Per Section 105 of the California Building Code and Section R105 of the California Residential Code, exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the Building code or any other laws or ordinances of the City of Mountain View.

Based on the Codes above, permits are not required for the following scopes of work:

1. One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not greater than 120 square feet, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses with no mechanical, electrical or plumbing installed. Consult with Planning for zoning requirements. Note: These structures may still be regulated by Section 710A of the Code, despite exemption from permits.
2. Wood fences 6 feet or less in height. Consult with Planning for zoning requirements.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or II-A-liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1. Consult with Planning for zoning requirements.
6. Sidewalks, residential decks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route or required exit. Consult with Planning for zoning requirements and Public Works for off-site improvements requirements, if in the public right-of-way.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work that are not part of an accessible route or furnishing a portion of a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Note: kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacement requires a permit. Exterior painting of anything other than a single family residence or duplex requires Planning approval.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery provided an accessible route is available.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy (single-family residence) that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground. Consult with Planning for zoning requirements.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached One-and-Two Family Dwellings (e.g. single-family homes and duplexes) and not part of a public playground. Note: Play structures cannot be located in front yard per zoning requirements.
12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support and not on a structure within a homeowners association (HOA). Consult with Planning for zoning requirements.
13. Nonfixed movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
14. Window replacements utilizing the existing framing and not on a structure within a homeowners association (HOA). Note: Any window replacement for an emergency escape and rescue opening required per Section R310 of the California Residential Code or Chapter 10 of the California Building Code requires a permit. Consult with Planning for zoning requirements.
15. A pond at a single-family home or duplex, not for swimming or recreational use, and contains water less than 18 inches (457 mm) in depth, intended for fish or aesthetic purposes and protected from public access.