The Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) reviewed proposed updates to Mountain View’s R3 Zoning District, focusing on increasing housing density in select areas while addressing concerns about displacement and neighborhood impacts. Final decisions will be made by the City Council on March 25, 2025.

Last month the Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) held a study session to review proposed updates to Mountain View’s R3 Zoning District, which governs much of the city’s multi-family housing. The discussion focused on increasing density in select areas to expand housing options while addressing concerns about displacement, infrastructure needs, and neighborhood character.

The R3 Zoning District plays a key role in Mountain View’s housing landscape, covering nearly half of the city’s multi-family residential areas. While the current zoning allows for a mix of housing types, outdated regulations have made it harder to build new homes. To address this, the city has identified 14 areas where zoning changes could encourage more housing, particularly in locations with larger parcels, access to transit, and adjacent commercial areas.

During the meeting, commissioners supported a four-story base zoning (R3-D1), acknowledging that state density bonus laws could allow taller buildings. However, they raised concerns about potential displacement in rent-controlled areas and debated whether some R2-zoned neighborhoods should be rezoned to allow more housing. The commission ultimately recommended keeping higher-density zoning in Del Medio South, rather than reducing it as initially proposed.

Next, these recommendations will go to the City Council on March 25, 2025, where final decisions will be made on zoning changes, density levels, and tenant protections. This update is also part of the city’s state-mandated Housing Element, which requires zoning adjustments by December 2025 to help meet Mountain View’s housing goals.