Mountain View CRA zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

CRA (Commercial/Residential-Arterial (CRA)) is a zoning district in Mountain View. Every value below was read from the Mountain View Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in CRA

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	45 ft Applies: and 3 stories maximum; Section 36.08.30 lists exceptions to height limits § 36.18.45 · code text Table row “Height Limits”, column “Height Limits”: 45 ft. and 3 stories maximum. See Section 36.08.30 for exceptions to height limits.
Maximum number of stories	3 stories Applies: and 45 ft maximum; Section 36.08.30 lists exceptions to height limits § 36.18.45 · code text Table row “Height Limits”, column “Height Limits”: 45 ft. and 3 stories maximum. See Section 36.08.30 for exceptions to height limits.
Minimum lot size	20,000 sq ft Applies: residential and mixed-use developments; multi-family housing § 36.18.50 · code text Table row “Lot Area”, column “Lot Area”: Twenty thousand (20,000) square feet minimum, except that lot sizes in townhouse and rowhouse developments approved through a PUD permit are listed separately in Sections 36.16.10 and 36.16.20 , respectively.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.35 Applies: offices and R&D § 36.18.45 · code text Table row “Floor Area Ratio”, column “Floor Area Ratio”: 0.35 for offices and R&D; 1.35 for mixed-use.
Maximum density	43 units per acre Applies: residential and mixed-use developments § 36.18.50 · code text Table row “Density”, column “Density”: Forty-three (43) units per acre maximum.

Uses in CRA

Uses the code's use tables allow in CRA, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
Emergency shelter — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CRA:

Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.35 — mixed-use § 36.18.45
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.35 — hotels and motels § 36.18.50

Not on this page

We did not find a general front setback, side setback, rear setback, lot coverage limit for CRA in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Mountain View Municipal Code.

Other Mountain View zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Mountain View's CRA zone?

45 ft (and 3 stories maximum; Section 36.08.30 lists exceptions to height limits) — Mountain View Municipal Code § 36.18.45.

What is the maximum number of stories in Mountain View's CRA zone?

3 stories (and 45 ft maximum; Section 36.08.30 lists exceptions to height limits) — Mountain View Municipal Code § 36.18.45.

What is the minimum lot size in Mountain View's CRA zone?

20,000 sq ft (residential and mixed-use developments; multi-family housing) — Mountain View Municipal Code § 36.18.50.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Mountain View's CRA zone?

0.35 (offices and R&D) — Mountain View Municipal Code § 36.18.45.

What is the maximum density in Mountain View's CRA zone?

43 units per acre (residential and mixed-use developments) — Mountain View Municipal Code § 36.18.50.

General information, not legal advice.