Mountain View Considers Zoning Changes to Boost Housing

New R3 rules aim to add more apartments and condos while keeping local control

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Mountain View's City Council has approved major updates to R3 zoning rules, aiming to add denser housing while keeping more control over how new buildings fit into neighborhoods. The plan clarifies heights, setbacks, parking, and even encourages better sidewalks and bike lanes. Changes will roll out gradually but could shape where and how future apartments and condos get built.

Why it matters

The new R3 zoning rules in Mountain View are an attempt to balance the need for more housing with preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. By giving the city more control over the development process, officials hope to encourage more housing while ensuring it integrates well with the surrounding area.

The details

The updated R3 zoning rules in Mountain View will clarify guidelines around building heights, setbacks, parking requirements, and other factors. The goal is to make it easier to build new apartments and condos, while still giving the city a say in how those projects are designed and situated. Officials hope the changes will lead to more housing being added to the city, without dramatically altering the look and feel of existing neighborhoods.

  • Mountain View's City Council approved the R3 zoning updates in February 2026.
  • The changes will be rolled out gradually over the coming years.

The players

Mountain View City Council

The governing body of the city of Mountain View, California that approved the updates to the R3 zoning rules.

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What’s next

The new R3 zoning rules will be implemented over time, with the city monitoring the impact on housing development and neighborhood character.

The takeaway

Mountain View's approach to updating its R3 zoning aims to strike a balance between increasing housing supply and preserving the existing character of its neighborhoods. By retaining local control over the development process, the city hopes to encourage more housing while ensuring it fits seamlessly into the community.