Gas to electric kitchen conversion in Mountain View, CA

Panel capacity

The load calculation shows whether the existing service can carry the new range along with everything else in the house. Mountain View's kitchen page also cites a city code section that sets 200 amps as the minimum service rating for one-family homes, so smaller, older panels often come up during review.

Capping the gas line

The old gas line is shut off and capped at a safe point, which is plumbing work under the permit. Some owners keep a capped line for later; others have it removed.

Hood and ventilation

Replacing a hood that vents outdoors needs a mechanical permit in Mountain View. The City requires the vent to end on the exterior at least 3 feet from other openings into the building and does not allow flexible corrugated duct for exhaust hoods.

Electrical terms

Branch circuit: the wiring from the panel to one appliance or group of outlets. Ampacity: how much current a wire can safely carry. Load calculation: the tally of everything the service must supply. Subpanel: a secondary panel fed from the main one. Induction: cooking with a magnetic field that heats the pan directly.

Permits in Mountain View

Mountain View requires a building permit, issued before construction starts, for any kitchen remodel that replaces the cabinets. Replacing countertops or refacing the existing cabinets does not need one.
Depending on the scope, separate electrical or plumbing permits may apply, and replacing a range hood that vents outdoors needs a mechanical permit. The application includes an 11-by-17-inch plan of the existing and proposed kitchen and an electrical load calculation.
If the remodel changes the outside of the house, the Planning Division reviews it before the building submittal. The City lists about 5 business days to receive a permit for a like-for-like replacement and 2 to 3 months for a renovation that removes walls.

City of Mountain View Building Division · 500 Castro Street, (650) 903-6313

Common questions

Will switching to induction require a new panel?

Not always. The load calculation that comes with Mountain View's kitchen permit shows whether the current service can handle the new circuit.

Does replacing a range hood need a permit in Mountain View?

A hood with an outside air vent needs a mechanical permit. A recirculating hood with no outside vent is a different case; check with the Building Division.