Take a preliminary layout to Planning
Show the proposed location and existing buildings. Make a short list of the zoning questions that could change the design.
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Mountain View ADU Services
A promising sketch is easier to review before it becomes a complete drawing set. Mountain View encourages an early conversation with Planning, then asks for coordinated electronic plans with building, energy and electrical information.
Plan for your property ↓
Planning an ADU in Mountain View
Coordinate the drawing set
Mountain View’s ADU page explains how to compile the plans and where the residential green-building worksheet belongs. Assign responsibility for each sheet.
Look beyond the property line
Mark work that might reach the sidewalk, driveway approach or public right-of-way. Ask the City whether that part of your scope needs separate coordination.
02 / On the property
Give the kitchen wall a second job
Try lining up the kitchen and bath so services share a short route. Check where that route meets the existing house and street before deciding that the most compact interior is the simplest site layout.
ADU design ↗Official resources
Mountain View ADU permit instructions Mountain View pre-approved ADU programMountain View ADU questions
When should I contact Mountain View Planning?
The City encourages a discussion of preliminary ADU designs before detailed building plans are prepared.
How are the construction plans organized?
The City describes a combined electronic PDF set. Check its ADU instructions before uploading.
Where should the green-building worksheet go?
Mountain View directs applicants to include the residential worksheet in the building plans.
Which calculations might affect the drawings?
The City lists structural, energy and electrical load information. Ask the team who prepares each item.
What if the utility work extends toward the street?
Show the proposed connection and any sidewalk or driveway work. Ask whether a right-of-way or excavation permit applies.
Does a pre-approved unit settle the site layout?
Compare the design with the parcel and consult the City’s pre-approved program about site-specific submissions.
How should I think about the address?
Mountain View lists an address request among its submittal items. Ask staff how to complete it for your project.
Does the City have a route for an existing unpermitted unit?
Its ADU page links to a separate legalization resource. Start there if the home is already in use.
How do I leave room for maintenance?
Show access to panels, shutoffs and equipment on the plan, including the route a technician would take.
What should I check before the drawings are finalized?
Keep a list of preliminary Planning comments and verify that the site, architectural and engineering sheets all reflect the same footprint.