerous condition of any structure, or other feature or part thereof, where such condition has been declared unsafe or dangerous, in writing, by the chief building official or fire marshal and where said officials have declared the proposed measures necessary on an urgency basis to correct the condition.
Mills Act tax incentive	Mills Act contracts may be available Applies: Historic resources; only if the benefit will protect and enhance the character-defining features or retention of the resource § 36.54.80 · code text Mills Act contracts;

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Mountain View?

Mountain View's code: A historic preservation permit (HP permit) is required (Significant alteration, redevelopment or relocation of a structure or improvement on a property designated as a historic resource) (§ 36.54.85); Ordinary repair and maintenance of architectural features is allowed (Designated historic resource) (§ 36.54.85).

Historic homes in Mountain View

What Mountain View's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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