Milpitas council OKs new zoning districts, land use policies

The Milpitas City Council recently adopted an ordinance creating new zoning districts in the city. The council’s June 18 vote also updated the city’s zoning map to implement new land use policies that were approved as part of the updated General Plan in 2021 and the new Metro Specific Plan in 2023.

The new zoning districts includes 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 Boulevard.

“We are excited about the potential of this zone to transform our industrial areas and drive economic growth,” city manager Ned Thomas said in a statement. “The City aims for the BPRD Zone regulations to spur the redevelopment of underutilized industrial land, attract new businesses and create high-paying jobs.”

Seven Metro Area Zones were created to allow higher-density, mixed-use and transit-oriented development in the area surrounding the Milpitas Transit Center, BART station and Great Mall. They were designed in part to help the city meet its state-mandated targets for new housing in Milpitas.

“This zoning update aims to promote sustainable development, ensure affordable housing and foster vibrant neighborhoods,” Mayor Carmen Montano said.

Creation of the new zoning districts is 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 update will involve reorganizing the city’s zoning code, which is part of the Milpitas Municipal Code, for clarity and user-friendliness.

For more information, contact the city planning department at 408-586-3279 or planningdepartment@milpitas.gov.