InstaBidsInstaBids
Skip to content
InstaBids
Menu
Use your AIConnector, agent API and ready promptsOpen in ChatGPTOpen in ClaudeOpen in GrokOpen in GeminiCopies the prompt, then opens
Add InstaBids to ClaudeMCP connector, sign in onceSteps for every assistantFor AI agents
How InstaBids works
Use your AIStart my request

Mountain View permit search: look up, apply and check a permit

The Mountain View Building Division reviews construction permits. Search building history by address or APN; some records require an in-person visit. For additions and remodels, the city publishes a typical 3 to 8 months, depending on scope. Search Mountain View permit history

InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.

Sources read: 2026-11-05Updated 2026-11-05

InstaBids assistantAI · builds your written scope with you

What home job do you need done in Mountain View, California? Describe it once to start your written scope.

Start from a common job
You choose who gets your number
Or send it from your own AIChatGPTClaudeGrokGeminiMore ways
  1. Describe it onceBy chat, or through your own AI assistant, and add photos.
  2. Post it and send itContractors bid in writing on that scope.
  3. Compare line by lineEvery quote is written against the same scope.
  4. You chooseContact details stay hidden until you pick and they confirm.

Mountain View permits at a glance

  • 3 to 8 monthsTypical overall permit time, depending on scopeAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05
  • 3 weeksApplication completeness reviewAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05
  • 4 weeksFirst code compliance review after a complete applicationAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05
  • 2 weeksSubsequent code compliance reviewAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05
InstaBids

For your AI assistant

MCP connector · REST API · plain HTML

Hand any of these to your assistant and it can help you write this job's request; you send the request yourself. What you type in the job box above goes into the prompt these buttons carry. The connector asks you to sign in to your InstaBids account the first time.

  • MCP connector URLhttps://instabids.ai/api/agent/mcp
  • Agent API (OpenAPI)https://instabids.ai/openapi.json
  • Start-request linkhttps://instabids.ai/intake?from=permits-ca--santa-clara--mountain-view--building-permits&utm_source=permits&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=permits-v3
Open it in your assistantAdd InstaBids as a connector

Every page is plain HTML. Steps for every assistant: add to your assistant.

What permits does Mountain View require?

Mountain View requires a permit before an addition or remodel to an existing single-family home or duplex. The project guide distinguishes the construction permits from additional permissions that depend on the work proposed. Additions or Remodels (read 2026-11-05).

A permit is required to construct an addition to or remodel an existing single-family home or duplex, prior to construction.

Source: Additions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

The city lists building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and demolition permits for this project category. Additional permissions depend on scope; use the project guide before preparing the application.

Describe the addition or remodel in Mountain View on InstaBids to request written bids on its scope.

Mountain View addition and remodel timelines

Typical overall permit time, depending on scope3 to 8 monthsAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05
Application completeness review3 weeksAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05
First code compliance review after a complete application4 weeksAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05
Subsequent code compliance review2 weeksAdditions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, Mountain View, read 2026-11-05

Download this table: CSV · JSON

How do I find building permit records in Mountain View?

The city labels its searchable history as records from 2000 to current. Search Permit History accepts a Mountain View address or APN, while additional records are available for public viewing in person at the Permit Center. Research Permit History (read 2026-11-05).

Not all building permit records are available online for viewing. Additional records are available for public viewing in-person at the Permit Center.

Source: Research Permit History | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

Enter the property address or APN in the online history form, then select Search.

Use a Mountain View permit-history search to inform the work you describe for written bids on InstaBids.

How do I apply for a building permit in Mountain View?

Building and Fire Protection permit applications go online through ePermitsMV. The Mountain View application page separates minor single-family or duplex projects without plans from new building applications, resubmittals and revisions to issued permits. Building Permits (read 2026-11-05).

All Building and Fire Protection permits must be submitted electronically online at ePermitsMV.

Source: Permit Center | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

For additions and remodels, the city asks for electronic plans compiled into a PDF, including onsite and offsite improvements. The project guide also lists supporting documents and calculations.

For a Mountain View project needing an application, post its construction scope on InstaBids for written bids.

How do I check my permit status in Mountain View?

The Mountain View Permit Status page separates All Development Permits from Same-Day Permits. Its development category covers building, fire, planning and public works; its same-day category identifies single-family and duplex reroofs, water heaters and furnaces. Permit Status (read 2026-11-05).

When planning work around a Mountain View permit, keep the scope for contractor bids together on InstaBids.

Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Mountain View?

An owner can elect to sign as an owner-builder for permits related to a single-family home or duplex in Mountain View. The city distinguishes the applicant from the permit signer and asks property owners for documentation establishing identity and ownership. Who Can Sign For a Permit? (read 2026-11-05).

Property owners must complete the city’s owner acknowledgement form and provide identification. Recent buyers may need evidence of ownership if county records have not caught up; an agent needs the city’s notarized authorization form.

A Mountain View owner-builder can describe the work on InstaBids and request contractor bids in writing.

Do I need a permit for a shed in Mountain View?

Under California Building Code Section 105.2 and Residential Code Section R105.2, Mountain View lists a conditional exemption for detached storage sheds. The city limits the floor area and utilities and retains zoning requirements and the Section 710A caveat. Projects That Don't Require Permits (read 2026-11-05).

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, with no mechanical, electrical or plumbing installed, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and comply with accessory structure zoning regulations. Note: These structures may still be regulated by Section 710A of the Building Code, despite exemption from permit.

Source: Projects that Don't Require Permits | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

Describe the shed and intended work in Mountain View on InstaBids so contractors can bid on that scope.

Start my request for a shed in Mountain View

What work does not need a permit in Mountain View?

Mountain View cites Building Code Section 105.2 and Residential Code Section R105.2 for building-permit exemptions. The list includes qualifying detached decks and certain leak repairs, with conditions that differ by job; exemption does not remove other code obligations. Projects That Don't Require Permits (read 2026-11-05).

For single-family and duplex properties, decks not exceeding 200 square feet in size, that are 30 inches or less above grade, are not attached to a house, and does not serve a required exit door.

Source: Projects that Don't Require Permits | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe. Note: Any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe that becomes defective and is necessary to remove and replace with new material requires a permit.

Source: Projects that Don't Require Permits | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

The city warns that exempt improvements still cannot violate City Code or state and federal laws. Keep the deck’s attachment, height and exit-door conditions with the size limit when reading the exemption.

For exempt work in Mountain View, describe the actual repairs on InstaBids to compare written contractor bids.

How long does an addition permit take in Mountain View?

The Mountain View addition and remodel guide gives a typical overall permit time of 3 to 8 months, depending on scope. Its process separates completeness review from code compliance review; the city begins compliance review after determining the application is complete. Additions or Remodels (read 2026-11-05).

Typical Time for Permit: 3 to 8 months, depending on scope of work.

Source: Additions and Remodels | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

The project guide gives completeness review its own cycle for missing information. The numbers table keeps the first compliance review separate from later compliance reviews rather than treating either stage as the overall permit duration.

Put the Mountain View addition scope on InstaBids when gathering written bids for the proposed construction.

How much does a permit cost in Mountain View?

City of Mountain View government permit fees — effective August 9, 2025

The quoted issuance charges are components of the city’s permit fees; the technology charge is listed separately.

All plumbing permits include a $77 permit issuance fee.

Source: Building Permit Fees | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

All mechanical permits include a $77 permit issuance fee.

Source: Building Permit Fees | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

The City applies a 5% fee on the total permit cost of each building and fire permit issued. If your permit is subject to a plan check fee, then 65% of the technology fee is collected at time of plan check fee payment and the remaining 35% is collected prior to permit issuance. If your permit is not subject to a separate plan check fee, then the technology fee is paid in full prior to permit issuance.

Source: Building Permit Fees | Mountain View, CA, read 2026-11-05

Mountain View publishes government permit charges on a dedicated page with sections for electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits. Read the city’s schedule for the relevant permit type and distinguish those charges from the construction bid. Building Permit Fees (read 2026-11-05).

Keep government permit charges distinct from the construction scope you post for Mountain View bids on InstaBids.

How do I contact the Mountain View building department?

The Mountain View Building Division handles construction-permit review, with Permit Center staff reviewing building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire-sprinkler permits. Use the department page for its current contact options, public counter information and online appointment link. Building (read 2026-11-05).

For the construction work discussed with Mountain View staff, you can request written contractor bids through InstaBids.

Sources

Start my requestUse your AI