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Trees FAQ

  • Dog Park
    • Who may use the Dog Park?
      The Dog Park was designed for use by dog owners/caretakers and their dogs. The Dog Park provides dogs an opportunity to run and play off leash and to socialize with other dogs and dog owners/caretakers. The Dog Park was not envisioned as a place for individuals who are not accompanied by dogs, especially for children who are not with dogs.
    • Where should I park when I come to the Dog Park?
      There is a parking lot adjacent to the Dog Park. If that lot is full, there is additional parking in the Crittenden Lot located directly across the street from the Dog Park on North Road. All parking is free. (Note: The Crittenden lot is not available during Shoreline Amphitheater concerts.)
    • Are dogs allowed in Shoreline Park?
      Dogs (excluding canine assist dogs) are not allowed in Shoreline Park and may not pass beyond the main entry gate, driveways or pathways leading into the park.
    • Does my dog need to be on leash from the parking lot to the Dog Park?
      Yes, dogs must be on leash until they are inside the gated section of the Dog Park. Dogs are not allowed off leash anywhere in the area except inside the Dog Park.
    • What is the purpose of the picnic tables in the Dog Park?
      Picnic tables were included in the park under the shade shelters so that individuals would have a place out of the direct sunlight to sit and relax, perhaps read the newspaper or a magazine, have cup of coffee or a light snack, etc. They are not intended to be used for picnics or meals. The picnic tables cannot be reserved.
    • May large dogs use the small dog area?
      No. The small dog area was designed for use by small dogs. Large dogs should use the designated large dog area only.
    • May I leave extra dog toys and balls in the park for others to use?
      Please take your dog toys and balls with you when you leave the Dog Park. Any toys or balls that remain behind are disposed of by city staff for health/safety reasons.
    • Where are the City's Dog Run's?
      There are no dog runs in Mountain View’s City parks.  Dog owners may train a dog without a leash in designated areas of Cuesta, Rengstorff and Whisman Parks if they have obtained a permit. The permit is valid only for dog training and does not apply to dog exercising or off-leash play.  The dog training areas at Cuesta, Rengstorff and Whisman Parks should not be confused with dog runs or dog parks where dogs may run and play off leash.  There is a Dog Park specifically designed for dogs where they may run free and play in a controlled area and socialize with other dogs and their owners.  It is located at the corner of Shoreline Boulevard and North Road. 


    • How can I get to the Dog Park when there is a concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre?
      The concert schedule for Shoreline Amphitheater is available at http://www.livenation.com/venues/14489/shoreline.amphitheatre/. To access the Dog Park during a concert, use the inside northbound lane on Shoreline Boulevard. Inform the parking attendant that you are not a concertgoer but wish to use the Dog Park. It is probably best to avoid peak concert times as lengthy traffic delays are common.
    • Where is the Dog Park located?
      The Dog Park is located on the corner of Shoreline Boulevard and North Road, just before the entrance to Shoreline Park. Watch for signs that will direct you to the Dog Park entrance and parking area.
      Phone: (650) 903-6326
      Fax: (650) 903-6392
  • Facility Reservations
    • How do I make a reservation?

      Submit the rental application and initial payment to one of the following:

      Reservations must be made at least ten (10) business days in advance prior to your desired reservation date.

    • How far in advance can I make a reservation? What is the deadline to make a reservation?

      Reservations can be made one (1) year in advance and no later than ten (10) business days prior to desired reservation date.

    • Can I place a hold on a date?

      Dates cannot be held without the application and initial payment. Turning in the application and payment will result in the permit being created.

    • How can I view the facility?

      To view a facility or to meet with Reservations Coordinator, please schedule an appointment by contacting recreservations@mountainview.gov or (650) 903-6407. Appointments can be scheduled Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm, availability varying based on the day.

    • How can I check if my desired reservation date is available?

      To view Facility Availability, please visit our Online Registration Website and click on “Facility Details/Availability” and select the facility of interest. Please note, although the facility may appear to be available, please confirm with the Reservation Office as more than one permit a day may not be issued.

    • What are the insurance requirements for rentals? How can I obtain a certificate of insurance?

      Specific insurance requirements by the City’s Risk Manager must be met.

      A certificate of insurance can be purchased for an additional fee with the reservation through the City of Mountain View. Renters may also provide a certificate of insurance through their own insurance provider and must be submitted to the Reservations Office at least ten (10) business days prior to the reservation date.

      In order for certificate of insurance to be valid, the event must accurately represent the purpose of rental described on the application.

    • What is the Alcohol Policy? Are there events that do not permit alcohol?

      Beer, wine, and champagne are only permitted if alcohol insurance has been purchased and secured as part of the rental contract. Hard alcohol/liquor is not permitted. Alcohol may not be sold.


      Alcohol is not permitted at events honoring youth (i.e. birthday, baptism, quinceanera, etc.), even if the event is a joint function. If alcohol is found to be present at the event, the event can be shut down with no refund. 


      If purpose of rental provided on the application does not accurately describe the event taking place and alcohol is present, the event can be shut down with no refund.

    • Do I have to use vendors on the Approved Vendor List?

      If the renter is hiring catering services to be present at the facility during the event, the Approved Vendor List is preferred, but not required. A certificate of insurance will be required by the vendor if they are not on the Approved Vendor List.

      The renter may bring in their own food or get food delivered (if vendor is not staying at the venue) without any documentation needed from the vendor.

    • What time do I have access to the facility?

      Renters have access to the facility during their permit time. The facility will be available at the start of the permit time, and renters must clean and exit the facility by the end of the permit time.

    • Can I have music at my event?

      Music provided by a DJ, live band, or PA system is permitted. All amplified music must be indoors. All music must end one (1) hour prior to the end permit time.

    • Can I reserve the kitchen only? What is included for use in the kitchen?

      Kitchens are not available for reservation on their own. Kitchens are included with rental of the Redwood Hall at the Community Center, Social Hall at the Senior Center, and the Historic Adobe Building.

      The kitchen at the Community Center is a Catering Kitchen only. Senior Center kitchen is a Commercial Kitchen. Historic Adobe Building kitchen is a prep kitchen. All cook ware and utensils must be brought in by the renter.

    • What are the hours the facility is available for rentals?

      Community Center
      Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
      Friday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.


      Senior Center
      Thursday – Friday 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
      Saturday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.


      Historic Adobe Building
      Sunday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    • What are peaks hours versus off-peak hours?

      Community Center
      Peak Times: Friday  5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday
      Off-Peak Times: Monday – Thursday, & Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 


      Senior Center
      Peak Times: Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Saturday – Sunday
      Off-Peak Times: Monday – Wednesday, & Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
      *Off-Peak Times for the Senior Center are only available for senior programing.


      Historic Adobe Building
      Peak Times: Thursday – Sunday 
      Off-Peak Times: Monday – Wednesday

    • I am renting additional equipment for my event. Can I drop the equipment off the day before?

      All equipment being rented from an outside vendor must be dropped off and picked up during the permit time. Early drop offs and late pickups are not permitted.

    • Can I have a bounce house at my event?

      Bounce houses are only permitted at the Historic Adobe Building in the designated grass areas. The renter must use an approved vendor.

      Bounce houses will not be permitted if it has rained within three days prior to reservation date regardless of previous agreement.

      Jump House Guidelines for Historic Adobe Building
    • How much do I need to pay at time of reservation

      Due at time of reservation is the security deposit, insurance, and janitorial fees. The rental fee will be due thirty (30) days prior to the permit date.

      • If deposit, insurance or janitorial fees are not required, the rental fee will be due in full at time of reservation.

      • If reservation is completed within 30 days of permit date, the balance will be due in full at time of reservation.
    • What do the fees include?

      The rental fee includes all the amenities in the reserved room and building attendant(s).


      The security deposit is required at time of reservation and is charged separately. The security deposit becomes refundable after the permit date.


      The insurance fee is only applied if the renter purchases insurance with their reservation and will provide certificate of insurance for the permit.


      The janitorial fee covers basic upkeep related to ongoing maintenance of the facility and is separate from event cleaning. Event cleaning is the responsibility of the renter.

    • It is 30 days before my permit date and my remaining balance is due. How do I make the payment?

      Here are various options on how to make a payment on a reservation:

      • In person at the Recreation Front Desk temporarily located at the Senior Center (266 Escuela Ave), Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
      • Emailing the completed credit card authorization form to recreservations@mountainview.gov
      • Logging into your ActiveNet account, selecting “My Account”, then “Pay on Account” under “Payment Details”. If you have not setup your ActiveNet account, please consult with Reservations staff.
    • When and how will my security deposit be refunded?

      Security deposit refunds are processed following rentals and may take up to 30 days to be received.

      If the renter paid the security deposit with a credit card, the deposit will be refunded back onto the credit card. A check refund may be requested prior to the event date, and the check will be mailed to address on the application. If the renter paid the security deposit with check or cash, a check will be mailed to address on the application.

    • The credit card I provided for the security deposit is no longer valid. How can I receive my deposit refund?

      If the credit card used to pay for the security deposit is no longer valid, please inform the Reservations Office prior to your reservation date to request a check refund.

      If the Reservations Office is not informed of the invalid credit card and has processed the refund, the renter will need to check with their bank/credit card company to receive the refund.

    • How can I view an itemized list of the permit charges?

      For permit numbers (#) starting with “R”:

      • On the permit, under “Booking Summary”, click on the arrow next to the dollar amount for the “Total additional fees and discounts” and an itemized list of charges will show.

      For permit numbers (#) starting without “R”:

      • On the permit, under “Charges”, there are charge descriptions, unit fees, and charges for each item.
    • I did not receive my permit or receipt. How can I obtain these documents?

      Before contacting the Reservations Office, please check both the inbox and spam folder for the email provided on the application.

      Renters may also log into their ActiveNet account to view all current and past permits and receipts (List of Prior Transactions), as well as make payments on their account (Pay on Account). An ActiveNet account for the renter will be automatically created once a reservation is made. If the renter has not yet setup their password, it can be done by clicking on "Forgot My Password" and following the instructions to set a password.

    • How can change the date/time/room of my reservation?

      Any amendments to the original permit must occur at least 30 days prior to the permit date. Any amendments made less than 30 days prior to the permit date cannot be guaranteed and is to the discretion of the Reservations Coordinator. All amendment request must be in writing by emailing recreservations@mountainview.gov and are subject to a $10 amendment fee.

    • What is the Cancelation Policy?

      The cancelation policy becomes effective on the date the rental contract is generated.

      • Cancelations made six (6) months or more prior to the date of the event will receive a refund of the deposit, minus a $10 processing fee.

      • Cancelations made less than six (6) months, but no later than three (3) months, prior to the date of the event will receive a refund of the deposit, minus 10% of the total rental fee, minus a $10 processing fee.

      • Cancelations made less than three (3) months, but no later than one (1) month, prior to the date of the event will receive a refund of the deposit, minus 25% of the total rental fee, minus a $10 processing fee.

      • Cancelations made less than one (1) month prior to the date of the event will receive a refund of the deposit, minus 50% of the total rental fee, minus a $10 processing fee. Insurance and janitorial fees are subject to a no refund if the cancelation is made less than one (1) month prior to the date of the event.

  • Golf
    • Do you offer discount golf?

      Discount coupons from Golf Moose are accepted. 

    • Can I purchase a gift certificate for merchandise or greens fees?

      Gift certificates may be purchased for any denomination and for either merchandise or general use.  General use includes green fees, car rental, club rental, lessons or any other service offered by the golf course including Michaels Restaurant.

    • How can I make a tee time?

      Tee time reservations can be made online at https://www.shorelinelinks.com/tee-time-landing/   or by the automated telephone reservations system.  Reservations can be made 7 days in advance. A credit card is needed to utilize the system.  The online service and the automated phone system will begin processing requests each day beginning at 6 a.m.  Reservations can be made for twosomes, threesomes and foursomes.  For same-day reservations or to speak with staff, press zero when you hear the automated voice.

    • If I have a tee time reservation, how early do I need to arrive to play?

      Please check in at the Pro Shop 30 minutes prior to your tee time. If you do not check in at least 10 minutes prior to your tee time, you will forfeit your reservation. Your tee time will be reassigned to players on the standby list. 

    • What is your replay policy?

      Only one tee time reservation may be made per day. Replay rounds are queued via the standby list. 

    • What time does twilight or super twilight rates start?

      Twilight and super twilight times vary depending upon the time of year.  Typically, twilight times are:

      Non-Daylight Saving Time: November - March
      Twilight – 1pm – 3pm
      Super Twilight – 3pm – close


      Daylight Saving Time: March – November
      Twilight – 2pm – 4pm
      Super Twilight – 4pm – close

      Please visit https://www.shorelinelinks.com/ or call the Pro Shop at 650-903-GOLF (4653) to confirm.
    • Can a non golfer ride in a cart with a paying golfer?

      Yes. If a golfer is riding alone in a golf cart that is rented for the round of golf at a single rider rate, then a spectator is welcome to ride along. 

    • Can I bring a cooler with drinks onto the course?

      Personal coolers are not permitted. Food and beverages must be purchased from Michaels Restaurant or the Pro Shop. Michaels at Shoreline is the food and beverage concessionaire for the golf course and has a walk-up window or you can go inside. Michaels also provides beverage cart service around the course Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    • Does Shoreline Golf Links have a driving range?

      Yes! The driving range is open daily with evening play available under the lights. Closing time varies depending on time of year so please check https://shorelinelinks.com/ or call the Pro Shop for the hours of operation. In the spring and summer, grass tees are available on the weekends. 

    • If there is slow play ahead of us, can we play through?

      Playing through a group in front is a courteous gesture on the part of the lead group but it does not help the overall pace of play for the course. Shoreline Golf Links does not encourage this practice except in extreme cases. Each group is encouraged to maintain the appropriate spacing behind the group that it is following. 

    • What is the dress code at Shoreline Golf Links?

      While there is no specific dress code at Shoreline, most golfers feel comfortable in golf or casual attire. Golf shoes much have alternative spikes. No metal spikes or bare feet are allowed.

  • Heritage Trees
    • How do I know if I have a Heritage tree?
      Mountain View’s City Code Chaper 32, Article II, defines a “Heritage Tree” as any tree that has a trunk with a circumference of forty-eight inches (48") or more measured at fifty-four inches (54") above natural grade. Multi-trunk trees are measured just below the first major trunk fork. Three species, quercus (oak), sequoia (redwood) or cedrus (cedar) are considered “Heritage” if they have a circumference of twelve inches (12") measured at fifty-four inches (54") above natural grade.
    • What responsibility do I have if there is a Heritage tree on my property?
      Mountain View’s ordinance states that if you own or control real property in the City, you are responsible for maintaining and preserving all Heritage trees in a state of good health.  It is against the City ordinance to willfully injure, damage, destroy, move or remove a Heritage tree unless granted a removal permit by the City.
    • How do I obtain a removal application for a Heritage Tree?

      You can obtain an "Application for Heritage Tree Removal Permit" by doing one of the following steps:


      There is a $116 fee (each additional tree, same site $58)  associated with the permit process starting July 1, 2011.

    • What information is required on the application?
      A completed application will provide staff with contact information as well as the number, species, size and exact location of the tree(s) involved.  You’ll also need to provide a brief statement on the application of the reason(s) for the requested action.
    • What happens after I submit an application?
      Staff will review the application, make a site visit to evaluate the tree(s) and make a decision on the application.  Typically, notice of the decision will be posted on the tree for a ten (10) day period and mailed to the property owner.  If there are no appeals to the decision, the removal permit will be issued by the City.
    • What is the appeal process?
      Any person aggrieved or affected by a decision to remove or deny removal of a Heritage tree may appeal the decision during the ten (10) day posting period.  A letter stating the reason(s) for the appeal must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office.  There is a Fifty Dollar ($50) fee for filing an appeal.  An appeal automatically stops any action on the tree until the Urban Forestry Board hears the appeal at a public meeting.  The Board’s decision on an appeal is final.
    • What happens once a removal permit has been issued?
      A Heritage Tree Removal Permit is valid for up to two (2) years from date of issue.  After the tree(s) is removed, the owner is typically required to plant a new 24-inch box tree(s) or pay an in-lieu fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to the City of Mountain View for each tree removed.  These funds are used to plant new trees in City parks, medians and public areas.  The property owner may choose the replacement species and planting location for the new tree(s).
    • How do I request the planting of a street tree?
      Call the Forestry Division to request a tree. Staff will evaluate your property to see if there is appropriate planting space. Considerations for planting include spacing, the proximity to sewer, gas and water service lines, as well as proximity to sidewalks, driveways, streetlights, etc. Street tree planting is typically scheduled in the fall.
    • What if I have additional questions?
      If you would like more information about Mountain View’s Heritage Tree Ordinance (Chapter 32 Article II) or have questions about street trees, you can contact the Forestry Division at (650) 903-6273 or by e-mail at parks@mountainview.gov
  • Seniors
  • Shoreline
  • Street Trees
    • How can I determine which trees are street trees?
      Street trees are planted in two locations along city streets. Some are planted in the “parking strip,” the open space that runs between the curb and the sidewalk. Where a parking strip doesn’t exist, street trees are planted behind the sidewalk (often called a monolithic sidewalk), and are located in the front yard of the property owner. If you are unsure if a tree is a street tree, contact the Forestry Division at (650) 903-6273 or by email at parks@mountainview.gov. Staff will visit your location to make a determination.
    • How do I report a street tree problem?
      During normal business hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., call (650) 903-6273. If you have a tree related problem after normal business hours call (650) 903-6395.
    • Who do I contact if I want my street tree evaluated or pruned?
      Please contact the Forestry Division at (650) 903-6273 or by email at parks@mountainview.gov . Staff will be happy to provide information on your street tree or make a site visit to evaluate the tree.
    • Who is responsible for pruning street trees?
      The Forestry Division prunes, plants and removes dying, damaged or diseased street trees. Property owners are not permitted to prune street trees without written permission from the city. Please contact the Forestry Division at (650) 903-6273 or by email at parks@mountainview.gov for all street tree service requests.
    • Does Mountain View have a routine pruning schedule?
      Approximately 28,000 street and park trees are trimmed on a 5–7year cycle. Trees ranking as critical or high priority are scheduled for service first. Trees may be pruned more frequently depending on the species and growth rate of the tree. Contact the Forestry Division office to determine when your street tree was last pruned.
    • How do I request the planting of a street tree?
      Call the Forestry Division to request a tree. Staff will evaluate your property to see if there is appropriate planting space. Considerations for planting include spacing, proximity to sewer, gas and water service lines, as well as proximity to sidewalks, driveways, streetlights, etc. Street tree planting is typically scheduled in the fall.
    • Can I select the type of street tree planted?
      The tree must be chosen from a list of tree species previously approved by the City. This master street tree list has tree species selected for each street in Mountain View, in order to maintain a diverse urban forest. If you have concerns regarding the species for your street, staff will work with you to find an appropriate species.
    • Who is responsible for watering new street trees?
      The property owner is responsible for watering young street trees. The first two years are critical and the tree will need to be watered weekly from spring through fall.
    • Who owns Mountain View’s street trees?
      Street trees planted in Mountain View are owned by the property owner. The city has the authority to plant, prune or remove street trees. However this does not affect ownership or liability. Information on street trees may be found in the City Code, Chapter 32 Trees, Shrubs and Plants, Article 1.
    • I have an issue with roots from the street tree. Who is responsible?
      The property owner is responsible for damage caused by tree roots and for mitigating root issues on private property. The city may repair damage caused by roots to public improvements such as sidewalk, curb and gutter.
    • When can a street tree be removed?
      Normally, a street tree is removed only if it is dead, dying, structurally unsound, or creating a problem that cannot be resolved without causing great harm to the tree. Street tree removal requests are processed on a case-by-case basis which includes a site inspection. The decision is made by the City Arborist.
    • I don’t like my street tree. Can it be replaced with another tree?
      In most cases, no. Typically, only trees that are dead, dying or structurally unsound will be removed. Contact the Forestry Division at (650) 903-6273 or by email at parks@mountainview.gov if you would like your tree evaluated for replacement.
    • Can a street tree be removed because it’s messy?
      Generally, no. All trees provide a benefit to the community but there can be a cost associated with the benefit. The cost may be leaf litter, fruit or pod droppings or root issues. In most cases, these are not sufficient reasons to remove a street tree. Leaf debris can be placed in the gutter during the fall and will be picked up by Streets Division crews.
    • If my street tree is removed, can I have the wood?

      Leaving wood creates a liability on site. Crews chip all wood which is turned into mulch for reuse in the landscape.

    • Does the city treat street trees for insects?
      Forestry Division staff treat specific trees by request. When there is a request for pest control, division staff will evaluate each situation to determine if treatment is required. Mountain View uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to pest control and will use natural predators and biological controls when possible to treat problems with an emphasis on minimizing the use of pesticides. If action is recommended, treatment will be scheduled and the resident will be advised.
    • Do I need a permit to prune or remove a street tree on my property?
      Street trees, which are often on private property, may not be pruned or removed by the property owner without the city’s written permission. If you have any question whether your tree is a street tree, heritage tree or other, please contact the Forestry Division at (650) 903-6273 or by email at parks@mountainview.gov Information about heritage trees may be found under FAQs for Heritage Trees, and in the Heritage Tree Ordinance at http://beta.mountainview.gov/depts/cs/parks/heritagetree/default.asp
  • Volunteering
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