About Permits » Building and Fire Codes

Mountain View Green Building Code

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

Local Green Building and Reach Code

New 2025 Building Codes

The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) released the 2025 California Building Standards Code (State Code), which became effective on January 1, 2026. The City Council approved local amendments to the State Code on September 9, 2025 (Ordinance No. 9.2025) that included the following new Reach Code requirements:

  • AC to heat pump replacement requirements for existing single-family residential, when an air conditioning unit is proposed to be replaced;
  • Electric-readiness requirements (electrical pre-wiring) for all building remodels or additions where gas or propane equipment is installed in single-family/duplex, multifamily residential, and nonresidential buildings; and
  • Bird-safe glass design requirements for multifamily residential and nonresidential new construction and major renovation where 50% of glazing is installed/replaced.

Answers to Common Questions on the new Reach Code requirements

All building and fire permits submitted on or after January 1, 2026 are subject to the 2025 Mountain View Green Building Code per Chapter 8 of the City Code.

Submitting for Permits

The Mountain View Green Building Code (MVGBC) amends the State-mandated California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) to include local green building requirements for private development. The MVGBC applies green building requirements per building type to new residential and nonresidential construction, additions, and improvements to existing buildings.

The MVGBC does not require formal certification from a third-party organization unless required by a Precise Plan. Instead, projects are required to be designed and constructed to “meet the intent” of a third-party rating system.

If you are submitting a permit application, you are required to complete a MVGBC worksheet (based on project type) below:

2025 Building Code

  • Residential Worksheet (in PDF)
  • Commercial/Mixed-Use Worksheet (in PDF)

2022 Building Code

  • Residential Worksheet (in PDF or Excel)
  • Commercial/Mixed-Use Worksheet (in PDF or Excel)

Other Information and Resources

The City of Mountain View and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (Peninsula Reach Codes) has prepared the following to assist anyone seeking answers on how the Mountain View Green Building and Reach Codes may affect proposed construction projects:

CSCDA California First

Mountain View businesses can now take advantage of low-cost financing to make “green” improvements to their properties, i.e. be green and save green!

The CaliforniaFIRST program offers low-cost, long-term financing for commercial energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation upgrades that are permanently affixed to a building. Property owners agree to repay the cost of improvements through a line item on their property tax bill over the life of the upgrade, up to 20 years. Eligible non-residential properties include commercial, industrial, and multi-family (5 or more units).

Sign up for Mountain View Building Code updates below.