ExpressPermitsMV Now Available for Select Building Permits
New City of Mountain View program offers enhanced customer service and quicker review
Mountain View, Calif. — The City of Mountain View is launching ExpressPermitsMV, a building permit program for single family homeowners and small businesses that will save them time and money on select projects.
The following types of projects are available through ExpressPermitsMV:
- Single-family remodels of 600 square feet or less
- Single-family additions less than 500 square feet
- Commercial tenant improvements of 5,000 square feet or less for retail, office, personal service and medical businesses
The expedited permitting program offers these customers a much quicker review timeline and a scheduled meeting with City Review Staff, resulting in the most efficient way to obtain a building permit.
“We are excited to launch this new program to provide enhanced customer service to our residents and businesses. We heard directly from customers that the City’s building permit process for less complex building projects was in need of a fast track,” said City Manager Kimbra McCarthy. “Whether it is a resident remodeling their home or small business owner improving their business space, we are speeding up the permit process without compromising on safety through ExpressPermitsMV.”
“Our primary goal through ExpressPermitsMV is to shorten the timeline from applying for a permit to issuing one,” explained Community Development Director Christian Murdock. “We now have an accelerated plan check process, which includes an in-person or virtual meeting with a team of City staff who can answer questions and provide options to applicants in real time. It’s a win-win for staff and applicants.”
Through the scheduled meeting, a City staff team will meet with the applicant to identify and discuss permit solutions or review any questions with the applicant. These meetings may involve the licensed professional who prepared the building plans, as well as the property owner, business owner or applicant. This program is supported by a coordinated team of City staff from the Community Development, Fire and Public Works departments.
ExpressPermitsMV is an upgrade to a previous City program known as the One Stop Permit Program that was available to very limited single-family and commercial projects prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit ExpressPermitsMV at MountainView.gov/ExpressPermitsMV.
In addition, the Same-Day Building Permit Program expanded in March 2025 to include permits for the replacement of air conditioning (AC) units, exterior building siding replacements, and installing a sewer clean-out at the property line. And, by June 2025, the program will also include all electric heat-pump installations or replacements for water heaters and heating and cooling (HVAC, furnace) equipment, furthering the City’s efforts toward building electrification and sustainability.
The Same-Day Building Permit Program allows for permits to be issued instantaneously online without construction plans if a project meets code requirements. These permits are available for minor improvements in single-family residential homes and duplexes, such as replacing a water heater, furnace, a water service line, electrical service panel upgrade, replumbing a home, and replacing a tub-shower unit. Implementing a same-day process for these types of projects reduces the time to obtain a building permit, allowing homeowners to start their projects more quickly and predictably.
These programs are available through the City’s Community Development Department. Learn more at MountainView.gov/CommunityDevelopment.
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