On the evening of June 24th, the Mountain View City Council adopted key changes to the R3 Zoning District, approving higher residential densities in several areas across the city. The vote marks a significant step toward aligning zoning with the city’s housing goals and expanding opportunities near transit and jobs.
Mountain View’s R3 Zoning District covers nearly half of the city’s multi-family housing and plays a vital role in determining where new homes can be built. On June 24th, the City Council approved targeted zoning updates that raise density limits in selected areas—part of a broader strategy to meet state housing mandates, expand housing supply, and prevent displacement in vulnerable neighborhoods. We thank City staff for their leadership in navigating this complex, high-stakes process.
SV@Home has been actively involved throughout this effort. We submitted detailed public comments and a letter ahead of the Council’s March 25th study session, advocating for a zoning framework that supports more housing—particularly affordable homes in areas with strong redevelopment potential. We urged the city to apply the highest possible density (R3-D2, 75–110 units per acre) to more sites and to include additional parcels identified in the Housing Element. We also emphasized the importance of pairing these changes with strong tenant protections.
When staff returned to Council this month, we were encouraged by several improvements: expanded eligibility for infill sites, the continued use of R3-D2 zoning in key locations like Del Medio and Continental/Dale, and the recognition of housing opportunities near commercial corridors and transit. At the same time, we continued to raise concerns around the lack of a feasibility analysis and the decision not to include other high-opportunity sites that could help meet the City’s housing goals.
Ultimately, Council adopted staff’s recommendations with a few key amendments. Of the 13 areas initially assigned to mid-tier R3-D1 zoning (50–75 units per acre), two—California/Ortega and California/Latham/Rengstorff—were up zoned to R3-D2, the highest density designation. These changes reflect a growing commitment to unlocking housing opportunities in places that are already well-positioned to support growth.
We’re grateful to City staff and Council for their thoughtful engagement throughout this process. While we had hoped for additional upzoning in other areas, this update represents meaningful progress. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City to ensure that the R3 Zoning District delivers on its promise to support inclusive, sustainable housing production in Mountain View.