The Milpitas City Council adopted an ordinance creating new zoning districts in the City and updating the zoning map to implement new land use policies that were approved as part of the City’s updated General Plan (2021) and the new Metro Specific Plan (2023) at the June 18 City Council meeting. The newly created zoning districts include the Business Park Research and Development (BPRD) Zone, which covers a large light industrial area in the southwestern portion of Milpitas, west of Interstate 880 and south of Calaveras Blvd. and seven separate Metro Area Zones that allow higher-density, mixed-use, and transit-oriented development in the area surrounding the Milpitas Transit Center, BART station and Great Mall.
Mayor Carmen Montano shared, “As Milpitas continues to grow and evolve, it is imperative that our zoning regulations reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. This zoning update aims to promote sustainable development, ensure affordable housing and foster vibrant neighborhoods.”
The changes to the zoning ordinance and zoning map to create the new BPRD and Metro Area Zones represent the completion of the first phase of the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update project. This project was initiated in February 2023 and is expected to be completed during the summer of 2025. The full Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update will involve fully re-organizing and updating the City’s zoning code, which is part of the Milpitas Municipal Code, to make the zoning regulations clearer, more modern and user-friendly.
According to City Manager Ned Thomas, “We are excited about the potential of this zone to transform our industrial areas and drive economic growth. The City aims for the BPRD Zone regulations to spur the redevelopment of underutilized industrial land, attract new businesses and create high-paying jobs.”
“We are looking forward to implementing these updated zoning regulations, which reflect our City’s commitment to sustainable development and community well-being,” said Milpitas Planning Director Jay Lee. “This update is a significant step towards creating a more livable, vibrant and inclusive City for all our residents.”
The Metro Area Zones will help the City achieve many of its policy goals related to sustainability and improved quality of life by incentivizing the development of multi-family housing and complementary commercial businesses in locations that are easily accessible by foot, bike and public transit. The new Metro Area zoning standards encouraging higher-density residential development in the vicinity of the BART station, VTA light rail stations and Great Mall will also help the City to meet its state-mandated targets for accommodating new housing in Milpitas.
The new zoning regulations and zoning map changes for the BPRD and Metro Area Zones will go into effect 30 days after the passage of the ordinance on July 18, 2024. Members of the community may contact the Planning Department at (408) 586-3279 or planningdepartment@milpitas.gov for more information about the new zoning districts.