ADU permit process in Mountain View, California
Last verified August 29, 2026
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.
Where to apply
- Department
- Building Division
- Permit portal
- City Online Portal System
Step by step
- 1
Optionally consult Planning before detailed ADU plans
Review City ADU resources and standards Optionally obtain preliminary Planning zoning guidance Preliminary zoning guidance
- 2
Submit electronic Building Permit package online
Submit City-required electronic plans and documents Use City online permit portal Building Permit application
- 3
City prescreen and fee notice
Pay fee City specifies for project scope Fee-payment instructions and eligible plan-review package
- 4
City initial plan review
Respond if City identifies incomplete or incorrect information Complete/code-compliant determination or City comments
- 5
Respond to comments and resubmit online
Submit revised or missing material online Resubmittal for City review
- 6
Receive complete/compliant Building Permit
Complete any stated permit conditions Issued Building Permit and authorization to begin construction
- 7
Schedule City inspections during construction
Schedule City inspections online at construction stages City inspection results
- 8
Final inspection and occupancy/legal completion
Complete construction and required final inspection Finaled Building Permit and occupancy of new ADU/JADU
What you need to submit
- Preapproved ADU plans, information form and parcel-specific site package
- Electronic ADU/JADU building plan package and supporting calculations
- Recorded JADU deed restriction
Pre-approved ADU plans
Use Mountain View’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.
View pre-approved plansProject-specific next step
Build your Mountain View permit report
Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.
Sources for this guide
Additional city reference pages
The live City schedule provides current valuation-based building permit bands, plan-check and technology formulas, and a $408 planning-staff review for single-family, duplex, and ADU additions or new construction.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The City-hosted August 2026 ICC valuation data gives square-foot construction costs by occupancy and construction type, including R-3 residential.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The City states an ADU requires building permits including electrical, mechanical, and plumbing; it describes construction-valuation-based City permit costs and identifies School Impact Fees as due to the district, not calculated by the City.
Accessed August 28, 2026
- CityDevelopment Fees
The City states development fees are separate from permit, inspection, utility connection, and service fees, and lists a 0.24% Land Use Document Fee collected on all projects at building permit.
Accessed August 28, 2026