The Town of Mountain View successfully completed its first workshop for the Mountain View Code and Character (MVCC) project on February 9, 2026. Town Attorney Austin Pierce Flanagan led a guided conversation with Town Council about the town’s current zoning, shared proposed options for moving forward, and received specific direction on the next steps for the project.
Council members begaBy sharing what a “successful” code and character project would mean to each of them, helping shape clear goals for the work. They confirmed that this process will not create a legislative rezoning of individual properties and emphasized their desire to simplify and shorten the zoning code, so it is easier for residents to understand and use. Council also discussed new proposed zoning districts and agreed to focus the rewrite on updating residential districts, mixed use areas, and commercial areas. These districts reflect the reality that current commercial uses do not align with development initiatives in the area, and create challenges for the Town’s commercial growth goals.
As the Town moves this project forward, staff wants to address several questions that have come from residents. When Council discusses and potentially adopts new zoning districts, existing single unit homes located in a new, mixed use district, will remain legal and can continue exactly as they are. No one will be required to add commercial uses or change their house just because the zoning map changes; mixed use provisions are an option for future choices, not a mandate.
Changing the zoning will guide future development and redevelopment, but it does not mean the Town will force existing homes to be rebuilt to meet the new rules. Instead, the updated code will clarify how “nonconforming” situations work, what that status means for property owners, and how homes can be maintained, repaired, or improved over time. Residents will have opportunities to ask questions and receive direct input from the Town Attorney and staff at upcoming meetings and workshops.
Again, staff would like to encourage community participation as it is essential to the success of the MVCC project. While preserving the unique character of the Town of Mountain View and keeping pace with current developmental trends, staff aims to encourage responsible, methodical growth that aligns with the Town Council’s vision for the future.
The updated calendar of meetings for this project appears on flyers distributed around town, on the website, and this article includes the calendar for review.
