Cross-referenced against 2 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted in Mountain View for residential units, requiring a city business license and STR registration with an annual 60-day limit for unhosted stays.
To host an STR in Mountain View, you must obtain a city business license and register with the city's STR portal. If you live on-site during the stay (hosted), there is no limit on rental days; however, if you are not present (unhosted), you are capped at 60 days per year. You must also collect and pay a 10% tax on all bookings and provide neighbors with a local contact who can respond to issues within one hour.
Step-by-step guide for Mountain View
Obtain and complete the Business License Application (NAICS 531110), Transient Occupancy Tax Registration form, and the Self-certification Affidavit for Short-Term Rentals.
Submit all three completed forms via email to BusinessLicense@mountainview.gov, by mail, or in person at City Hall.
Wait for the Finance Department to review the application and issue a business license number or exemption letter.
Using your business license number, complete the online STR registration and pay the annual registration fee.
Submit a Transient Occupancy Tax return every quarter even if no rent was collected.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM