Kitchen Remodel

A permit is required for kitchen remodels that includes the replacement of kitchen cabinets, which must be obtained prior to the start of construction. A permit is NOT required for replacement of kitchen countertops or re-facing of existing cabinets. The following materials are required:

• One 11" x 17" electronic plan digitally stamped by the designer/architect, contractor, or homeowner responsible for preparing the plans. The plans must show the existing and proposed kitchen floor plan and must be legible.
• Provide electrical load calculations.
• If any exterior modifications to building is proposed to accommodate the kitchen remodel, then review by the Planning Division is required at 650-903-6306 or planning.division@mountainview.gov, prior to submittal to the Building Division.

Permit Required

A building permit is required and, depending on the scope of work, an electrical or plumbing permit may also be required. 

Cost

Permit fees (including inspection fees):

• Like-for-Like Replacement: $500, based on a valuation (cost of labor and materials) of approximately $4,200.
• 250 Sq. Ft. Kitchen Renovation: $2,000, based on a valuation (cost of labor and materials) of approximately $30,000.

Timeline

Typical Time To Receive Permit:

• Like-for-Like Replacement: 5 business days
• Kitchen Renovation (removing walls): 2 to 3 months

Process

1. Submit your building permit online.
2. After your submission (during prescreen), City staff will contact you with the fee amount owed based on the information you submitted. Staff will provide instructions for online fee payment.
3. City staff will verify your application is complete. If any information is incomplete or incorrect, City staff will provide your comments and ask you to resubmit.
4. If renovating the kitchen, City Staff will provide comments or corrections in 3 weeks. If a like-for-like replacement, City Staff will provide comments or corrections in 3 business days. If you have any missing or incorrect information, then the City will provide comments to you. 
5. You will need to reply to the city's comments with revised information or missing materials as part of your resubmittal online.
6. For every resubmittal, City staff has the same time to provide comments or corrections (3 weeks for renovations and 3 business days for a like-for-like replacement).
7. Once your permit is complete and code compliant, the City will issue the building permit and you can begin construction.
8. As construction occurs, the contractor will schedule City inspection's online.
9. Upon construction completion and a final inspection by the City Building Inspector, the permit will be finaled and complete.

Requirements

Electrical Requirements

• Minimum two 20 amp small-appliance branch circuits (countertop receptacles).
• No equipment, such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, or exhaust fans, may be connected to the required 20 amp small-appliance branch circuit.
• A receptacle outlet must be installed at each wall countertop space that is 12” or wider. Receptacle outlets must be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 2’ measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
• All 15-20 amp (120-volt) branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens are required to be AFCI protected.
• Countertop receptacle outlets must be located no more than 20” above the countertop.
• Islands or peninsula countertop spaces with a long dimension of 24” or greater and a short dimension of 12” or greater must have at least one electrical outlet. If an island has a sink and/or countertop range a second receptacle may be required.
• All receptacles serving countertops, dishwashers and within 6’ of sinks edge must be GFCI protected.
• 15-20 ampere receptacles in dwelling units must be listed tamper-resistance receptacles.
• Electric range and ovens must be supplied with a 40 or 50 amp branch circuit.
• Individual (dedicated) circuits are required for the following appliances: garbage disposals, microwaves, compactors and dishwashers.
• Per section 8.51(C) of the MVCC the service disconnecting means for one-family dwellings must have a rating of no less than 200 amperes three, (3) wire.
• If sub-panel provided, the location must comply with the requirements per CEC 110.26A2 & 220.24.
• Proper grounding and bonding must be provided.

Equipment Requirements

• Dishwashers must be connected with the approved drainage air gap devices located above the flood level rim of the sink or per manufacturers installation instructions.
• A mechanical permit is required to replace a kitchen exhaust hood that includes an outside air vent. The vent must terminate on the building exterior at least 3 feet from another opening into the building. Flexible (corrugated) ducting is not allowed for exhaust hoods.
• Garage to kitchen openings
  
  • Door to garage is required to be a minimum 13/8” solid core, or 20 minute fire rated self- closing/self-latching door.
• Kitchen-Garage separation
  • Side of garage wall must have a minimum covering of 1/2” gypsum board or equivalent.
• Clear passageway min. 36” between counter fronts and appliances or counters and walls.
• Newly installed fixtures shall be water-conserving in compliance with the CGC 4.303. Kitchen faucets shall not exceed 1.8 GPM.

*All Existing fittings not included in the scope of new work shall be replaced if necessary to comply with SB407 Plumbing Fixtures Replacement requirements – See Self Certification Form available.

Lighting Requirements

• All installed lighting must be high efficacy.
• Under-cabinet lighting must be switched separately from other lighting system.

Discuss Your Project

Ensure your permit application is complete on your first submission. Discuss your project with a member of our Staff to get your questions answered.