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R3 Multifamily Residential Zoning Update

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The City’s 2021-23 Strategic Roadmap Action Plan prioritizes Intentional Development & Housing Options, including:

  • An increase in the quantity and diversity of housing (such as stacked flats),
  • Opportunities for affordable housing as well as home ownership, and
  • Neighborhoods with nearby transit, jobs and amenities that balance density with livable, green, mixed-use development.

To address this priority, City staff are working on revisions to the R3 zoning development standards that consider form-based standards, incentivize stacked flats, and update rowhouse design guidelines.

The R3 Zoning District Update can better address neighborhood conditions, enable more diverse housing including stacked flats, and create more predictable outcomes. The Update is anticipated to be completed in early 2026.

In addition to updates to the R3 Zoning District, the project also incorporates additional Housing Element Programs:

  • Program 1.3.h. This program requires the City to identify areas in the R2 Zoning District that can be incorporated into the R3 Zoning District.
  • Program 1.5. This program requires the City to update nonconforming standards to allow more flexibility for building upgrades, additions and structural alterations that can prolong the life of multifamily structures within the R1 and R2 zoning districts.

A map of all affected parcels and the proposed subdistrict designation is available here.

You can learn more about the R3 Zoning District Update process and engage with the project through Collaborate Mountain View. 

Outreach Events

  • None scheduled.

Public Meetings

This project will be heard at the following public meetings:

  • January 7, 2026 – Environmental Planning Commission
  • February 10, 2026 – City Council (tentative) 

No formal decisions on the project will be made at these hearings. The meetings will consider Draft R3 Zoning District development standards, draft residential General Plan designations, approaches for commercial uses and live-work units, parking, nonconforming residential developments, incentives for lot consolidation, and the inclusion of the R4 Zoning District. (Specific topics subject to change.) The following documents are available for public review: 

 Meeting agenda, staff report and materials will be posted at mountainview.legistar.com the Friday prior to the public hearing date and will include information on meeting location, format, and how to participate.

To receive email notifications of upcoming meetings, workshops, and release of draft materials, please enter your email below and press submit.

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Prior Public Meetings

The following public meetings on the project have occurred:

  • June 24, 2025 - City Council Unfinished Business (see Item 8.2)
  • March 25, 2025 – City Council Study Session (see Item 6.2)

  • February 19, 2025 - Environmental Planning Commission Study Session (see Item 5.1)

  • February 3, 2025 - Virtual presentation and Q&A regarding the project. (See Presentation Video and Slides.)

  • April 9, 2024 - City Council Study Session (see Item 6.1)
  • March 13, 2024 - Environmental Planning Commission Study Session (see Item 5.1)
  • April 13, 2021 - Council Study Session (see Item 3.1).
  • March 17, 2021 - Environmental Planning Commission Study Session (see Item 5.1).
  • November 16, 2020 - Community Meeting #2 reviewed Community Meeting #1's input and presented options for changes to the Draft R3 Zoning District development standards (see Presentation Video and Slides).
  • October 26, 2020 - Community Meeting #1 presented ideas and gathered input on potential changes to the R3 Zoning District development standards (see Video and Presentation).
  • October 13, 2020 - Council Study Session to discuss initial findings regarding multifamily residential development in the R3 zoning district (see Item 8.1).
  • November 12, 2019 - Council authorized the scope of work for the project (see Item 8.1).

Environmental Review

As Lead Agency, the City of Mountain View will conduct environmental review for this project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Materials will be posted on this website when available.