Additions and Remodels

A permit is required to construct an addition to or remodel an existing single-family home or duplex, prior to construction.

• Provide a complete set of electronic plans compiled into one PDF file, including onsite and offsite improvements (see requirements).
• A copy of the Findings Report with a written response to how each condition has been met (if a planning permit is required)
• A completed Mountain View Green Building Code Worksheet
• Include project manuals and specifications
• Structural calculations
• Energy Calculations in the plans
• Structures within 6’ of a property line shall provide a site survey certificate and obtain approval from the City prior to pouring concrete footings. Present wet-signed certificate to field inspector for verification.
• Per the City Code SEC. 8.51(C), if an electrical service upgrade is required to serve the improvements, then a minimum of 200 amps service is required.
• Title Report or Grant Deed showing current property ownership

If modifying the exterior of the building, we strongly encourage you review your plans with the Planning Division prior to submittal to the Building Division. Please contact the Planning Division by calling 650-903-6306 or planning.division@mountainview.gov.

Permits Required

Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are required, along with a demolition permit.

Additional permits that may be required, depending on the scope of work:

• An excavation permit for a new or upgraded utility connection or construction in the public right-of-way, such as the sidewalk, driveway approach, or public street.
• A fire sprinkler permit.
• A planning permit, if located adjacent to a creek on a lot 10,000 square feet or greater in size, a historic home, or is an addition to an existing nonconforming home.
• A flood permit, if located in a flood zone
• A tree removal permit, if removing a Heritage tree or Street tree

Costs

Permitting Fees (including inspections):

• For a 500 square foot Addition/Remodel:
  • building permit fees of $6,000, based on a construction valuation (cost of labor and materials) of $250,000
  • an excavation permit fee of up to $12,000, depending on the amount of utility improvements and construction in the public right-of-way.
• For a Second-Floor Addition/Entire House Remodel:
  • building permit fees of $11,000, based on a construction valuation (cost of labor and materials) of $500,000.
  • an excavation permit fee of up to $12,000, depending on the amount of utility improvements and construction in the public right-of-way.

The following fee is not collected or calculated by the City, but may be required for your project:

• School Impact Fees: All new residential square footage (new construction or conversion of existing square footage) greater than 500 square feet will be subject to School Impact Fees, which is due to the School District(s) prior to building permit issuance to start construction. The City requires proof of payment to the School Districts prior to issuing the building permit. 

Timeline

Typical Time for Permit: 3 to 8 months, depending on scope of work.

Process

1. City staff encourages you to review your preliminary plans with the Planning Division prior to preparing detailed building plans. A Planner can confirm your project complies with minimum zoning requirements, which can streamline your building permit review. Contact the Planning Division at 650-903-6306 or planning.division@mountainview.gov.  
2.  Submit your building permit online.
3.  After your submission (during prescreen), City staff will contact you with the fee amount owed, based on your project scope, and instructions for online fee payment.
4. City Staff will conduct a Completeness Review of your permit application in 3 weeks to confirm you have provided all necessary information. If you are missing any required information, City staff will provide your comments regarding the missing information. 
5. You will need to reply to City's comments and provide any missing information as part of your resubmittal online.
6. The City has 3 weeks for completeness review to confirm you have submitted all missing or incomplete information. If additional reviews and resubmittals are required due to missing or incomplete information, each additional cycle of completeness review is 3 weeks for the City to provide comments on missing or incomplete information.
7. Once your application is determined to be complete, City staff will begin code Compliance Review of your permit. City staff has the following timelines:
   • 4 weeks to provide comments and corrections on the first compliance review
   • 2 weeks for any subsequent compliance review thereafter.
8. Additional permits that are required by the City include:
   • A fire sprinkler permit to install a new, or modify an existing, fire sprinkler system in the ADU. This permit can be obtained after you receive your building permit, during the construction of your project
   • A demolition permit can be submitted at any time during your building permit but you must receive the demolition permit before you start construction or demolition activity
   •  An excavation permit for any new or upgraded utility connection or for construction work in the public right-of-way. This permit must be obtained in tandem with obtaining your building permit.
9. Set up your account in the Construction and Demolition Waste Tracking system. If you have questions regarding Construction and Demolition Waste Tracking & Diversion Requirements, please contact Public Works at 650-903-6311 or public.works@mountainview.gov.
10. Once you have a complete and compliant permit, the city will issue you a building permit. This allows you to start construction of your project.
11. During construction, your contractor can schedule City inspections at each stage of construction.
12. On-site inspections will be required to be completed by a City Building Inspector, a Fire Protection Inspector (for fire sprinklers) and a Public Works Inspector (for excavation permit). The building permit is finaled and occupancy of the new home is granted upon completion of construction and a final inspection by the City Building Inspector.

Zoning Standards

Any remodel or new addition is required to comply with:

• the R1 Single-Family Zoning District development standards for any single-family home.
• the R2 One-and-Two Family Zoning District development standards for any duplex.

Requirements

Building Plan Sheet Organization

The following information must be included in your building plans in the following order (see detailed submittal checklist):

• Cover Sheet
• A blank cover sheet (page 0) labeled “City Approvals” 
• Dimensioned Site Plan
• Demolition Plans 
• Architectural Plans
• Grading and Drainage Plans
• Utility Plan
• Structural Plans and Calculations
• Electrical Plans and Load Calculations
• Mechanical Plans
• Plumbing Plans
• Blueprint for a Clean Bay
• Support Documentation
• Tree Protection Measures
• Landscape and Irrigation Plans
• Title-24/Energy Calculations
• Findings report from Planning (if applicable)
• A completed Mountain View Green Building worksheet.