Condo and townhome kitchen remodel in Mountain View, CA

Getting HOA sign-off

Read the CC&Rs and any architectural guidelines, then submit what the board asks for, often a scope of work, drawings, and the contractor's license and insurance certificates. Ask about hallway and elevator protection, parking for trades and quiet hours.

Limits set by the building

Drains connect to lines shared with other units, so a sink can usually shift only so far. Exhaust ducts may need a path the association controls. Hard flooring often requires a sound-rated underlayment.

City permit still required

Association approval and a City permit are separate steps. Mountain View's list of permit-exempt work notes that kitchen cabinet replacements require a permit, and electrical or plumbing changes can add trade permits.

Association terms

CC&Rs: the recorded rules that govern the property. Architectural review: the board's approval process for changes. Common area: parts owned by the association, such as walls between units. Certificate of insurance: proof of contractor coverage the HOA may require. Riser: a vertical pipe that serves several units.

Permits in Mountain View

Mountain View requires a building permit, issued before construction starts, for any kitchen remodel that replaces the cabinets. Replacing countertops or refacing the existing cabinets does not need one.
Depending on the scope, separate electrical or plumbing permits may apply, and replacing a range hood that vents outdoors needs a mechanical permit. The application includes an 11-by-17-inch plan of the existing and proposed kitchen and an electrical load calculation.
If the remodel changes the outside of the house, the Planning Division reviews it before the building submittal. The City lists about 5 business days to receive a permit for a like-for-like replacement and 2 to 3 months for a renovation that removes walls.

City of Mountain View Building Division · 500 Castro Street, (650) 903-6313

Common questions

Do I need HOA approval to remodel my condo kitchen?

Most associations require written approval for anything beyond paint and hardware. Check the CC&Rs and get approval before work starts.

Can a townhome kitchen move to a different wall?

Sometimes, depending on where the drains and vents run. A remodeler can check the existing lines during the visit and tell you what the building allows.