Choose the Correct ePermitsMV Route Before Uploading Plans or Scheduling Construction
Mountain View processes Building, Fire, Planning and Public Works permits electronically. The correct route may be a Same-Day Permit, SolarAPP+, ExpressPermitsMV or a standard building application with completeness review and plan check.
This guide explains which route fits the project, what documents to upload, when Planning or Public Works must review the property, how current fees are collected, how to meet the 3 p.m. inspection cutoff and how to verify that every permit was actually finaled.
Choose the Mountain View Task You Need
Mountain View Building Division Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Same-Day, Express, SolarAPP+ or Standard Plan Review?
Route |
Use it for |
Do not use it when |
|---|---|---|
Same-Day Permit |
Qualifying like-for-like replacements or simple upgrades at single-family homes and duplexes |
Work changes location, structure, use, electrical capacity or falls outside published eligibility |
ExpressPermitsMV |
Eligible smaller residential or small-business projects that benefit from scheduled review meetings |
The project exceeds the published size, use or complexity limits |
SolarAPP+ |
Eligible residential rooftop photovoltaic systems submitted by qualified contractors |
Multifamily, commercial or otherwise ineligible systems |
Standard Building Permit |
New buildings, additions, structural remodels, commercial work, complex residential projects and revisions |
A published faster route clearly fits the full scope |
Fire Permit |
Sprinklers, fire alarms and regulated fire-protection systems |
Do not assume the building permit automatically includes separate Fire-system approval |
Public Works Permit |
Excavation, utilities, sidewalk, driveway approach or work in a public street |
A building permit does not authorize right-of-way construction |
Projects Commonly Available Without Building Plans
Electrical and energy
- Electrical service-panel upgrade
- EV charger
- Battery energy storage system
Heating and cooling
- Air-conditioning unit
- Furnace replacement
- Heat-pump HVAC
- Heat-pump water heater
Exterior work
- Reroofing
- Siding replacement
- Masonry fireplace or chimney repair
Plumbing
- Water-heater replacement
- Residential water repipe
- Sewer line or cleanout replacement
Apply Through ePermitsMV in Eight Practical Steps
Confirm the project’s zoning and property constraints
Check the zoning district, setbacks, height, floor-area ratio, flood zone, heritage trees, creek proximity, historic status and nonconforming conditions.
Choose the fastest valid permit route
Compare Same-Day, ExpressPermitsMV, SolarAPP+, standard Building, Fire and Public Works services before creating the application.
Download the project checklist and forms
Use the residential, commercial, ADU, accessibility, green-building, special-inspection or other checklist that matches the complete scope.
Create an ePermitsMV account
Use a monitored email address. The portal is the exclusive application platform, and the City recommends using a desktop for document-heavy work.
Upload clearly separated electronic files
Upload the application materials, plan set, calculations, specifications, energy documents, green-building worksheet and supporting approvals using clear file names.
Wait for prescreen and fee instructions
Staff reviews the initial package and sends the amount and payment instructions. Review does not begin until required payment is confirmed.
Respond through the existing application
Download every comment, revise the affected plan sheets and upload one coordinated resubmittal. Do not create a duplicate new application.
Download the issued permit and approved plans
Construction starts only after formal issuance. Keep the permit number and approved documents available at the job site for inspections.
Build a Complete Mountain View Plan Package
Property and application
- Project address and APN
- Current property owner
- Title report or grant deed when required
- Detailed scope of work
- Construction valuation
- Contractor or owner-builder details
Plans and engineering
- Scaled site plan
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Elevations and sections
- Structural plans
- Structural calculations
- Special-inspection form when required
Energy and local approvals
- Title 24 energy documents
- 2025 MV Green Building worksheet
- Smoke and CO compliance plan
- Planning approval
- Fire sprinkler documents
- Public Works or tree approval
Local Requirements That Can Change the Design
AC replacement
Existing single-family homes replacing an air-conditioning unit can be subject to Mountain View’s heat-pump replacement requirement.
Electric readiness
Remodels or additions installing gas or propane equipment can require electrical prewiring for future electric equipment.
Bird-safe glass
Multifamily and nonresidential new construction or major renovation can trigger bird-safe glazing requirements when substantial glazing is installed or replaced.
Typical Building Permit Review Timelines After Completeness
Project |
Initial review |
Resubmittal review |
|---|---|---|
Same-Day Permit |
Same day |
Same day |
Single-family demolition |
1 week |
1 week |
New single-family home or duplex |
4 weeks |
3 weeks |
Residential addition |
3 weeks |
2 weeks |
Whole-house remodel |
3 weeks |
2 weeks |
Express Permit |
3 weeks |
3 weeks |
Standard or conversion ADU/JADU |
2 weeks |
2 weeks |
Preapproved detached ADU |
2 weeks |
1 week |
Commercial tenant improvement |
4 weeks |
3 weeks |
Fast-track commercial TI |
2 weeks |
2 weeks |
New commercial or mixed-use building |
6 weeks |
5 weeks |
Non-SolarAPP+ residential solar |
3 business days |
3 business days |
Understand the Mountain View Fee Layers Before Paying
Current construction valuation |
Base Building/Fire permit calculation |
Effective until |
|---|---|---|
$1–$500 |
$74 |
August 21, 2026 |
$501–$2,000 |
$74 plus $9 for each additional $100 |
August 21, 2026 |
$2,001–$25,000 |
$218 plus $44 for each additional $1,000 |
August 21, 2026 |
$25,001–$50,000 |
$1,234 plus $31 for each additional $1,000 |
August 21, 2026 |
$50,001–$100,000 |
$2,030 plus $22 for each additional $1,000 |
August 21, 2026 |
$100,001–$500,000 |
$3,135 plus $17 for each additional $1,000 |
August 21, 2026 |
Payment methods
- Online Visa or Mastercard
- Online e-check
- Online PayPal
- Hard-copy check payable to City of Mountain View
- In-person Finance Department payment
- Coordinated wire transfer for amounts over $500,000
Payment limits and timing
- Online Building payments under $15,000 can use the listed electronic methods.
- A convenience fee applies to online electronic payment.
- Plan-check and part of the technology fee are collected before review.
- Remaining issuance fees are paid before permit issuance.
Realistic Permit-Fee Ranges for Common Projects
Bathroom remodel
Approximately $800–$1,100
The City’s project guide ties the range to bathroom size and an approximate valuation of $120 per square foot.
500 sq ft addition/remodel
Approximately $12,000
City example based on an estimated construction valuation of $250,000, excluding possible excavation and school fees.
New-construction ADU
Approximately $7,000–$13,000
City range based on an estimated construction valuation of $100,000–$300,000.
ADU conversion
Approximately $3,000–$5,000
City range based on an estimated construction valuation of $25,000–$50,000.
Junior ADU
Approximately $4,000–$6,000
City range based on an estimated valuation of $25,000–$35,000.
Excavation permit
Up to approximately $12,000
Can apply when utility upgrades or construction occur within the public right-of-way.
Submit Before 3 PM for the Next Business Day
Locate the permit number or address
The online scheduler accepts either identifier. Confirm the permit is issued and active.
Select the exact inspection
Choose the stage that matches the completed and exposed work—not the stage you expect to finish later.
Choose AM or PM
The City does not provide a narrow Building arrival time. Arrange continuous safe access during the selected window.
Leave the permit and plans available
Provide approved plans, equipment instructions, test reports and other documents required for the inspection stage.
Keep regulated work visible
Do not pour, backfill, insulate, cover wiring or plumbing, close walls or conceal structural connections before approval.
Check the result before continuing
Correct every item after a failed inspection. A $415 current reinspection fee may apply when the site is not ready or access is unavailable.
Use a Different Scheduling Method for Fire, Planning and Public Works
Inspection |
How to request it |
Advance planning |
|---|---|---|
Building |
Online through ePermitsMV inspection scheduler |
Before 3 p.m. for next business day |
Fire sprinkler or alarm |
Fire online request or 650-903-6313 extension 0 |
Minimum five business days |
Hazardous materials / Fire Marshal |
650-903-6378 or FEPDinspections@mountainview.gov |
Scheduled for a specific date and time |
Planning |
Assigned Planner or 650-903-6306 |
Coordinate mock-up, framing, exterior materials and occupancy stages |
Public Works |
Call 650-903-6311 |
At least 48 hours before work begins |
Deliveries and Site Staging Count as Construction Activity
Private construction
Monday–Friday, 7 AM–6 PM
Includes physical activity, staging and material deliveries.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays
No normal construction
Saturday requires prior written approval from the Chief Building Official.
Public right-of-way
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4 PM
Weekend or holiday work requires written Traffic Engineer approval.
Resolve These Issues Before Detailed Building Plans
Exterior modifications
Planning review is strongly encouraged before preparing detailed Building plans for additions, exterior remodels and equipment enclosures.
Flood zone
A separate flood permit or elevated equipment design may apply to projects within mapped flood areas.
Heritage or street trees
Tree removal or construction affecting protected trees can require a separate permit and protection measures.
Public right-of-way
Utility connections, driveway approaches, sidewalk or street work require Public Works coordination and an excavation permit.
Project condition |
Possible added review |
Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
Exterior addition or remodel |
Setbacks, height, FAR and design compliance |
Planning, 650-903-6306 |
Historic home |
Planning or historic-preservation approval |
Planning Division |
Lot at least 10,000 sq ft next to a creek |
Planning permit may be required |
Planning Division |
Existing nonconforming home |
Planning permit can apply to an addition |
Planning Division |
New or upgraded utility connection |
Excavation permit |
Public Works, 650-903-6311 |
New residential area over 500 sq ft |
School impact-fee proof before issuance |
Applicable school district |
Projects That May Not Need a Building Permit
Possible exemption |
Published threshold |
Still confirm |
|---|---|---|
Detached shed or playhouse |
One story, no more than 120 sq ft and no mechanical, electrical or plumbing |
Zoning, location, fire-zone and tree requirements |
Wood fence |
Seven feet or less |
Zoning height, front yard, visibility and corner-lot rules |
Retaining wall |
Four feet or less from footing bottom to wall top |
Surcharge, slope, drainage and impounded liquids |
Small detached deck |
No more than 200 sq ft, no more than 30 inches above grade, unattached and not serving an exit |
Setbacks and lot coverage |
Small prefabricated pool |
Less than 24 inches deep, no more than 5,000 gallons and fully above ground |
Zoning, electrical and barrier rules |
Finish work |
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar work |
Kitchen/bath cabinet replacements, accessibility and exterior-painting Planning rules |
Choose the Correct Mountain View ADU Route
ADU route |
Building review |
Typical city permit fee |
|---|---|---|
New-construction ADU |
Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and demolition; Fire or excavation when applicable |
$7,000–$13,000 |
Existing-area conversion |
Building and trade review of converted garage, basement or other area |
$3,000–$5,000 |
Junior ADU |
Building and trade review within an existing or proposed home |
$4,000–$6,000 |
Preapproved detached ADU |
Preapproved structural design plus site-specific plan, zoning, utilities and energy information |
$7,000–$13,000 |
Legalize existing ADU |
Expedited review for eligible units built or converted before Jan. 1, 2020 |
No penalty or violation fees under the listed program |
No Planning permit
The City states that ADUs and JADUs do not require a separate Planning permit, but they must comply with zoning standards and obtain a building permit.
Preapproved is not site-approved
The structure design is prechecked, but the property owner still submits a site plan, utility connections, zoning information and applicable Title 24 report.
School fees
New residential square footage greater than 500 square feet can require school impact-fee payment before permit issuance.
SolarAPP+ and Standard Photovoltaic Applications
Eligible residential SolarAPP+
- Submit through SolarAPP+.
- Pay the City permit amount and SolarAPP+ charge.
- Download the automated approval.
- Keep the permit on site.
- Wait for the Mountain View inspection permit number.
- Schedule the inspection online.
SolarAPP+ adds $35, or $60 when battery storage is included, plus a convenience fee.
All other solar systems
- Create a standard ePermitsMV Building application.
- Upload the correct residential or multifamily/commercial PV package.
- Respond to plan-check corrections.
- Pay issuance fees.
- Schedule final inspection online.
Published review is three business days for single-family systems and five business days for other property types.
What the ePermitsMV Status Means
Search Online First, Then Request Missing Records
Search records from 2000 to current
Use the searchable permit-history tool with the address or APN.
Check issued and finaled records separately
A permit can appear as issued without having a final inspection. Verify the finaled list and inspection history.
Review additional records at the Permit Center
The City states that not every Building record is available online. Additional files may be viewed in person.
Use the Duplicate Plans Request Form
Professional plans can involve owner and design-professional copyright authorization before copying.
Request the exact record range
Identify the address, APN, approximate year, permit type and specific document needed to avoid an overly broad request.
Fix Common Mountain View Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Next action |
|---|---|---|
Application stays in prescreen |
Wrong permit type, missing form or unclear file naming |
Compare the upload with the project checklist and contact Building |
Review has not started |
Initial fee payment has not been confirmed |
Open the payment task and confirm posting |
Same-Day Permit is rejected |
The scope changes location, structure, service capacity or property type |
Create the correct standard Building application |
Corrections repeat |
Only part of the comment set was answered or plan sheets conflict |
Submit one complete coordinated set with a numbered response letter |
Permit approved but not issued |
Final fees, school proof, Public Works, Fire or another condition remains open |
Check every task and assigned department in ePermitsMV |
Inspection moves to another day |
Request was after 3 p.m. or the requested inspection was unavailable |
Plan around the published cutoff and check the request confirmation |
Reinspection fee appears |
No access, no-show or the work was not inspection-ready |
Complete every correction and provide safe access before rescheduling |
Old construction is not in the portal |
The record predates searchable online history or was not digitized |
Request in-person Permit Center file review |
Ask City Staff a Question They Can Answer Quickly
“I am planning [exact work] at [address/APN]. Does it qualify for Same-Day, ExpressPermitsMV, SolarAPP+ or a standard Building application?”
“For [project type], which checklist, plans, Title 24 documents, Green Building worksheet and prior approvals must be uploaded at first submittal?”
“Permit [number] is ready for [inspection type]. Is it active, what must remain exposed and does the request qualify for next-business-day scheduling?”
“Permit [number] appears complete. Which Building, Fire, Planning or Public Works final is still preventing full closeout?”
Mountain View Permit Completion Checklist
- Property address and APN confirmed
- Correct permit route selected
- Zoning and exterior-review issues cleared
- Flood, tree and creek conditions checked
- Public Works scope identified
- Current project checklist used
- Electronic plans clearly labeled
- Title 24 documents included
- 2025 Green Building worksheet included
- Smoke and CO compliance addressed
- Construction valuation accurate
- Initial review fees paid
- Corrections submitted in one record
- Permit formally issued
- Construction-hours sign posted
- Approved documents available on site
- Inspections requested before concealment
- All related permits finaled
Mountain View Permit Center at 500 Castro Street
Open the Exact Mountain View Permit Resource
Mountain View Building Permit and Inspection FAQs
Where do I apply for a Mountain View building permit?
All Building and Fire Protection permits are submitted electronically through ePermitsMV. The Permit Center and virtual appointments provide assistance, but new applications are not submitted as paper packages.
What is the Mountain View Building Division phone number?
Call 650-903-6313 or email building@mountainview.gov. The Building counter is on the first floor of City Hall at 500 Castro Street.
What are the Mountain View Permit Center hours?
The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Building Division office hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Which Mountain View projects qualify for Same-Day Permits?
Published examples include qualifying residential AC, furnace, heat-pump, water-heater, electrical-panel, EV-charger, reroof, siding, residential repipe and sewer-line projects. The work must meet the exact eligibility conditions.
How do I schedule a Mountain View building inspection?
Use the City’s online inspection scheduler with the permit number or address. Requests received by 3:00 p.m. on a business day are scheduled for the next business day. Later requests are scheduled for the second business day.
What time will the Mountain View building inspector arrive?
Building inspections are scheduled for an AM or PM window and are not time-specific. Inspections occur Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
What are the construction hours in Mountain View?
Normal private construction hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday work requires prior written approval, and construction is not allowed on Sunday or recognized holidays.
How much is the Mountain View technology fee?
The City applies a 5% technology fee to the total cost of each Building and Fire permit. When plan check applies, 65% of the technology fee is collected with plan-check payment and the remaining 35% before issuance.
Does a Mountain View ADU require a Planning permit?
No separate Planning permit is normally required for an ADU or JADU, but the project must meet zoning standards and obtain Building and applicable trade permits. Fire or excavation permits may also be required.
How do I find old Mountain View building permits?
Use the searchable permit-history tool for records from 2000 to current. Additional records can be viewed at the Permit Center because not every Building record is available online.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent guide and is not the City of Mountain View. Applications, payments, inspections, zoning decisions and permit issuance must be completed through official City systems.
This guide was checked against the Mountain View Permit Center, ePermitsMV application pages, Building Forms, Same-Day Permits, Building Permit Fees, Permit Timelines, Inspection Scheduling, Permit History, 2025 Green Building and Reach Code, ADU guidance, construction-hours rules and project-specific residential pages.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
The fee table is especially time-sensitive because updated amounts become effective August 22, 2026. Use the live City invoice as the controlling amount.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.