The Planning Division reviews private development applications for conformance with City plans, ordinances and policies related to zoning, urban design, sustainability, subdivision and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The development review process includes review of architectural plans, reports, and application materials for conformance with City regulations. Public input can be provided directly to City staff and at meetings of the Zoning Administrator, Environmental Planning Commission, and City Council.

Plans, Regulations and Guidelines

To guide development, the City has adopted plans, regulations and guidelines for land use and development. All development applications must comply with the applicable regulations.

• General Plan
• Housing Element
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program
• Development Guidelines
• Precise Plans
• Subdivisions and Maps
• Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Policy
• Zoning

Review Bodies

Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) - The EPC consists of seven appointed members of the Mountain View community who make recommendations to the City Council on development projects involving rezoning or changes to the general plan map, policy development, or changes to Precise Plans, the General Plan, and Zoning Ordinance.

Zoning Administrator (ZA) - The ZA makes recommendations to the City Council for development projects and is the final decision maker for Development Review Permits, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, and Planned Unit Developments with a Parcel Map.

Subdivision Committee - The Subdivision Committee consists of representatives from the Community Development Department, Public Works Department, and the City Attorney's office. The Committee makes recommendations on tentative map subdivisions to the City Council for development projects and is the final decision maker for parcel map subdivisions, lot line adjustments, or lot mergers. Subdivision Committee meetings are jointly held with the Zoning Administrator.

Design Review

The Planning Division conducts design review under the authority of the Zoning Administrator, with oversight by the Deputy Zoning Administrator and assistance from two consulting professional architects. Design review occurs as an integrated part of the development review process and includes Design Review Consultation (DRC) meetings, which allow public participation. The DRC meetings focus on the review of site and architectural design of new development and major improvement projects, providing applicants with design feedback.

Environmental Review

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that environmental issues be considered for all discretionary permits. For more information, please visit the State Natural Resources Agency's CEQA website.