Milpitas City Council
October 28, 2025

12 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
01 INTRODUCTION
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

3. PLAN FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGIES
Based on the community’s vision and guiding principles, a series of development framework diagrams were
prepared to summarize land use and development
concepts, mobility/connectivity, parks and open
space, and streetscape and branding concepts.

Development feasibility testing was conducted on a
series of opportunity sites to evaluate building typologies, uses, and intensity in relation to market feasibility. A preferred Master Plan concept was developed to study
the development potential of the Plan Area, including
potential strategies for placemaking, and implementing
the City's housing, economic development, and
greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

4. DRAFT PLAN AND EIR
A preferred Master Plan vision and series of framework
concepts for the Gateway-Main Street area were
prepared, which serve as the basis for the development
of the Specific Plan elements, addressing land use
and urban form; economic development and retail
strategies; mobility, circulation, and parking; public
realm improvements, placemaking and branding;
infrastructure; and implementation. An Environmental
Impact Report was prepared to analyze the impacts
of the Specific Plan, following CEQA Guidelines and
procedures. Based on comments received from the
community and coordination with City staff, a Final EIR/ Response to Comments was prepared and distributed for
public review (to be completed in Late 2024).

5. FINAL PLAN
The Final Plan/ Adoption phase encompasses the
final updates to the Specific Plan and associated
environmental documents, following the adoption of
the Specific Plan and certification of the EIR by the City Council.

1.5.2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Throughout the Specific Plan process, a series of outreach events were held to gather community input, and establish the vision for the Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan.

Input was received from community members, property
owners, business stakeholders, and community leaders as summarized on the following pages.

PROJECT WEBSITE
The project team worked with the City to create a project website: www.milpitasmainstreet.org. The website was
used to publicize major project updates, share Specific Plan resources and the project timelines, and advertise upcoming community engagement activities, including
workshops, public surveys, and public review draft
documents.

POP-UP EVENTS
The project planning team hosted a Pop-up Event at
Holiday Magic on Main Street in December 2021 to engage with the community in the heart of the Plan Area. This
provided an opportunity to advertise and share information about the project and solicit feedback from people
attending the event on their vision and big ideas for Main Street.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Prior to the initiation of the Specific Plan, the City of Milpitas hired Catalyze SV to help facilitate three virtual workshops in Spring 2021 to discuss the redevelopment of Main Street with various stakeholders. Each conversation focused on different aspects of the future of Main Street and included a presentation, virtual site walk, small group discussion, and report back to the larger group. The topics of the conversations included:
• Community Conversation #1: Small Business and
Economic Development, April 29, 2021.
• Community Conversation #2: Housing, May 27, 2021.
• Community Conversation #3: Historical and Cultural
Resources, June 24, 2021.

STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
At the start of the Specific Plan process, the project team conducted a series of stakeholder interview sessions in small group settings, to gather targeted feedback on the Plan Area and focus areas. Participating stakeholders
included property owners, business representatives,
neighborhood associations, developers, and real estate
professionals. These meetings allowed those who
participated to provide input and context regarding
existing issues and opportunities within the Plan Area.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 13 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

PLANNING PROCESS
"I would love
a destination
restaurant in
Milpitas"
"Homelessness is
becoming a problem
in the Plan Area" "A place where people want to go, where Farmers Markets happen on Saturday
mornings and neighbors can walk to each
week"
"Please make our
city beautiful"
"Long time coming"
"We need more
entertainment
options for the high
school and young
adults"
"Beautifying the area
and hosting events
there will bring in
new businesses"
• Enthusiasm for the project and concepts
addressing Main Street, streetscape
improvements, and active outdoor spaces
including outdoor dining along retail paseos,
the need for more trees and green space, a
central destination for the community,
and places “to be.”
• A sense of urgency that improvements are
needed to enhance the character, sense of
place, safety, and access, which will help
address traffic and promote other modes of
transportation, including walking, biking and
public transportation.
• Interest in diverse housing and places to go/
be, which includes creating a downtown with
improved livability, housing choices for families,
seniors, and first time buyers that include active
outdoor spaces for the community.
• Recognize potential for development in the
Crossroads which is currently a large, urban
setting and serves as a key gateway to the
downtown core.
• Improve safety for pedestrian and bike access
along Calaveras Boulevard, Main Street, and
Serra Way that is designed to connect to transit,
retail and public amenities, open space, and the
greater Milpitas.
• Create opportunities for urban parks and activity
hubs where people can meet and gather that is
publicly accessible and includes open space
and pedestrian amenities.

WHAT WE HEARD
Participants shared a wide range of feedback throughout the process, summarized into the following recurring themes:

14 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
01 INTRODUCTION
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
A series of community workshops were conducted to
engage the community and gather feedback on their
vision and preferences for the Gateway-Main Street
area, share preliminary planning concepts, and progress updates. These workshops were conducted using a virtual platform where participants had opportunities to provide feedback through interactive exercises and have space to have conversations and ask questions.

Community Workshop #1
Community Workshop #1 was held virtually on June 29,
2022. The main purpose of the community workshop
was to provide an overview of the project and timeline, introduce the focus areas being considered, and
gather input on key project components (housing
and development, open space and public realm and
transportation and access) through break-out rooms
and interactive feedback exercises with workshop
participants.

Community Workshop #2
Community Workshop #2 was held virtually on February
13, 2023 and provided the community with an update on
the emerging project vision and framework, reviewed
community engagement to date, and allowed the project
team to gather feedback about specific land use, mobility and public realm proposals in three Focus Areas within
the plan area boundary. Feedback received during the
workshop helped guide the project team in refining the
plan scenarios and strategies presented in the Specific Plan.

ONLINE SURVEYS/ FEEDBACK FORMS
In conjunction with each workshop, an online survey/
feedback form was used to gather additional feedback
from those that missed the virtual community workshops
or wanted to provide additional feedback. The survey
process was intended to parallel each virtual workshop
by providing an opportunity to respond to the same
exercises that virtual workshop participants responded
to. The surveys were made available to the community on the project website for at least one month following each workshop, with wide advertisement, and the results were summarized and shared on the project website.

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
The project team met periodically with the Technical
Advisory Committee (TAC), comprised of representative
city departments and other public agency partners,
including the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). These meetings were used to discuss and review
the key deliverables, including existing conditions and opportunities, plan framework diagrams and strategies,
economic feasibility studies, and provide input on the Draft Specific Plan.

PLANNING COMMISSION & CITY COUNCIL STUDY

SESSIONS
The Specific Plan process engaged the Planning
Commission and City Council in study sessions on May
17th and 25th, 2022 to summarize the key findings from
the Existing Conditions process and seek feedback on the priorities for the Specific Plan focus areas. A second City Council study session was conducted on April 25th, 2023 to share the visioning input received from the community, present and seek input on the Specific Plan guiding
principles, market feasibility analysis and developing
strategies, and emerging focus area concepts.

OUTSIDE COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS
The City presented project updates to various groups in the community, including to the:
• Community Development Roundtable on February 17,
2022, February 16, 2023, and May 19, 2023, bi-monthly
roundtable discussions with developers hosted by the
city, to share and receive feedback on the Specific Plan progress. Participants of these roundtable meetings
generally expressed support for the Specific Plan
strategies and policies during these meetings.
• Council Ad-Hoc Main Street Revitalization Subcommittee at its meeting on April 12, 2022, to share the key findings from the project Land Use, Zoning, and Urban Form
Analysis. Staff received feedback to thoughtfully
incorporate new housing along Main Street while
maintaining and strengthening the neighborhood
commercial character and find solutions to provide
better parking opportunities throughout the corridor.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 15 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Workshops 1 & 2 included a presentation, interactive exercises and discussion, followed by on-line surveys. A recording and summaries of the community input were made available on the project website.

PLANNING PROCESS

02

THE GATEWAY -

MAIN STREET VISION
02

18 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
02 THE GATEWAY-MAIN STREET VISION
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
01 VISION AND PLACEMAKING
A Vibrant Center and
Entertainment District for
the City of Milpitas
The Gateway-Main Street Area is a central
destination for the Milpitas community,
composed of districts and neighborhoods
organized around nodes of activity.

Guiding Principles:
• Make this the heart of Milpitas and a downtown retail and entertainment district.
• Improve the Gateway-Main Street Area with high
quality development, landscaping, and streetscape
design.
• Integrate signage and branding to distinguish
the Gateway-Main Street Area as the downtown for
Milpitas.
• Develop and distinguish special places to integrate
an element of discovery and create identities for
distinct neighborhoods.
• Preserve and commemorate historic places
through interpretative signage.
02 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
A Downtown Mixed-Use
Destination
Main Street and surrounding districts will
evolve into more walkable places supported
by commercial retail, entertainment,
and employment uses, civic and cultural
anchors, and infill residential and
neighborhood service nodes.

Guiding Principles:
• Integrate a mix of housing types, scales, and
affordability, including mixed-use, housing for families, smaller unit homes, live-work, senior housing, and
affordable housing.
• Bring walkable, pedestrian-friendly retail, grocery
stores, restaurants/outdoor dining, and places “to be”. • Add housing throughout to support new businesses
and create activity on the street, with emphasis along
Main Street and at the Crossroads.
• Distinguish key gateways on Calaveras Boulevard
along Serra Way and at Main Street with distinct
architecture, branding, landscaping, and streetscape
improvements through interpretative signage.

OVERVIEW
This chapter describes the framework, vision, and guiding principles that serve as the foundation for the Specific Plan. The vision and plan concepts reflect the vision to transform Main Street from an auto-oriented street to a walkable and pedestrian-friendly district with a mix of shops and services, cultural attractions, and outdoor spaces for shopping, dining, strolling, and public gathering.

GATEWAY-MAIN STREET VISION
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03 MOBILITY AND ACCESS
A Walkable, Bikeable, Transit
Accessible Community
New infill housing and mixed-use
development in the community will be
paired with complete streets, trails, and
transit improvements to support a walkable
and bikeable urban community.

Guiding Principles:
• Re-design Calaveras Boulevard, Main Street, and
Serra Way to incorporate multi-modal transportation
options and facilitate walkability, bikeability, and
connections to transit.
• Provide new streets and extend existing streets to
create a grid of smaller, connected blocks.
• Create a network of bicycle and pedestrian linkages
that connect to transit, retail and services, public
amenities, and the open space system serving
greater Milpitas.
• Integrate multi-modal safety improvements
throughout the Gateway-Main Street Area, including
crosswalks, enhanced sidewalks, pedestrian lighting,
and other amenities.
04 OPEN SPACE AND PUBLIC REALM AMENITIES
Diverse and Meaningful
Public Open Space
The Plan builds on the assets of its location
to support new public realm streetscape
improvements, urban parks, plazas, special
gathering places, and connected open space.

Guiding Principles:
• Improve Main Street as a shared street with places for outdoor dining, living, and commercial activity.
• Create smaller, active urban parks, gathering spaces, and special places for people to meet and interact.
• Integrate public art, entertainment, and active
programming in public spaces that celebrate the
city’s history and diversity.
• Improve naturalized areas, open spaces, and the
Penitencia Creek with landscaped improvements
and inviting pedestrian amenities.
"The Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan Area is envisioned as a vibrant center for Milpitas, where attractive neighborhoods and distinctive shopping streets provide a gathering place at the heart of the community."

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2.1 Plan and C ommunity Vision
For planning purposes, the Plan Area has been
organized into four priority focus areas: the Main Street District, the Crossroads District, the Gateway District, and Abbott District. The Plan Area includes two other
districts, the Library District and Creekside Industrial District, as well three urban reserve areas, the Elmwood Correctional Facility (Elmwood), the north Union Pacific Railroad yard (North Railyards), and the south Union
Pacific Railroad yard (South Railyards). There are also existing single-family residential neighborhoods within and adjacent to the Plan Area, which are considered
neighborhood preservation areas. These areas are
described below and shown in Figure 2-1.

FOCUS AREAS are areas of the Specific Plan targeted
to support redevelopment and infill, including
streetscape and open space improvements, connectivity
improvements, and district branding. The vision for the Specific Plan's four focus areas, Main Street, Crossroads District, Gateway District, and Abbott District, are
presented in the following sections, and include an
overview of the district vision for land use, urban form, and the public realm.

EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS are to be preserved
and enhanced with future improvements in the
Gateway-Main Street area. Neighborhoods are intended
to benefit from local area improvements, such as new
street, streetscape, and open space trail improvements
that connect residents to adjacent area shops,
businesses, parks, and open space. No new development
is planned or anticipated in these areas. Instead, the
Specific Plan provides guidance for the design of edges adjacent to the existing neighborhoods, with a focus
on addressing compatible transitions, landscaping, and
quality neighborhood connections.

URBAN RESERVE AREAS are areas subject to
longer-term planning and further study in the event
that future changes of use should occur on these sites.

The Elmwood Correctional Facility, North Railyards,
and South Railyards are Urban Reserve Areas within
the Specific Plan. If and when it is determined that the Urban Reserve Areas or their associated facilities are no longer needed for their current purpose, redevelopment
shall be coordinated with the Specific Plan to ensure
their orderly development and integration with the
community.

2.2 Focus Areas
The vision for each of the Specific Plan's four focus areas follows and integrates strategies for land use, urban form, and public realm improvements.

The Serra Center is a redevelopment opportunity within the Crossroads District for new mixed-use development.

LAND USE: Land use characterizes how a property
or building is used and describes the general activity
occurring on the site, such as commercial retail,
service, or office, residential, industrial, or open space.

Land uses can influence the surrounding environment.

For example, retail stores and restaurants draw
pedestrians to an area and function best with a more
active sidewalk environment; while uses like industrial, are typically more auto-oriented.

URBAN FORM: Urban form refers to the physical
form of buildings, both individually and collectively
within each district, and their placement on the site.

Elements of urban form, such as building scale and
height, help determine the overall character of an area.

The urban form is influenced by planning regulations,
development standards, and site characteristics, such
as lot size and building and architectural design.

PUBLIC REALM: The public realm refers to spaces
that are publicly owned and/or publicly accessible
including streets, plazas, parks, and parklets. This
Specific Plan provides recommendations for the
addition of public realm spaces and improvements
to existing public realm elements, such as the
streetscape. The Plan regulates the portion of the
public realm between private development and
the roadway, typically comprised of sidewalks,
landscaping, and other pedestrian amenities.

880
237
Starlite
Park
Berryessa Creek Trail
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro
East
Parc Metro
West
Parc Metro
Central
John
McDermott
Park
Tom Evatt
Park
Æba
1/4 Mile R. to Great Mall Light Rail Station
1/2 Mile R. to Great Mall Light Rail Station
0 1,200’600’300’

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD

1. Main Street Distr ict

2. Crossroads District

3. Gateway District

4. Abbott Distr ict

FOCUS AREAS OTHER DISTRICTS URBAN RESERVE AREAS EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS

5. Library District

6. Creekside Industrial
District

7. North Railyards District

8. South Raily ards District

9. Elmwood District

10. West of Abel Neighborhood

11. Curtis Neighborhood
0 300' 600' 1,200'

GATEWAY-MAIN STREET DISTRICTS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 21 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 2-1 District and Neighborhood Framework
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11

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2.3 Main Street Distr ict
The Main Street District includes the blocks on both sides of South Main Street bound by the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks on the east, Abel Street on the west, the extension of Junipero Drive/ Sinnott Lane on the north, and Curtis Avenue on the south. Within this focus area are existing religious structures, educational facilities, and neighborhood-serving shops, restaurants, and community services, including the post office and fire administration building.

MAIN STREET DISTRICT VISION
The conceptual vision for the Main Street District is
illustrated in Figures 2-2 and 2-3. Characterized by
numerous smaller parcels along Main Street and larger
blocks of multifamily housing on Abel Street, this area of Main Street is envisioned to develop as a mixed-use urban village, with a diverse mix of shops and services. New infill housing and commercial and mixed-use development
along Main Street will complement and support the
diversity and activity of the district.

Main Street is envisioned as a "shared street" with
slower traffic supporting a comfortable walking and
biking environment and an "activity street," providing
opportunities for outdoor dining, pedestrian activity, and active ground floor uses. Active uses are defined by the City as follows:

Active uses are any use that attracts walk-in visitors
and has a high degree of transparency from the street,
such as retail, restaurants, bars, markets, theaters,
salons, yoga studios, art studios/galleries, banks, offices, and clinics. Active uses also include ground floor
residential shared amenities, such as a lobby, gym, or
conference room.

This portion of Main Street may be interspersed with
ground-floor residential uses that may include gardens
patios, and stoops. As new development occurs, new
streets, paseos, urban plazas, and open space will further enhance the identity and character of Main Street.

Planned streetscape and branding improvements will
further enhance the local identity of Main Street. Abel Street should support the activity along Main Street with urban residential development and community services.

Active uses and streetscape improvements are envisioned along Main Street.

Main Street is a walkable,
mixed-use urban village
accessible from the
surrounding community
Residential infill will include urban multifamily housing types, such as townhomes or row homes with stoops and patios along the street.

MAIN STREET DISTRICT
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 23 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
880
S. MAIN ST.

S. ABEL ST.

CORNING AVE.

W. CURTIS AVE.

Figure 2-2 Main Street District Vision Diagram
SINNOTT LN.

Focus Area Boundary
Proposed Streets and Alleys
Activity Street
Proposed Paseo or Pedestrian Priority Connection
Public Parks/ Open Space
Plaza Focal Point
District Gateway

24 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
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Figure 2-3 Main Street District Concept
EXISTING S. MAIN STREET CONTEXT
INFILL DEVELOPMENT VISION FOR S. MAIN STREET

CROSSROADS DISTRICT
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 25 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

2.4 Crossroads District
The Crossroads District encompasses the area along Calaveras Boulevard, south of Highway 237/ Calaveras Boulevard and centered on Serra Way and S. Abel and S. Main Streets. Within this focus area are existing religious and educational facilities, as well as community- and neighborhood-serving shops, retail, services, and restaurants.

CROSSROADS DISTRICT VISION
The Crossroads District is envisioned as a center
and destination for Downtown commercial, retail,
entertainment, and community activity. As illustrated
in Figures 2-4 through 2-8, the Crossroads District has the potential to support compact, higher-intensity
residential and mixed-use development along Calaveras
Boulevard, Abel Street, Serra Way, and Main Street,
with shops focused on Serra Way and Main Street and
neighborhood-scale residential infill transitions occurring next to residential neighborhoods along Junipero
Avenue and Spence Avenue. Branding and streetscape
improvements create a gateway entry at Calaveras
Boulevard and Serra Way, and provide pedestrian-
oriented linkages at the heart of the Crossroads District.

AN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT FOR THE CROSSROADS
The Crossroads is an area of priority investment with
a focus on creating an entertainment district along S.

Main Street and Serra Way and redeveloping the aging
Serra Center, to become an active Downtown destination
for the community. The Entertainment District at the
Crossroads encompasses S. Main Street, between Carlo
Street and Junipero Avenue, and Serra Way, between S.

Abel Street and S. Main Street. This area will be activated with retail, restaurant, outdoor dining, music and cultural venues, as well as other entertainment uses.

SERRA CENTER
The Serra Center is envisioned as a catalyst opportunity site for enhancing the gateway into the Crossroads
District. Figures 2-7 and 2-8 illustrate potential options for the redevelopment of the Serra Center as a vibrant, contemporary mixed-use community, anchored by public
open space and civic outdoor gathering spaces.

The Crossroads features an entertainment district along Main Street, comprised of a shared street with wide sidewalks and outdoor dining bulb-outs.

The Crossroads is a mixed-use hub
for commercial, entertainment,
and social and cultural activity.

THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT at the Crossroads
reflects the City's vision to create a commercial and
entertainment spine for the city along Main Street,
centered at the crossroads of S. Main Street and Serra
Way. The Specific Plan vision for the Entertainment
District is implemented by the following sections of the Specific Plan:
• Chapter 3 (Land Use and Zoning) addresses the
permitted uses, activation requirements, and
regulating standards for the Crossroads District.
• Section 4.3 addresses the design of a pedestrian-
oriented downtown setting, with active ground
floor commercial and outdoor dining parklets.
• Chapter 5 (Mobility) addresses the shared street
and parklet design concept for S. Main Street.
• Chapter 6 (Public Realm) addresses the design of
public spaces to activate the Crossroads district.
• Chapters 7 and 8 describe improvements in the
Crossroads District as a key economic development
priority action).

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Figure 2-4 Crossroads District Vision Diagram
John
McDermott
Park
0 600’300’150’
JUNIPERO AVE.

SERRA WY.

SPENCE AVE.

CARLO ST.

CALAVERAS BLVD.

S. ABEL ST.

S. MAIN ST.

BUTLER ST. Entertainment
District
Focus Area Boundary
Proposed Streets and Alleys
Activity Street
Proposed Paseo or Pedestrian Priority Connection
Public Parks/ Open Space
Plaza Focal Point
District Gateway
Single-Family Residential Transition

CROSSROADS DISTRICT
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 27 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 2-5 Crossroads District Concept for Main Street
EXISTING S. MAIN STREET, NEAR SERRA WAY
VISION FOR S. MAIN STREET AT THE CROSSROADS

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Figure 2-6 Serra Way Gateway Entry Concept

EXISTING ENTRY TO SERRA WAY FROM CALAVERAS BOULEVARD
GATEWAY ENTRY VISION FOR THE CROSSROADS AT CALAVERAS BLVD. AND SERRA WAY

CROSSROADS DISTRICT
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 29 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 2-7 Serra Center Option 1: Mixed-Use Commercial District Figure 2-8 Serra Center Option 2: Mixed-Use Retail and Entertainment Core Option 1 considers the redevelopment of the Serra Center as a lifestyle center with urban mixed-use blocks, organized along a linear spine of park blocks.

Option 2 considers the redevelopment of the Serra Center as a mixed-use retail and entertainment core, lined with ground floor shops and uses on a central park or urban green. 1 1
1 1
3 3
3 2
2 2
3 2

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2.5 Gateway District
The Gateway District includes the parcels north and south of Calaveras Boulevard at the west end of the Specific Plan Area, connected by S. Abbott Avenue. This area is a mix of uses, including freeway-oriented commercial development, a neighborhood service node adjacent to the Spangler Elementary School and residential neighborhoods, a shopping center anchored by a grocery store, and a non-profit office center.

GATEWAY DISTRICT VISION
A vital west gateway entry into the city, the Gateway
District will be a highly visible community commercial
node along Calaveras Boulevard, with opportunities
for freeway-oriented retail and services, neighborhood
shopping, and hotel and convention space. This district transitions to more neighborhood-oriented retail and
services along Abbott Avenue north of the Calaveras
Boulevard frontage. Higher-intensity development,
oriented along Calaveras Boulevard, will attract and
support the needs of travelers along the corridor, while offering a neighborhood-scale residential and mixed-use north of Calaveras Boulevard.

Complete streets improvements planned for
Calaveras Boulevard will balance the scale of this
busy corridor with a more comfortable bike and
pedestrian experience, branding, and complete
street improvements.

Higher intensity uses, such as hotel with conference space, are envisioned along Calaveras Boulevard.

The Gateway District is the
western entry and front door
into the City of Milpitas and
the Crossroads and Main Street
Districts.

ABBOTT DISTRICT
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 31 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

2.6 Abbott District
The Abbott District includes the freeway-fronting commercial and industrial parcels located along the I-880 freeway, south of Calaveras Boulevard and Abbott Avenue. This area is a mix of auto dealerships to the south, and office/flex industrial business uses to the north.

ABBOTT DISTRICT VISION
The Abbott District is envisioned to evolve into a
contemporary, business district in a pedestrian-friendly campus setting. The Abbott District will serve as a
business and employment center providing freeway
fronting commercial and flexible office and work spaces for diverse business and technology users, as well as
supporting business uses and employee amenities.

The Abbott District is oriented to the I-880 freeway
frontage on the west and residential neighborhoods
on the east. Planned improvements will prioritize
sustainable design and landscape features, including
low-impact development strategies, with a well-
landscaped neighborhood transition at the east edges
of the district next to existing neighborhoods. Street
and streetscape improvements will create a connected
network of streets and open space, including a north-
south open space and multi-use trail amenity, the
extension of the Hetch-Hetchy greenway to the
east, and new campus focal points and amenities.

The Abbott District is envisioned as a contemporary business park with sustainable design and landscape features.

The Abbott District
is a flexible and walkable business
park within a
campus landscape
setting.

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2.7 Conceptual Vision Plan: 8 Big Moves
The Big Moves vision is guided by the 8 big moves, strategies to implement the vision for the Specific Plan, introduced below and summarized in the following section.

Redesign Main Street as a slow street and
"shared street" with active, pedestrian-
friendly spaces and outdoor dining.

Redevelop Serra Center and the Crossroads
as a new center for the community, linking
the Milpitas Gateway to Main Street.

Prioritize commercial activity and active
building frontages along retail priority
streets and activity streets, including within
the entertainment district focused along
S. Main Street in the Crossroads District.

Enhance Calaveras Boulevard and Abel
Street as multimodal complete street
corridors, and incorporate a multi-use
creek-side trail along Abel Street.

Create a connected network of new streets,
paseos, alleys, and bike & pedestrian
linkages to improve local access and
walkability.

Develop a connected open space network
with new urban parks and plazas as
community activity hubs and district
focal points.

Integrate streetscape, branding, and public
art at Plan Area gateways, along activity
streets, and in public spaces.

Support district solutions including shared
parking, mobility hubs, and coordinated
infrastructure improvements.
01 02
03 04
05 06
07 08
Figure 2-9 Big Moves Vision Plan

EXISTING RAILWAY
P
P
P
P
880
Crossroads
Square
Entertainment
District
Serra Center
Market Hall
Abbott Center
Carlo Street
Plaza

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE
S. MAIN ST

SERRA WY
S. ABEL ST
CALAV

ERAS BLVD

VISION PLAN: 8 BIG MOVES
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 33 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 2-9 Big Moves Vision Plan

EXISTING RAILWAY
P
P
P
P
880
Crossroads
Square
Entertainment
District
Serra Center
Market Hall
Abbott Center
Carlo Street
Plaza

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE
S. MAIN ST

SERRA WY
S. ABEL ST
CALAV

ERAS BLVD
The 8 Big Moves identify the key strategies to implement the community vision of the Crossroads District as a vibrant downtown center and historic, social, and cultural crossroads for the Milpitas community.

34 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
02 THE GATEWAY-MAIN STREET VISION
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Redesign Main Street as a slow street and
"shared street" with active, pedestrian-
friendly spaces and outdoor dining.

Redevelop the Serra Center within the
Crossroads District as a new center for the
community, linking the Gateway District
to historic Main Street.

Create a pedestrian-scaled and walkable urban fabric
along Main Street with new streetscape improvements
that add to its activity and vitality, while also meeting the needs of small businesses and merchants. Redesign
Main Street as a shared, pedestrian-priority street with slow vehicular speeds, outdoor dining and retail activity, shared bike access, and on-street parking.

Prioritize the redevelopment of the Serra Center as
a catalyst opportunity and a vibrant urban mixed-
use community, integrating shops, restaurant and
entertainment uses, and infill residential development.

Anchor the district with a civic outdoor gathering space, such as a central park or park blocks, as well as with
a network of smaller urban parks, plazas, paseos, and
courtyards.

01 02
8 BIG MOVES
The big moves summarize the key strategies that implement the Specific Plan vision of creating vibrant centers and districts, focused on the Crossroads District as the historic core and social and cultural crossroads for the Milpitas community.

VISION PLAN: 8 BIG MOVES
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 35 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Prioritize commercial activity and active
building frontages along retail priority
streets and activity streets, with an
entertainment district focused along
S. Main Street in the Crossroads District.

Enhance Calaveras Boulevard and Abel
Street as multimodal complete streets and
incorporate a multi-use creek-side trail
along Abel Street.

Plan for the long-term vision of the Crossroads District as a commercial, social, and cultural community
crossroads with active retail, restaurant, entertainment, and other ground floor uses; new urban parks, plazas,
and activity hubs; and places to live, shop, work, and
play in a walkable urban downtown setting. Prioritize
commercial retail activity and investment at the
crossroads of Serra Way and Main Street, with an
entertainment district focused along S. Main Street in
the Crossroads.

Incorporate micromobility, transit, and pedestrian
improvements along Calaveras Boulevard and Abel
Street, to support the safe, continuous, and efficient
flow of cars, transit, bikes, and pedestrians. Incorporate a multi-use creek-side trail along Abel Street, supporting safer pedestrian and bicycle circulation and recreation. 03 04

36 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
02 THE GATEWAY-MAIN STREET VISION
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Create a connected network of new
streets, paseos, alleys, and bike and
pedestrian linkages to improve
local access and walkability.

Develop a connected open space
network with new urban parks and
plazas as community activity hubs
and district focal points.

Strategically integrate new north-south and east-west
streets, paseos, and alleys as redevelopment occurs
to reduce block sizes and enhance neighborhood
walkability. Parking and service access parallel to Main and Abel Streets will support their success by reducing the number of driveways that break up the bike and
pedestrian path network.

Develop a connected network of urban open spaces
as an organizing framework for new development
and improvements in the Plan Area, coordinated with
the Milpitas Trail, Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.

Design the network of open spaces to connect existing
neighborhoods to retail, services, and employment
areas, as well as schools and civic uses.

05 06

VISION PLAN: 8 BIG MOVES
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 37 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Integrate streetscape, branding, and
public art at Plan Area gateways, along
activity streets, and in public spaces.

Support district-wide mobility and
parking solutions, including shared
parking, mobility hubs, and coordinated
infrastructure improvements.

Improve the streetscape character, design, and function of commercial activity streets and gateways entering
the Plan Area along Calaveras Boulevard, Serra Way,
Main Street, and Abbott Avenue. Draw inspiration
from the history of Main Street as a travel route and
community destination.

Help facilitate new infill development and investment
within the Plan Area through a district parking
approach. Strategically acquire and assemble
opportunity sites for public parking at central locations to serve Plan Area districts.
07 08

03

LAND USE

AND ZONING
03

40 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
03 LAND USE AND ZONING
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

3.1 Land Use Framework
The Specific Plan Land Use Framework is depicted in
Figure 3-1. The Land Use Framework implements the
vision for the Specific Plan focus areas through a series of tailored and place-based Specific Plan zones, including an Urban Reserve Overlay, as well as existing applicable citywide zones.

3.1.1 EXISTING ZONES
Areas not expected to change in land use or character
will continue to be regulated through the existing land use and development regulations in the City of Milpitas Zoning Ordinance for the following zones within the Plan Area, as identified in Figure 3-1:
• Single-Family Residential (R1)
• Multi-Family High Density Residential (R3)
and Multi-Family Very High Density Residential (R4)
• General Commercial (C2)
• Heavy Industrial (M2)
• Institutional (I)
• Parks and Open Space (POS)
• Freeway Corridor (FC) Overlay Zone
(not shown in Figure 3-1)
Refer to the Zoning Code for the requirements related to the FC or other citywide overlay zones.

As described in Chapter 2, the Specific Plan identifies three potential Urban Reserve Areas: the Elmwood
Correctional Facility, North Railyards, and South Railyards, depicted as an overlay in Figure 3-1. The existing zoning for these areas will continue to remain in place until
these areas are ready to be redeveloped and planned for new uses. Section 3.8 provides policy guidance for future redevelopment and rezoning within the Urban Reserve
Areas.

3.1.2 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONES
An overview of each of the new Specific Plan mixed-use
zones and overlays is summarized on the right. Within this chapter, the list of uses outlined in the Zoning Ordinance have been organized by zones to ensure consistency with the Specific Plan.

OVERVIEW
The urban form and vision for the Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan Area will be established though a mix of land use regulations and context-sensitive development standards, as addressed in this chapter, and the strategies and objective design standards that follow in subsequent chapters of the Specific Plan.

MAIN STREET MIXED-USE (MS-MU)
The MS-MU zone supports a mix of residential
infill and smaller pedestrian-oriented retail shops,
restaurants, services, and office uses, as well as urban parks, plazas, and open spaces within the framework
of an active streetscape environment. Active retail,
restaurant, and residential uses generate pedestrian
activity at the street level, with office and residential uses above the ground floor encouraged.

CROSSROADS MIXED-USE (XR-MU)
The XR-MU zone has a commercial mixed-use focus
and supports a mix of retail, entertainment, and office, together with urban multifamily residential, civic, and recreational uses. The XR-MU zone is a pedestrian-
oriented streetscape environment, with ground-floor
commercial uses prioritized along retail priority streets and corners, as identified in Section 3.6.

LIBRARY DISTRICT MIXED-USE (LD-MU)
The LD-MU zone, centered around the Milpitas Library
on N. Main Street, supports a compatible mix of retail, office, multifamily residential, and civic uses within a pedestrian-oriented streetscape environment.

GATEWAY MIXED-USE (GW-MU)
The GW-MU zone supports a freeway and commercial
corridor service orientation along Calaveras Boulevard
and I-880, transitioning to a neighborhood-oriented
residential focus to the north, and a commercial/
mixed-use focus adjacent to Crossroads Mixed-Use.

ABBOTT DISTRICT BUSINESS PARK (AD-BP)
The AD-BP zone allows for a compatible mix of
commercial, office, light industrial, open space, and
public uses, organized within a campus setting.

URBAN RESERVE OVERLAY (URO)
The URO is applied as an overlay for areas that will be subject to future study when these uses are ready for
redevelopment. The policies of the Specific Plan found
in Section 3.8 apply within these areas.

(MS-MU) Main Street Mixed-Use
(XR-MU) Crossroads Mixed-Use
(GW-MU) Gateway Mixed-Use
(LD-MU) Library District Mixed-Use
(AD-BP) Abbott District Business Park
(URO) Urban Reserve Overlay
(R1) Single-Family Residential
(R2) One or Two Family Residential
(R3) Multiple Family High Density
Residential
(R4) Multiple Family Very High
Density Residential
(C2) General Commercial
(I) Institutional
(M2) Heavy Industrial
(POS) Parks, Open Space
0 300' 600' 1,200'
Specific Plan Zones Existing Zones

LAND USE FRAMEWORK
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 41 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
880
237
ba
1 /
4 M
i
l
e

R
.

t
o

G
r
e
a
t

M
a
l
l

L
i
g
h
t

R
a
i
l

S
t
a
ti
o
n
1 /
2 M
i
l
e

R
.

t
o

Gr
e
a
t
M
a
ll
L
i
gh
t

R
a
i
l

S
t
a
ti
o
n

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEKBARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE

MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

E TASMAN DR

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD
0 1,200’600’300’
Figure 3-1 Land Use Framework

42 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
03 LAND USE AND ZONING
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

3.2 Land Use Regulations
This section has been organized for consistency with the City of Milpitas Zoning Ordinance. Table 3-1 identifies land use permissions for the Plan Area, organized by each of the Specific Plan zones.

3.2.1 PRIMARY USES
The uses identified in Table 3-1 shall be the primary
uses allowed to occur as a permitted or conditionally
permitted use on the property as indicated in the
table below. Uses shall be conducted within enclosed
structures, except for permitted outdoor uses.

3.2.2 LAND USE DEFINITIONS
Refer to the Zoning Ordinance for the definition of uses.

3.2.3 OTHER USES NOT LISTED
Land uses not listed in Table 3-1 and not substantially like the uses below are prohibited unless the Planning
Director makes a determination regarding similar use, as outlined by the Zoning Ordinance. Land uses not listed
are substantially similar like the uses listed are prohibited unless the Planning Commission approves a Conditional
Use Permit, consistent with the Zoning Ordinance
standards for Use Permits.

3.2.4 MINOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND

CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
The permitting process for Minor Conditional Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits shall be subject to the
procedures addressed in the Zoning Ordinance.

3.2.5 USES NOT PERMITTED
Uses that are not permitted are indicated with a “NP"
in Table 3-1. Additionally, the following uses are not
permitted in any Specific Plan zone:
• Agricultural Uses.
• Adult Businesses.
• Construction Yard and Equipment Rental.
• Firearms Dealer.
• Hospital.
• Mini-Storage or Self-Storage.
• Recycling Facility.
• Salvage and Wrecking
• Vehicle Repair and Maintenance.

3.2.6 NON-CONFORMING USES
Legally established uses that are no longer permitted
or become non-conforming with the adoption of the
Specific Plan shall be permitted to continue under current conditions, subject to Zoning Ordinance regulations.

3.2.7 MIXED USE DE VELOPMENTS
Where a single parcel is proposed for development with two or more of the permitted land uses listed in Table 3-1 at the same time, the overall project will be subject to the highest level of review or permit type required by any individual use.

3.2.8 RETAIL P RIORITY AREAS AND USES
Retail uses shall be required within retail priority areas identified in the Plan Area, as addressed in Section 3.6 (Retail Frontage Requirements and Ground Floor Activation).

3.2.9 FIRST FL OOR ELEVATIONS AND

REGULATIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
New development shall comply with the first-floor elevation requirements of the Milpitas Municipal Code (MMC) Title XI, Chapter 15 (Floodplain Management Regulations). For more information related to flood hazard areas, see Figure 7-5 (FEMA-Designated Flood Areas), Zoning Ordinance
Floodplain Management Regulations, and Specific Plan
Section 7.2 (Flood Protection) for standards addressing flood protection and flood proofing.

3.2.10 PERMITTED USES IN EXISTING ZONES
For parcels where citywide zoning applies, refer to the applicable land use permissions and development
regulations in the Zoning Ordinance.

3.2.11 SPECIAL USE STANDARDS
Applicable standards for special uses, where noted in Table 3-1 and addressing uses within the Abbott District-Business Park zone, are provided in Section 3.11.

3.2.12 CITY WIDE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
All uses in the Plan Area shall be subject to the Zoning Ordinance citywide Performance Standards.

P "P" indicat es the use shall be permitted.

MCS "MCS" indicates the use shall be permitted
subject t o the issuance of Minor Conditional Use
Permit by staff.

MC "MC" indicat es the use shall be permitted subject
to the issuance of Minor Conditional Use Permit
by the Zoning Administrator.

C "C" indicat es the use shall be permitted subject
to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit by the
Planning C ommission.
- "-" indicat es the use is not permitted.

LAND USE REGULATIONS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 43 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
TABLE 3-1: GATEWAY-MAIN STREET ZONE LAND USE REGULATIONS

USES MS-MU XR-MU LD-MU GW-MU AD-BP ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS (see zoning ordinance or specific
plan sections)

COMMERCIAL
Animal Care and Services
Pet Day Care and Sales MC MC MC MCS - Milpitas Municipal Code (MMC) Section V-210-11, Permits for Animal
Facilities and Animal Adoption
Organizations
Veterinary Clinic P P P P -
Veterinary Hospital or Services - - - C C
Commissary or Catering C MCS C C MCS
Drive-Through Facility C NP C C - ZO Section, Drive-Through Facility Eating and Drinking Establishments
Bar or Nightclub C
1 C1 C1 C1 - ZO Section, Eating and Drinking
Establishments
Microbreweries P1, 2 P1, 2 C1 C1 C1
Mobile Food Park P P MC MC MC ZO Section, Mobile Food Vending Mobile Food Vending
(individual vehicle)

P P P P P
Restaurant
Restaurant, Full Service P
1 P1 P1 P1 C4 ZO Section, Eating and Drinking
Establishments
Restaurant, Limited Service P P P P P4
Restaurant with Alcohol Service P2,3 P2,3 P2,3 P2,3 C4
Entertainment and Recreation, Commercial
Commercial Athletic Facility P5 P5 P5 P5 MCS4 Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan (SP) Section 3.11, Special Use
Standards
Indoor Entertainment and Sports
and Recreation
C
5 C5 C5 C5 MCS4,5
Outdoor Entertainment and Sports
and Recreation
C C C5 C5 -
Financial Institution
Bank and Credit Union P5 P5 MCS5 P MCS SP Section 3.11, Special Use Standards
Check Cashing Business P5 P5 P5 P5 MCS
Pawnbroker C5 C5 C5 C5 -
Food and Beverage Retail Sales
Alcoholic Beverage Sales C C C C C ZO Section, Alcoholic Beverage Sales
Convenience Store MC MC MCS MCS MCS SP Section 3.11, Special Use Standards
Grocery Store, Large MCS MCS MCS P -
Grocery Store, Small P P P P -
Home Occupation P P P P P ZO Section, Home Occupations

44 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
03 LAND USE AND ZONING
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
TABLE 3-1: GATEWAY-MAIN STREET ZONE LAND USE REGULATIONS

USES MS-MU XR-MU LD-MU GW-MU AD-BP ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS (see zoning ordinance or specific
plan sections)
Lodging
Bed and Breakfast P P P P -
Hotels P P P P P
Motels - - - C -
Short-Term Rentals P P P P - ZO Section, Short-Term Rentals Medical Support Laboratory P P P P MC
Offices
Business and Professional Office P MCS P P P
Medical Office/Clinic P P P P MC
Retail
Large Format Retail - - - P C
Retail, Limited P P P P MCS
2,3
Retail Stores, General Merchandise P P P P MCS
Smoke/Tobacco Shop - - - C -
Services
Business Support Services P P MCS MCS P
3 Maintenance and Repair Services - - - - P
Massage Establishment MC6 MC6 MC6 MC6 C MMC Section III-6, Massage Establishments and Practioners
and ZO Section, Massage
Establishments
Massage Establishment, Accessory MCS MCS MCS MCS MCS
Personal Services
7 P P P P C
Repair/Cleaning/General Services,
Small
P P P P P SP Section 3.11, Special Use
Standards
Vehicle Related Services
Auto Broker5 MCS - MCS MCS MCS ZO Section, Auto Broker
Commercial Fueling Facility - - - - C
Fleet-Based Service - - - - C
Mobile Fueling8 P P P P P MMC, Chapter V-300 (Fire Code) Service Station - - - C - ZO Section, Service Stations and Car Washes
Vehicle Rental
9 MC - MC MC -
Vehicle Sales and Leasing9 - - - - C
Vehicle Washing - - - C - ZO Section, Service Stations and Car Washes

LAND USE REGULATIONS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 45 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
TABLE 3-1: GATEWAY-MAIN STREET ZONE LAND USE REGULATIONS

USES MS-MU XR-MU LD-MU GW-MU AD-BP ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS (see zoning ordinance or specific
plan sections)

INDUSTRIAL USES
Advanced Manufacturing - - - - P
10 Custom and Artisan Manufacturing11 MCS MCS MCS MCS MCS Data Center - - - - MCS
Industrial, General - - - - MCS
Industrial, Light - - - - MCS
Parcel Hub - - - - MCS
Research and Development - - - - P10
Warehousing and Distribution - - - - C10
Wholesale Sales - - - - MC

PUBLIC, QUASI-PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL / ASSEMBLY USES
Child Care
Child Care Center MC MC MC MC MC
4 ZO Section, Large Family Child Care
and Child Care Centers
Large Family Child Care Home P P P P -
Small Family Child Care Home P P P P -
Civic/Government P P P C C
Community Assembly
Major12 C C C C -
Minor12 MCS MCS MCS MC -
Community Garden P P P P P
Educational Institutions
College/University, Private
12 C C C C MC
Schools, Private12 C C C C C
Schools, Public12 C C C C C
Trade and Vocational School C C C C C
Farmer's Market P P MCS MCS MCS ZO Section, Farmers Markets Instruction Services
Group MCS MCS MCS MCS MCS
Private/Small Group P P P P MCS
Library/Museum P P P P -
Park/Playground P P P P P

46 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
03 LAND USE AND ZONING
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
TABLE 3-1: GATEWAY-MAIN STREET ZONE LAND USE REGULATIONS

USES MS-MU XR-MU LD-MU GW-MU AD-BP ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS (see zoning ordinance or specific
plan sections)

PUBLIC, QUASI-PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL/ASSEMBLY USES
Public Utility C C C C C
Transportation Passenger Terminal/
Facility

C C C C C
Wireless Communication Facility See ZO Section, Wireless Communication Facilities

RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P - ZO Section, Accessory Dwelling Units
Boarding House C C C C -
Court Dwelling P P P P -
Two-Family Dwellings P P P P -
Elderly and Long-Term Care MCS MCS MCS P -
Group Living Accommodations C C C C -
Live-Work Unit MCS MCS MCS MCS - ZO Section, Live-Work Units Multi-Family Dwellings P P P P -
Single-Family Dwellings - - - - -
Emergency Shelter - - - P -
Low Barrier Navigation Center P P P P - CA Government Code Sec. 65660 Residential Care Facility P P P P -
Single-Room Occupancy Residences MC MC MC MC - ZO Section, Single Room Occupancy Residences
Supportive Housing P P P P - CA Government Code Sec. 65582 Transitional Housing P P P P - CA Government Code Sec. 65582

ACCESSORY AND TEMPORARY USES
Accessory Use P P P P P
Parking Lot
13 MCS MCS MCS MCS MCS
Parking Structure13 MCS MCS MCS MCS MCS
Outdoor Dining P P P P P ZO Section, Outdoor Dining
Temporary Use See ZO Section, Temporary Uses and Structures

LAND USE REGULATIONS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 47 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

1. Indoor or outdoor music is
permitted as an accessory use on
the same parcel in conjunction
with a restaurant or bar that is a
principal permitted use or approved
conditional use. See Specific Plan
Section 3.11 (Special Use Standards)
for additional regulations.

2. Permitted when located on the
ground floor facing a public street
designated as a retail priority or
activity street. Requires a Conditional
Use Permit when located elsewhere,
such as above the ground floor.

3. Must be in conjunction with a full
service restaurant.

4. Limited to an accessory use that
supports the primary employment-
generating uses on the same
site or business center. Accessory
commercial uses, such as
restaurants, limited retail, and
services, shall be located on the
ground floor and in an area of the
development where they can be
directly accessed by the public.

5. These uses may be allowed provided
they are: no more than 30,000 gross
square feet; not open past 10:00
p.m.; and conducted entirely within
a building, except for approved
outdoor seating areas.

6. Allowed as an accessory use to any
permitted or conditionally permitted
medical office, medical clinic,
chiropractor practice, acupuncture
practice, physical therapist, fitness
and athletic facility, health care facility
(such as hospitals, nursing homes, and
sanitariums), and accredited school,
college, and university. Massage
services, limited to massage of the
head, neck, shoulders, hands and
feet may be allowed as an accessory
use to any permitted or conditionally
permitted beauty salon, barbershop,
and healing art practices. This section
shall not exempt any person or
business from complying with all the
provisions of Title III, Chapter 6 of the
Milpitas Municipal Code.

7. When located on the ground floor,
retail sales of products related to
personal services provided shall be
offered at the front of the premises
near the pedestrian entrance
and shall comprise at least 10%
of the floor area of the business
establishment.

8. Mobile fueling is permitted when
fueling service is ordered by an
individual vehicle owner and the
amount of fuel dispensed as part of
any individual order does not exceed
50 gallons. Mobile fueling for fleet
vehicles is not permitted.

9. Excluding long-term parking and
storage of vehicles for rent, sale, or
lease, must be fully enclosed within a
building.

10. A conditional use permit is required
for storage space that exceeds 25,000
square feet. In no case may storage
space exceed 300,000 square feet.

11. All operations must be conducted
completely within an enclosed
building.

12. Places of meeting or assembly and
public and private schools may be
permitted as specified in Table 3-1
provided their location is approved
by the City and they are not located
within 1,000 feet of parcel boundary
of another of the same use. Churches
and religious institutions and trade
and vocational schools are exempt
from this requirement.

13. Applies to parking lots or structures
that are primary uses, as defined in
the Zoning Ordinance.

48 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
03 LAND USE AND ZONING
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

3.3 Intensity and Scale
The following section addresses general regulations
for development, including density, intensity, height,
setbacks, and development incentives, applicable to all Specific Plan zones. Table 3-2 establishes the density, intensity, and height requirements specific to each
district. Refer to Section 3.7 (District Regulating Plans and Development Standards) for criteria related to design of setbacks, building frontages, and the location of retail specific to each district.

3.3.1 DENSITY AND INTENSIT Y

RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
Projects that include residential development shall
not exceed the base allowable dwelling units per acre
identified in Table 3-2.
• Any fractions shall be rounded to the nearest
whole number.
• For projects utilizing the State density bonus,
refer to Zoning Ordinance chapter addressing density
bonus for affordable housing.

INTENSITY
Non-residential and mixed-use projects shall be subject to floor area ratio (FAR) requirements.
• Projects shall not exceed the allowable FAR identified in Table 3-2, except where bonuses are granted consistent
with this section.
• In mixed-use projects, the residential floor area
is included in the FAR.
• Areas used exclusively for vehicle and bicycle
parking and loading are excluded from the FAR
calculation.

CALCULATION
The maximum density and intensity is calculated based
on net parcel area rather than gross site area that
includes the street right-of-way.

3.3.2 HEIGHT

MAXIMUM HEIGHT LIMITS
Projects shall not exceed the building height limits or maximum number of stories identified for the applicable zones in Table 3-2, unless otherwise permitted by the
standards that follow and permitted through available
incentives addressed in Section 3.4.
• Building heights shall be measured from the adjoining curb grade to the highest point of the roof surface, if a flat roof; and to the mean height level between eaves
and ridge for a gable, hip, or gambrel roof, based on
the "Rules of Measurement" provided in the Zoning
Ordinance.
• Transitions shall be required adjacent to single-family residential zoning districts as described in Section 4.1.3 A (Transition to Single-Family Residential Neighborhoods). • Exceptions for building heights and projecting features, such as parapet walls, skylights, towers, chimneys, and housing elevators, stairways, and mechanical equipment
are permitted, subject to Zoning Ordinance standards for height exceptions.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 49 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
TABLE 3-2: DENSITY, INTENSITY, AND HEIGHT
Specific
Plan Area
District
Applicable
Zoning
DENSITY AND INTENSITY HEIGHT Applicable
Regulating
Plan Section1Min.

Residential
Density
(du/ac)
Max.

Residential
Density
(du/ac)
FAR
(max)
Max.

Building
Height
(feet)
Max.

Number
of
Stories
Min. Ground Floor
Height
Main Street
District
MS-MU 20 65 2.5 65 5 Main Street: 15 ft
Other Areas: 12 ft
Sect. 3.7.1
Crossroads
District
XR-MU 40 85 3.0 85 7 Serra Way: 15 ft.

Commercial Uses: 15 ft
Sect. 3.7.2
Gateway
District
GW-MU 18 65 2.0 65 5 Calaveras Blvd: 15 ft
Commercial Uses: 15 ft
Sect. 3.7.3
Abbott
District
AD-BP N/A 1.5 65 N/A Commercial Uses: 15 ft Sect. 3.7.4 Library
District
LD-MU 20 65 2.0 65 5 Main Street: 15 ft
Other Areas: 12 ft
Sect. 3.7.1
All Other
Areas
See Applicable Existing Zoning
Notes:

1. Setbacks have been included in Section 3.7 (District Regulating Plans and Development Standards).

50 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
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TABLE 3-3: AVAILABLE INCENTIVES

GREEN ROOF OR ECO-ROOF
Option 1: 30% of Total Roof Footprint 10% density bonus or FAR increase.

Option 2: 31-60% of Total Roof Footprint 15% density bonus or FAR increase.

Option 3: Over 60% of Total Roof Footprint 20% density bonus or FAR increase.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Space for Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and
Arts Organizations or Business Expansion
Temporarily reduce or defer application and impact fees for development and remove parking minimums within the Crossroads, Main Street, and Library Districts.

Business Retention Temporarily reduce or defer application and impact fees and allow 20% FAR increase.

Retail-Ready Ground Floor Commercial Space A one-story height increase, subject to the standards in Sections 3.6 and 4.3.2.

LOT CONSOLIDATION
Lot Consolidation 20% density bonus or FAR increase.

DISTRICT PUBLIC PARKING
District Parking Lot or Garage Spaces 10% density bonus or FAR increase for every 20 public parking spaces; up to the allowed district maximum bonus.

PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE OPEN SPACE
Option 1: Additional 50 square foot per unit 10% density bonus or FAR increase.

Option 2: Additional 100 square foot per unit 15% density bonus or FAR increase.

Option 3: Additional 150 square foot per unit 20% density bonus or FAR increase.

PROMOTE THE CITY'S HISTORY
Through Preservation and Storefront Facade
Improvements
Eligible for the City Storefront Improvement Program Grants, Mills Act Program.

3.4 Economic & Development Incentives
The Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan has established
a bonus system to allow for additional floor area
and/or residential density (development bonus) for
qualified projects, in addition to citywide incentives for Sustainability, Affordable Housing, Larger Affordable
Rental Units, and Lot Consolidation addressed in the
Zoning Code. The purpose of bonuses is to incentivize the provision of certain project attributes, such as providing sustainable design features and/or additional open
space, furthering economic development benefits, and
supporting the rehabilitation of existing buildings.

Bonuses are only available within certain districts in the Specific Plan as described in this section and specified in Table 3-3. The following sections describe the available bonuses, while Table 3-3 identifies the specific incentives available. The provision of development bonuses is
subject to review and demonstration of the achievement
of the criteria herein in Table 3-3. Development bonuses shall not exceed the following maximum allowances:
• Maximum FAR or density bonus increase of 50% in the
Crossroads District and 40% within the Main Street and
Library Districts and parcels directly fronting Calaveras Boulevard in the Gateway District.
• Maximum height Increase of 2 stories in the Crossroads District and for parcels directly fronting Calaveras
Boulevard in the Gateway District. Maximum height
increase of 1 Story in the Main Street and Library Districts.

Maximum density, intensity, and/or bonuses may not
be achievable on all sites as superseding development
regulations or site constraints may reduce development
potential. Prior to issuance of a planning permit for a development project, receiving a development bonus,
the project developer shall sign a community benefit
agreement, committing to the provision of the agreed
upon project attributes in exchange for the development bonus. If the developer does not fulfill the obligations specified in the agreement, the developer will be subject to a financial penalty equal in cost to the value of the project attribute before building occupancy is granted.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 51 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

3.4.1 GREEN ROOF OR EC O-ROOF
Green roofs, also known as eco-roofs, are encouraged in the Plan Area as they reduce stormwater run-off, lower
building energy consumption, and provide for a visually appealing roofscape. If they are publicly accessible, they also provide needed open space for building users and/
or the public. Projects that incorporate a green roofs are eligible to receive a development bonus, as indicated in Table 3-3.

3.4.2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic development, including business retention,
business expansion, and providing opportunities for
ground floor retail development within mixed-use
buildings and small and local businesses, non-profits, and the arts community are priorities within the Plan Area, consistent with the city's Economic Development Strategy implementation actions.

Table 3-3 identifies incentives for business retention and the provision of space for existing tenants, new small
businesses, non-profits, artists, and other similar tenants and users, as well as retail-ready tenant spaces, which is especially desired in the Crossroads and Main Street Districts. To be eligible for business retention incentives, a developer must provide one of the following three
packages or a comparable commitment.

OPTION 1: Package of provisions that includes the right of return for existing businesses at current rents, an
agreement to lock-in rent for a minimum of five years, and a build-out allowance to cover new interior build-outs.

OPTION 2: Package of provisions that includes
relocation assistance for existing businesses, such as a rent subsidy to match current market rents in a suitable replacement property, final support to cover moving and related expenses, and a build-out allowance to help cover the tenant's own costs or required tenant improvements.

OPTION 3: Package of provisions to provide space for
new small businesses, non-profits, artists, and/or other similar tenants and users at below-market rents and a
build-out allowance to cover new interior build-outs.

As an incentive to support small businesses, non-profits, the arts, and business retention, the City can establish an impact fee deferral program that allows for a reduction in application fees for new development by 10% , such as building permit, plan check, and application processing fees and/or allow impact fees, such as the Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan and Commercial Linkage Fees, to
be paid in phases, with a portion required at the time of building permit issuance and the remainder required at
the time of a building's Certificate of Occupancy.

3.4.3 LOT CONSOLIDATION
The Plan Area has many small and irregular-shaped
parcels. Larger parcels provide greater building and
parking efficiencies and construction economies that can support the goals of this Plan. In addition to the citywide incentive for lot consolidation. A development bonus of 20 percent is available to promote parcel aggregation
and consolidation within the Plan Area for consolidating existing smaller lots into a project site of one acre or more, as well as earning the reductions in required setbacks, guest parking, and common open space permitted through the
Zoning Ordinance lot consolidation incentive program. Lot consolidation projects along Main Street shall be required to maintain the character of the smaller width parcels
and shopfronts along Main Street, consistent with the
regulations of Sections 3.7.1 and 3.7.2.

3.4.4 DISTRIC T PUBLIC PARKING
Private development that contributes to district public parking solutions may qualify for a 10 percent density bonus for every 20 spaces provided, up to a maximum bonus of
50 percent in the Crossroads District and 40% within the Main Street and Library Districts. Shared district parking created between contiguous businesses that updates or
reconfigures their individual parking areas to provide shared public parking areas may qualify for this incentive, subject to coordination with the city on a shared parking agreement, executed through a deed, lease, contract, or similar written record approved by the City Attorney.

3.4.5 PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE OPEN SPACE
New residential development projects that provide
more publicly accessible open space than the minimum
required shall qualify for a density bonus or FAR increase as identified in Table 3-3.

3.4.6 PROMOTE THE CITY'S HISTORY
The Plan Area's historic structures contribute to the city's character and community identity. The City currently has two tools to promote historic preservation:
• The Mills Act Program is an incentive program that
allows a reduction in property taxes for historic properties in exchange for an owner agreeing to preserve and
maintain their historic building.
• A Storefront Improvement Program grant, eligible to
projects on North Main Street and South Main Street, to help fund commercial storefront improvements. More
information on the city's Storefront Improvement Grant
Program can be found at: https://www.milpitas.gov/999/
Storefront-Improvement-Grant-Program.

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3.5 Setback Standards
Setback standards for each of the Specific Plan
zones are provided in Section 3.7. Front setbacks on
existing streets have been provided to accommodate
wider sidewalks, ground floor retail, and street activation elements. All front setbacks on existing streets will also include a public access easement.

1. Front and street side setbacks shall be measured
from the property line.

2. Interior setbacks occur between an interior side
or rear property line and shall be measured from
the shared property line.

3. Minimum setbacks apply to all stories of a building.

Maximum setbacks are intended to apply only to
the ground floor of front and street side setbacks.

4. Where minimum and maximum setback dimensions
are identified, buildings shall meet the minimum
setback, as a build-to line, per the requirements
identified within Section 3.7.

5. See Chapter 4 (Objective Design Standards) and
Chapter 5 (Mobility) for additional requirements.

3.6 Retail Fr ontage Requirements and
Pedestrian Level Activation
The Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan identifies retail frontage requirements for retail priority areas, which are a key component of the Specific Plan vision. These retail priority areas include retail priority shopfronts and retail priority corners, applicable to the Main Street, Crossroads, Gateway, and Abbott Districts, as shown in the Regulating Plans within Section 3.7. Additionally, key streets are identified as activity streets, which are planned for a higher level of pedestrian activity and activation. Requirements for retail priority areas and activity streets are addressed below.

District-specific development standards follow in Section

3.7 (District Regulating Plans and Development Standards).

3.6.1 RETAIL P RIORITY AREAS
A. ACTIVE RETAIL USES

1. The following types of active uses are required on the ground floor in areas designated retail priority areas:
a. Commercial retail shops and service uses.
b. Restaurants, bars, bakeries, coffee shops, markets,
eateries, or similar establishments, including with
outdoor dining.
c. Arts, cultural, and other public-oriented uses, such as theaters and art studios/galleries.

B. RETAIL PRIORITY SHOPFRONTS

1. Within areas identified as retail priority shopfronts, the following ground floor area requirements apply:
a. A minimum of 70% of the ground-floor building
street frontage, measured on a parcel by parcel
basis, shall incorporate active retail, entertainment,
and/or retail-ready tenant spaces.
b. The remaining ground-floor street frontage may
include office, live-work, residential, or associated
common area spaces, such as lobbies, gyms,
conference rooms, and other amenity spaces.
c. Locations requiring retail priority shopfronts are
shown in the Regulating Plan diagrams as dark red
solid lines.

Figure 3-2 Building Placement
The building frontage shall be built to the minimum front setback (build-to line), per Section 3.7. The remaining building frontage may be set back to the maximum building setback.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 53 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 3-3 Retail Priority Corners

3.6.2 ACTIVITY STREETS
A. DESIGNATION
Activity streets are shown as dashed red lines in the
Regulating Plan diagrams on the following pages
(Figures 3-4 through 3-8). These streets are focused
locations for pedestrian and commercial activity, planned with active uses and building frontages on the ground
floor and the highest level of streetscape improvements, particularly at retail priority areas.

B. DESIGN STANDARDS
See Section 4.3 (Objective Design Standards) for
requirements addressing the pedestrian level design of
residential and commercial building frontages.

3.7 District Regulating Plans and
Development Standards
This section addresses place-specific regulations for each of the Specific Plan zones, through District Regulating Plans and associated development standards. The
requirements of this section are tailored to each district, in order to implement the vision established in Chapter 2, addressing the following:
• An overview of the district zone.
• A table summarizing numeric criteria for setbacks
and stepbacks, specific to the district.
• District-specific development standards addressing
setback design, upper story stepbacks, and active
frontage design requirements, including the location
and design of retail priority areas.
• A Regulating Plan diagram illustrating setbacks,
requirements for new street connections and open
spaces, including urban parks, linear parks, paseos,
and pedestrian paths, as well as the location of
retail priority areas.

C. RETAIL PRIORITY CORNERS

1. Within areas identified as retail priority corners,
the following requirements apply:
a. 100% of the ground-floor building street frontage
shall incorporate active retail uses and/or retail-
ready tenant spaces for a minimum of 25% of the
building frontage length. However, this shall be
no less than 40 feet in length from any corner,
as shown in Figure 3-3. Refer to Section 4.3.2 for
additional ground-floor commercial and retail-
ready commercial design standards.
b. Retail Corners are shown as diamonds in the
Regulating Plan diagrams at the intersection of
major activity and retail nodes within the Plan
Area.

D. DESIGN STANDARDS
See Section 4.3 (Objective Design Standards) for
requirements related to commercial ground-floor design
and retail-ready spaces.

T otal Building Street Frontage
40’ min.

Min. 25% of
building frontage
Prioritize corner retail uses at the intersection of arterial and collector streets.

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3.7.1 MAIN STREET DISTRICT AND LIBRARY DISTRICT
The Main Street Mixed-Use (MS-MU) and Library Mixed-Use (LD-MU) zones are intended to support a balanced mix of residential, retail, service, office, and public uses supporting the community and surrounding neighborhoods.

Office and retail uses on Main Street are encouraged to be mixed-use, with the opportunity to support smaller tenants at the street level, including shops, restaurants, services, office, and live-work, with housing and office spaces above. Development shall comply with the standards of this section, including Figure 3-4, Main Street District Regulating Plan.

FIRST FLOOR ELEVATIONS

1. See Section 3.2.9 for applicable regulations related to first floor elevations in flood hazard areas.

SETBACK AND STEPBACK STANDARDS

1. Building setbacks and stepbacks shall comply with
the standards in Table 3-4 and the following.
a. Along Main Street, 70% of the building street
frontage shall be built to the minimum front
setback. The remaining building frontage may
be set back, up to the maximum front setback
dimension, to allow site features such as plazas
and open space, outdoor dining, building entries,
and building articulation.
b. Where identified, upper story building stepbacks
shall be required for a minimum of 50% of the
building frontage.

ACTIVE FRONTAGE DESIGN

1. The following intersections along Main Street shall
be developed as retail priority corners:
a. Main Street / Corning Avenue.
b. Main Street / Tom Evatt Park.
c. Main Street / Curtis Avenue.

2. New buildings at retail priority corners shall be
designed to support active ground-floor commercial
wrapping the corner, as required in Section 3.6.

3. Throughout the Main Street and Library Districts,
Main Street is designated as an activity street.
a. The requirements of retail priority areas and
activity streets are described in Section 3.6.

4. Buildings shall be oriented to the street open spaces, plazas, and paseos throughout the Main Street
and Library Districts. Additionally, primary building
frontages shall include active building frontages with
patios, stoops, and building entries facing the street
along Main Street and Abel Street.

5. Refer also to Chapter 4 (Objective Design Standards) for additional criteria related to building placement,
frontage design, and active ground floor building
frontages.

STREET AND PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS

1. As sites are redeveloped, new streets, paseos, and
parks/open spaces shall be required to be consistent
with Figure 3-4.

2. Coordinate with San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission (SFPUC) for any improvements located in
the Hetch Hetchy corridor.

3. See Chapter 5 (Mobility) and Chapter 6 (Public
Realm) for criteria related to street and public realm
improvements.

PARKING STANDARDS

1. Refer to Section 3.10 (Parking Standards) for off-street parking standards, including for properties within the
one-half mile radius of a light rail transit station.

TABLE 3-4: MAIN STREET MIXED-USE (MS-MU) AND

LIBRARY DISTRICT MIXED-USE (LD-MU) STANDARDS

FRONT SETBACKS (MIN-MAX)
Main Street 5-12 feet
Abel Street (East), Curtis Avenue 8-15 feet
Local Streets 5-12 feet

INTERIOR SIDE AND REAR SETBACKS (MIN)
Interior Side and Rear 0 feet
Along Existing Railway Refer to SP Section

4.1.3 C

UPPER STORY STEPBACKS (MIN/MAX)
Main Street 5 feet min. above
3 stories
Abel Street
Curtis Ave
5 feet min. above
4 stories

District Boundary
8 Feet - 15 Feet Front Setback
5 Feet - 12 Feet Front Setback
Rail Right-of-Way
New Street
Retail Priority Corner
Activity Street
District Gateway
New Paseo or Pedestrian Connection
New Public Park/Open Space
New Plaza Focal Point

REGULATING DISTRICT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 55 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
880
S. MAIN ST.

S. ABEL ST.

HAMMOND WY.CORNING AVE.

W. CURTIS AVE.

JUNIPERO DR.

CORNING AVE.

SINNOTT LN.

CURTIS AVE.

SYLVIA AVE.

MACHADO AVE.
0 700’350’175’
Figure 3-4 Main Street District Regulating Plan

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3.7.2 CROSSROADS DIS TRICT
The Crossroads Mixed-Use (XR-MU) zone supports a compatible mix of retail, entertainment, office, multifamily residential, civic, and recreational uses within a pedestrian-oriented streetscape environment. Development shall comply with the standards of this section, including Figure 3-5, Crossroads District Regulating Plan.

FIRST FLOOR ELEVATIONS

1. See Section 3.2.9 for applicable regulations related to first floor elevations in flood hazard areas.

SETBACK AND STEPBACK STANDARDS

1. Building setbacks and stepbacks shall comply with the standards in Table 3-5 and the following standards.
a. Where front setback ranges are proposed, a
minimum of 60% of the building frontage shall
be built to the minimum front setback. The
remaining building frontage may be set back, up
to the maximum front setback dimension, to allow
for site features, such as plazas and open space,
outdoor dining, building entries, and building
articulation.
b. Where identified, upper story building stepbacks
shall be required for a minimum of 50% of the
building frontage.

2. Along the north/northwest and south boundaries of
the Crossroads District, where new development is
proposed adjacent to single-family residential zones,
development shall comply with the setback and
height transitions standards in Section 4.1.3 A.

ACTIVE FRONTAGE DESIGN

1. In order to create a vibrant retail and entertainment environment, development on Main Street and Serra
Way shall be subject to the active retail frontage and
activation requirements for Retail Priority Areas and
Activity Streets addressed in Section 3.6.

2. The following intersections along Main Street shall
be developed as retail priority corners:
a. Serra Way / Abel Street.
b. Main Street / Carlo Street.

3. Within the Serra Center area, new activity streets
and retail priority corners are required as follows:
a. A minimum of 1 new activity street, running
east-west between Serra Way and Junipero,
linking Abbott Avenue to Abel Street.
b. A minimum of 2 new activity streets, running
north-south, connecting north to Serra Way
and Calaveras Boulevard.
c. A minimum of 2 new retail priority corners
at the intersection of the above activity streets.

4. At retail priority corners, new buildings shall provide corner retail storefronts as addressed in Section 3.6.

5. Buildings shall be oriented to the street within the Crossroads District. Additionally, primary building
frontages shall include active building frontages with
patios, stoops, and building entries facing open spaces, plazas, and paseos within the Crossroads District.

6. Refer to Chapter 4 (Objective Design Standards) for
additional criteria related to building placement,
frontage design, and active ground floor building
frontages.

STREET AND PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS

1. As sites are redeveloped, new streets, paseos, and parks/ open spaces are required consistent with Figure 3-5.

2. To support outdoor entertainment and retail uses,
parklets and sidewalk extension for al-fresco dining are permitted within the flex zone areas along S. Main Street and Serra Way as illustrated in the respective street
design sections in Chapter 5 (Mobility).

3. See Chapter 5 (Mobility) and Chapter 6 (Public Realm) for criteria related to street design and public realm
improvements.

TABLE 3-5: CROSSROADS DISTRICT MIXED-USE (XR-MU)

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

FRONT SETBACKS (MIN-MAX)
Main Street 8-15 feet
Serra Way 8-15 feet
Calaveras Boulevard 15 feet min.

Abel Street (East) 8-15 feet
Creek on S. Abel Street (West) Refer to SP Section

4.1.3 D
Local Streets, S. Abbott Avenue 5-12 feet

INTERIOR SIDE AND REAR SETBACKS (MIN)
Interior Side and Rear 0 feet
Interior Side and Rear Adjacent
to Single Family Residential or
Adjacent to Open Space
10 feet
Along Existing Railway Refer to SP Section

4.1.3 C

UPPER STORY STEPBACKS (MIN/MAX)
Main Street 5 feet min. above
3 stories
Serra Way, Abel Street, Abbott
Avenue
5 feet min. above
4 stories
Calaveras Boulevard 10 feet min. above
4 stories

JohnMcDermott
Park
0 600’
300’150’
JUNIPERO DR.

SERRA
WY.

SPENCE AVE. CARLO ST.

CALAVERAS BLVD.

S. ABEL ST. S. MAIN ST.

BUTLER ST.

CORNING AVE.

S. ABBOTT AVE.

District Boundary
Creekside Setback
15 Feet Min. Front Setback
8 Feet - 15 Feet Front Setback
5 Feet - 12 Feet Front Setback
Retail Priority Shopfronts
Retail Priority Corner
Activity Street
District Gateway
Single-Family Residential Transition
Existing Rail ROW
New Paseo or Pedestrian Connection
New Street or Street Realignment
New Public Park/Open Space
New Plaza Focal Point

REGULATING DISTRICT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 57 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
0 600’300’150’
Figure 3-5 Crossroads District Regulating Plan

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3.7.3 GATE WAY DISTRICT
The Gateway Mixed-Use (GW-MU) zone is characterized by a community-serving commercial orientation along I-880 and Calaveras Boulevard and a neighborhood-serving transition area adjacent to existing neighborhoods within the northern end of the Gateway District. Development shall comply with the standards of this section, including Figure 3-6, Gateway District Regulating Plan.

FIRST FLOOR ELEVATIONS

1. See Section 3.2.9 for applicable regulations related to first floor elevations in flood hazard areas.

SETBACK AND STEPBACK STANDARDS

1. Building setbacks and stepbacks shall comply with the standards in Table 3-6 and the following standards.
a. Where front setback ranges are proposed, a
minimum of 60% percent of the building frontage
is required to meet the minimum front setback.

The remaining building frontage may be set back,
up to the maximum front setback dimension, to
allow for site features such as plazas and open
space, outdoor dining, building entries, and
building articulation.
b. Upper story building stepbacks shall be required
for a minimum of 50% of the building frontage.

2. Along the north and east boundary of the Gateway
District, where new development is proposed
adjacent to low-density residential zones,
development shall comply with the setback and
height transitions standards in Section 4.1.3 A.

3. Development adjacent to the freeway shall comply
with the standards in Section 4.1.3 B.

ACTIVE FRONTAGE DESIGN

1. The Calaveras Boulevard / Abbott Avenue intersection shall be developed as a retail priority corner.
a. New buildings at retail priority corners shall be
designed to support active ground-floor
commercial uses wrapping the corner, as required
in Section 3.6.

2. S. Abbott Avenue, north of Calaveras Boulevard
shall be treated as an activity street, requiring active ground floor uses, but no retail.

3. Buildings in the Gateway District shall be oriented
to the street and include active building frontages,
with patios, stoops, and building entries facing
open spaces, plazas, and paseos. Refer to Chapter 4
(Objective Design Standards) for additional criteria
related to building placement, frontage design, and
active ground floor building frontages.

STREET AND PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS

1. As sites are redeveloped, new streets, paseos, and
parks/open spaces are required consistent with
Figure 3-6.

2. See Chapter 5 (Mobility) and Chapter 6 (Public
Realm) for criteria related to street and public realm
improvements
.

TABLE 3-6: GATEWAY DISTRICT MIXED-USE (GW-MU)

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

FRONT SETBACKS (MIN-MAX)
S. Abbott Avenue
(North of Calaveras)
7 feet min.

Calaveras Boulevard 15 feet min.

S. Abbott Avenue
(South of Calaveras) and Valley Way
5-12 feet

INTERIOR SIDE AND REAR SETBACKS (MIN)
Interior Side and Rear 0 feet
Interior Side and Rear Adjacent
to Single Family Residential or
Adjacent to Open Space
10 feet; see also
Specific Plan Section

4.1.3 A
Along Freeway Edge Refer to SP Section

4.1.3 B

UPPER STORY STEPBACKS (MIN/MAX)
Minimum Stepback Required
Fronting Calaveras Boulevard
10 feet min. above
4 stories
S. Abbott Ave. 5 feet min. above
4 stories

880
Starlite
Park
JohnMcDermott
Park

CALAVERAS
BLVD.

S. ABBOTT AVE.

S. ABBOTT AVE.

SPENCE AVE.

VALLEY WY.S. ABBOTT AVE.

JUNIPERO DR.

SERRA WY.

District Boundary
Freeway Edge Setback
15 Feet Min. Front Setback
5 Feet - 12 Feet Front Setback
7 Feet Min. Front Setback
Retail Priority Corner
Activity Street
District Gateway
Greenway
New Alley
Single-Family Residential Transition

REGULATING DISTRICT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 59 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
0 600’300’150’
Figure 3-6 Gateway District Regulating Plan

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3.7.4 ABBOT T DISTRICT
The Abbott District-Business Park (AD-BP) zone allows a mix of office, light industrial, and accessory commercial and business uses, organized within a landscaped business park campus setting. Development shall comply with the standards of this section, including Figure 3-7, the Abbott District Regulating Plan.

FIRST FLOOR ELEVATIONS

1. See Section 3.2.9 for applicable regulations related to first floor elevations in flood hazard areas.

SETBACK STANDARDS

1. Where setback ranges are proposed, a minimum of
60% percent of the building frontage is required to
meet the front setback as identified in Table 3-7.
a. The remaining building frontage may be set back,
up to the maximum front setback dimension, to
allow for site features such as plazas and open
space, outdoor dining, building entries, and
building articulation.

2. Along the east boundary of the Abbott District, where new development is proposed adjacent to low-
density residential zones, development shall comply
with the setback and height transitions standards in
Section 4.1.3 A.

3. Development adjacent to the freeway shall comply
with the standards in Section 4.1.3 B.

ACTIVE FRONTAGE DESIGN

1. Buildings shall be oriented to public streets and open space with ground floor commercial facades, patios,
building entries, and decks.

2. New buildings shall incorporate active ground floor
uses and building frontages, per Section 3.6, in the
following locations:
a. Adjacent to public open spaces, parks, and plazas.
b. Along Thompson Court.
c. Along S. Abbott Avenue, north of Junipero Drive.

3. Refer also to Chapter 4 (Objective Design Standards) for additional criteria related to building placement,
frontage design, and active ground floor building
frontages.

STREET AND PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS

1. As sites are redeveloped, new streets, paseos, and parks/ open spaces are required consistent with Figure 3-7.

2. Incorporate green stormwater infrastructure, such as bioswales, stormwater planters, or urban agriculture,
in amenity zones, curb extensions, and/or other
landscaped areas throughout the district. Green
infrastructure shall comply with the standards in
Section 6.5.3.

3. See Chapter 5 (Mobility) and Chapter 6 (Public
Realm) for criteria related to street and public realm
improvements
.

TABLE 3-7: ABBOTT DISTRICT BUSINESS PARK (AD-BP)

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

FRONT SETBACKS (MIN-MAX)
S. Abbott Avenue (Except Along the
Freeway)
5-10 feet
Thompson Street Extension 5-10 feet
Great Mall Parkway 10 feet min.

Internal Business Park Streets 5-10 feet
Along Freeway Edge Refer to SP Section

4.1.3 B

INTERIOR SIDE AND REAR SETBACKS (MIN)
Interior Side and Rear 0 feet
Interior Side and Rear Adjacent
to Single Family Residential or
Adjacent to Open Space
10 feet; see also
Specific Plan Section

4.1.3 A

880
CALAVERAS BLVD.

S. ABBOTT AVE.

S. ABBOTT AVE.

PALMER ST.

JUNIPERO DR.

CORNING AVE.

SYLVIA AVE.

MACHADO AVE.

THOMPSON ST.

GREAT MALL PKWY.

Tom Evatt Park
District Boundary
Setback along Freeway (60’ min.)
10 Feet Min Front Setback
5 Feet - 10 Feet Front Setback
Retail Priority Corner
Activity Street
New Paseo or Pedestrian Connection
New Street or Street Realignment
New Public Park/Open Space
New Plaza Focal Point

REGULATING DISTRICT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 61 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
0 600’300’150’
Figure 3-7 Abbott District Regulating Plan

62 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
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3.8 Policies for Urban Reserve Areas
If and when it is determined that the Urban Reserve
Areas or their associated facilities are no longer needed for their current purpose, redevelopment shall be
consistent with the criteria established in this Specific Plan, as well as the following policies.

3.8.1 ELMW OOD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
The Elmwood Correctional Facility complex is a County
correctional facility on 62 acres at the south end of the Plan Area, bordering Great Mall Parkway, between Abel
Street and Thompson Street. The area is ideally located to support commercial and high density residential
mixed-use development located within a one-half mile
of two light rail train stations. Should disposition or redevelopment of this land occur, the following
policies apply:

1. Work with Santa Clara County on a Master Plan
for the future reuse of the property. The Master Plan
shall evaluate and plan for all needed infrastructure
to support new development.

2. Rezone for high density mixed-use, allowing 75
dwelling units per acre, to take advantage of the
proximity to transit.

3. Extend a street grid system to connect with
existing streets, open space, and the bike and
pedestrian network connecting the Plan Area
and greater Milpitas.

4. Plan for one or two additional right-in, right-out
access on to Great Mall Parkway to improve local
access to this area.

5. Improve the streetscape character around the edges
of the property, including on Abel Street, Thompson
Street, Machado Avenue, and Great
Mall Parkway.

6. Plan for new parks and open space to support future
development of this property while integrating with
adjacent neighborhoods. Connect to Tom Evatt Park
by incorporating a multi-use trail on the west side
of Penitencia Creek and potentially introduce more
native plantings to the creek.

3.8.2 NORTH RAIL YARDS
The Specific Plan provides for the continuation of existing manufacturing, warehousing, and light industrial uses
as allowed under the current Heavy Industrial land use.

Should property owners wish to pursue other uses on the property in the future, the appropriate land uses should be determined at that time subject to the following
policies and consistent with the Regulating Plan
illustrated in Figure 3-8.

1. Require a Master Plan that extends a street grid
network to support the future redevelopment of the
North Railyards area, including a new north-south
spine road. The Master Plan shall evaluate and plan for all needed infrastructure to support new development.

2. Preserve the street view corridors of east-west streets on the other side of Main Street, such as at Corning
Avenue.

3. Require a minimum of one new railroad crossing to
serve future development, guided by the potential
railroad crossing locations recommended in the
mobility framework diagram in Chapter 5.

4. Require the environmental remediation of industrial
sites per city, state, and federal law requirements.

5. First floor elevations in flood hazard areas shall
reference Section 3.2.9 and the Milpitas Municipal
Code, Floodplain Management Regulations.

3.8.3 SOUTH RAIL YARDS
The South Railyards is identified as Very High Density
Residential in the General Plan land use designation in anticipation of the area’s future reuse as a residential community north of the Parc Metro community. Future
development shall comply with the following policies,
and be consistent with the North and South Railyards
Regulating Plan illustrated in Figure 3-8.

1. Require a Master Plan that extends a street grid
network to support the future redevelopment of the
North Railyards area, including a new north-south
spine road. The Master Plan shall evaluate and plan for all needed infrastructure to support new development.

2. Allow 75 dwelling units per acre in the Very High
Density Residential land use designation.

3. Protect the Hetch Hetchy right-of-way corridor as a
public open space resource serving the community
and connect it with a community trail loop.

4. Integrate future development with the existing streets and urban fabric of the Parc Metro community to
the south, including improving Curtis Avenue and
extending Tower Drive to the north. See the Mobility
chapter for guidance related to the future street
network and connectivity in the South Railyards.

5. Improve Hammond Way as a multimodal street with
the opportunity for a protected off-street bike trail
along the BART Station tracks. Consider the potential
for a bike and pedestrian crossing of the railroad tracks along the Hetch Hetchy corridor to provide community
access to Main Street.

6. Screen the railroad tracks and Industrial facilities with landscaping and walls or fences with soundproofing
technology.

7. Require the environmental remediation of Industrial
sites per city, state, and federal law.

8. First floor elevations in flood hazard areas shall
reference Section 3.2.9 and the Milpitas Municipal
Code, Floodplain Management Regulations.

S. MAIN ST. HAMMOND WY.

SINNOTT LN.

CURTIS AVE.

North Railyards Urban Reserve Area
South Railyards Urban Reserve Area
CORNING AVE.

JUNIPERO DR.

SERRA WY.

SYLVIA AVE.

CARLO ST.

Tom Evatt Park
Existing Streets
New Street
New Paseo or Pedestrian Connection
New Public Park/Open Space
Rail ROW

BART ROW
Potential Future At-Grade Rail Crossing
(To Be Further Studied, Coordination with Union Pacific Railroad Required)

REGULATING DISTRICT STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 63 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
0 600’300’150’
Figure 3-8 North Railyards and South Railyards Regulating Plan

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3.9 Open Spa ce Standards
Projects shall provide the minimum open space based
on project type, scale, and lot size as specified below and identified in Table 3-8. Areas that are used regularly for parking, loading, or storage shall not count towards minimum open space requirements.

3.9.1 MINIMUM OPEN SP ACE

1. Residential and mixed-use projects with residential
uses must provide on-site open space in the form
of common outdoor open space and private open
space, per the requirements of Table 3-8.
a. If development is unable to meet the full
amount of required common open space on-site,
an in-lieu fee may be used to satisfy up to
50% of the requirement. See "Improvements:

Dedication of Land or Payment of Fee or Both,
for Recreational Purposes" within the Subdivision
regulations of the Municipal Zoning Code for
requirements related to in-lieu fees.
b. Fee provisions will be established on a project-by-
project basis, as determined at the time of project
entitlements.
c. A minimum of 5% of the open space shall be made
publicly accessible. Additional public accessible
open space beyond the minimum require may
quality for an incentive as addressed in Section 3.4
(Economic and Development Incentives).

2. Non-residential projects with more than 10,000
square feet shall provide a minimum of 10% of the
gross non-residential floor area as common
outdoor open space.

Common Outdoor Space: Common outdoor open spaces
include courtyards and greens, such as this shared space in the Milpitas Metro area.

Publicly Accessible Private Open Space: Forecourts and patios are privately owned, but arranged to create the feeling or a larger common open space.

Private Open Space: Private open space can include ground- level patios and upper-level balconies.

OPEN SPACE STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 65 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

3.9.2 COMMON OUTDOOR OPEN SPACE
Common outdoor open spaces (COS) are usable
spaces shared among tenants or owners of a building
or development, including residential subdivisions
(including rowhomes/townhomes), multi-family
residential projects, and residential mixed-use projects.

COS may include courtyards, gardens, greens, and
rooftop gardens.

1. Common outdoor open space requirements apply
to all multi-family and mixed-use projects with five
residential units or more.

2. Common outdoor open spaces shall be immediately
adjacent to residential units and shall be accessible
to all residents.

3. Publicly-accessible private open space, such as
plazas, forecourts, and pedestrian paseos are
encouraged, and may be used to satisfy the
requirements for common outdoor open space if
they meet the requirements of this section. See
Section 6.3.4 (Privately-Owned, Public Open Spaces),
for additional information and criteria.

4. Common outdoor open spaces shall meet the
following dimensional/size requirements:
a. The minimum area for common open space shall
be 1,000 square feet, with a minimum dimension
of 40 feet x 25 feet.
b. Where enclosed on three or more sides by a
building (i.e. a courtyard), courtyards shall:
• Have one dimension (width or length) that is
equal to or greater than the highest building
height of the adjoining face.
• Have a second dimension (width or length)
that is equal to or greater than 80% of the
highest building height of the adjoining face.

5. A minimum of 20% of the open space area shall
be planted with native plantings, trees, ground cover,
and/or shrubs. Additionally:
a. A minimum of one tree from the Recommended
Street Tree list in Table 6-1 shall be provided for
every 400 square feet of outdoor area. New trees
included in open space areas may count towards
replacement requirements required by the City of
Milpitas Tree Removal Checklist and Application.
b. Seating options, such as seat walls, planter
ledges, benches, and/or movable seating shall
be provided at a ratio of 1 bench, or equivalent
amount of seating area, per 300 square feet of
outdoor area.

6. Lighting shall be provided in common outdoor open
space and shall meet the following requirements:
a. Light levels at a property line shall not exceed .05 foot-candles for all properties with residential uses.
b. Exterior light fixtures, including pole lights, wall- mounted lights and bollards shall be fully shielded
and downward-facing in order to minimize glare and
light trespass within and beyond the project site.
c. Allowed light sources (bulb types) for exterior
lighting include:
• Metal Halide (MH)
• Linear or Compact Fluorescent
• Induction Lighting
• Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Incandescent lighting, permitted for exterior
accent lighting only

7. A minimum of 75% of the area shall be open to the
sky and free of permanent weather protection or
encroachments. Trellises and similar open-air
features are permitted.

8. Common outdoor open spaces shall incorporate at
least two of the following residential amenities to
occupy a minimum of 50% of the required area:
a. Tot lot/play structure
b. Community garden
c. Shaded picnic table and BBQ areas
d. Swimming pool
e. Sports courts (e.g. tennis, basketball, etc.), or
outdoor games (boccie ball, chess tables, etc.)
f. Open lawn and play areas

3.9.3 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
Private open spaces, such as balconies, decks, porches, patios, private yards, and terraces, among others, adjoin a dwelling unit and are reserved for the exclusive use of the unit's resident(s) and guest(s).

1. Private open spaces shall comply with the following
standards:
a. A minimum dimension of 5 feet in all directions.
b. Designed to overlook common open spaces,
public open space, paseos, or streets.
c. Private open space may be met with multiple
private open spaces per unit provided that a
minimum of one private open space is accessible
from the common area in the unit.

TABLE 3-8: MINIMUM RESIDENTIAL OPEN SPACE

REQUIREMENTS

NUMBER OF
UNITS
COMMON

OUTDOOR OPEN
SPACE

PRIVATE OPEN
SPACE
< 5 Units Exempt 100 sf/unit
6+ units 60 sf/unit 40 sf/unit

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3.10 Parking Standards
The purpose of this section is to provide an adequate
amount of parking within all districts within the Plan Area while maintaining the pedestrian-oriented character
envisioned for the Crossroads and Main Street districts.

Projects shall provide parking based on use and size as specified below and identified in Table 3-9.

3.10.1 PARKING RATIOS
The vehicular parking ratios provided in Table 3-9 shall apply to typical uses in the Specific Plan Area.

1. For mixed-use projects with different land uses that are part of the same project (e.g. retail and residential), the parking requirements for each separate land
use are applicable, and shall be added together to
determine the total parking requirements for the
project, unless an alternative shared parking approach
is used, consistent with Section 3.10.2, below.

2. For residential, commercial, or other development
projects that are within one-half mile of a VTA light
rail station, no minimum vehicular parking shall be
required for the uses noted in Table 3-9.

3. For any project undergoing a change in use, if the
new use has a greater parking requirement than
the previous use by more than 25%, the difference in
required spaces between the previous and proposed
use shall be provided.

4. Non-residential uses within the Plan Area may meet
parking requirements with on-street parking, as
allowed by the parking reductions in the Zoning
Ordinance.

3.10.2 SHARED PARKING
Shared and district parking facilities are highly
encouraged within the Crossroads and Main Street
Districts. Shared parking facilities include:

1. On-site parking shared across multiple parcels.
a. Where shared on-site parking has been
provided, projects may be permitted up to a 25%
reduction in the number of parking spaces for
all non-residential uses included in the shared
parking agreement.
b. Shared parking plans shall be submitted to the
City for review.

2. Off-site parking garages located within one-quarter
mile of the project.
a. Satisfaction of vehicular parking through an off-
site facility is permitted provided such facility is
demonstrated to have sufficient excess capacity
to accommodate the parking requirements of the
proposed use during peak parking hour demands.
b. Off-site parking on public or private property shall be evidenced by a deed, lease, contract, or similar
written instrument approved by the City Attorney.

3.10.3 UNBUNDLED PARKING

1. Where a project provides new residential units, off- street vehicle parking spaces shall be leased or sold
separately from the unit rental or purchase fees, so that renters or buyers have the option of renting or buying
the residential unit at a lower price than if the parking was included.
a. Renters or buyers have the right of first refusal to parking built for their unit. Any remaining spaces
may be leased to other users on a month-to-month
basis. New occupants shall have the opportunity to
lease or purchase parking built for their unit.
b. For deed-restricted affordable units, one parking
space shall be included in the base rent of each
unit. The tenant may choose to receive the parking
space or receive a rent discount equivalent to half
the amount charged for monthly lease of a parking
space. Tenants of affordable units shall not sublease
their parking spaces.

3.10.4 PARKING LOCATION AND ACCESS

1. New on-site parking shall be located to the rear of
buildings when provided within the Crossroads and
Main Street Districts.

2. Access to on-site parking shall be from side streets or rear alleys where applicable.

3. Where new off-street parking has been provided
within 50 feet of existing off-street parking, access
to the parking from the public right-of-way shall be
combined.

4. Further guidance on parking location and access is
provided in Chapter 4 (Objective Design Standards).

5. Parking layout and design shall comply with the
city's Zoning Ordinance requirements.

3.10.5 ELEC TRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
Refer to the Zoning Ordinance requirements for Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces.

3.10.6 BICY CLE PARKING
The bicycle parking ratios provided in Table 3-9 shall apply to typical uses in the Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan Area. Refer to the latest version of the CALGreen Code
for non-residential bicycle parking design and siting
requirements. Residential bicycle parking shall be provided in a secure area accessible only to residents.

PARKING STANDARDS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 67 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
TABLE 3-9: MINIMUM OFF-STREET VEHICULAR AND BICYCLE PARKING STANDARDS TYPICAL USE 1 MINIMUM VEHICULAR PARKING REQUIREMENTS 3 MINIMUM BICYCLE

PARKING REQUIREMENTS

CROSSROADS AND MAIN

STREET DISTRICTS

OTHER AREAS

RESIDENTIAL OFF-STREET PARKING
Dwelling Unit

1.0 space per unit; plus 1.0
guest parking space per 4
units

1.5 spaces per unit; plus 1.0
guest parking space per 3
units

0.5 spaces per unit
Shopkeeper unit or live-work unit

1.0 space per unit; plus 1.0
guest parking space per 4
units

1.5 spaces per unit; plus 1.0
guest parking space per 3
units
Special Group Residence Refer to Municipal Code Refer to Municipal Code All Others

1.5 spaces per unit; plus 1.0
guest parking space per 4
units

2.0 spaces per unit; plus 1.0
guest parking space per 3
units

NON-RESIDENTIAL OFF-STREET PARKING
Artisan Shops, General Retail,
Convenience Retail
2 1.0 space per 1,000 sf 1.0 space per 500 sf

1.0 space per 5,000 sf
Restaurants, Cafes, Dining,
Entertainment
2 1.0 space per 1,000 sf 1.0 space per 500 sf
Outdoor Dining for restaurants,
cafes, dining, entertainment, and
similar uses
No additional parking No additional parking
Bars, Breweries, Wineries, and
Brew Pubs 1.0 space per 1,000 sf 1.0 space per 500 sf 1.0 space per 5,000 sf Professional Office, Medical/
Dental Office, Bank, Savings &
Loan, and other Office Uses

1.0 space per 500 sf 1.0 space per 500 sf 1.0 space per 5,000 sf Personal Services, except
Commercial Athletic Clubs 1.0 space per 500 sf 1.0 space per 500 sf 1.0 space per 5,000 sf Commercial Athletic Clubs 1.0 space per 500 sf 1.0 space per 250 sf Bed & Breakfast, Hotel 0.5 spaces per room 0.75 spaces per room Conversion of City Listed Historic
Resources No additional parking No additional parking No additional parking Industrial (Including light
industrial, manufacturing, and
distribution)
N/A 1.0 space per 1,500 sf

1.0 space per 7,500 sf
Office Space within an Industrial
Building N/A 1.0 space per 500 sf
Notes:

1. Uses not shown in this table shall reference the off-street parking regulations in the Zoning Ordinance.

2. Projects containing less than 6,000 sf are exempt from off-street parking requirements.

3. Use shall comply with the parking ratios standards in Section 3.10.1 including no minimum vehicular parking is required for residential, commercial, or other development projects located within one-half mile of a VTA light rail station.

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3.11 Special Use Standar ds
Given their unique nature, certain activities and uses
have special impacts upon the community, giving rise
to a need for special review procedures or standards.

Uses subject to the Special Use standards in the Zoning Ordinance are indicated in Table 3-1. Additional use
standards, complying with the goals, objectives, policies, and implementation programs of the Specific Plan, are
specified below.

3.11.1 CERT AIN RETAIL AND SERVICE USES
Within the MS-MU, LD-MU, and the XR-MU zone (east
of Abel Street), personal services, convenience stores, grocery stores, commercial athletic facilities, repair
services, private and group instruction, and all types of financial institutions shall be subject to the following:

1. These uses are less than or equal to 20,000 square
feet in gross floor area, except for grocery stores and financial institutions (refer to standard numbers 2
and 3, below).

2. Grocery stores shall be less than or equal to 30,000 square feet, unless otherwise permitted with a
Conditional Use Permit.

3. Financial institutions shall be less than or equal to 20,000 square feet, unless otherwise permitted with a
Conditional Use Permit.

4. Use of the area in front of the store for approved
outdoor seating areas and/or product display only.

5. Conform with the Objective Design Standards, herein, related to active frontages.

3.11.2 QUASI-P UBLIC USES
The following uses shall be limited in the MS-MU and
XR-MU zones, but permitted provided their location is first approved by the Planning staff, Zoning Administrator, or the Planning Commission (as applicable) in accordance
with the Zoning Ordinance regulations for Conditional
Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits; and the
use is not located within 1,000 feet of the parcel boundary of another of the same quasi-public use listed below. This distance shall be measured from the property line of the parcel where such use is located.

1. Churches and religious institutions.

2. Places of meeting or assembly, such as auditoriums,
banquet halls, and fraternal or union halls.

3. Private elementary, middle, or high schools.

3.11.3 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN
USES
For the following uses requiring the approval of a Minor Conditional Use Permit by staff, the following performance standards shall be met.

1. Vehicle related uses, transportation passenger
terminals/facilities, and pawnshops may not be located
within 1,000 feet of another same use. This distance
shall be measured from the property line of the parcel
where such use is located.

2. In order to assist the City of Milpitas in its efforts to receive direct distribution of the local tax on materials associated with autobroker businesses, the California
Sales and Use Tax (the "Local Tax") shall be allocated
to the project site, to the extent reasonably possible.

Evidence of tax allocation or cause as to why such
allocation cannot be made shall be submitted at the
time of business license submittal.

3. Within the AD-BP zone, all uses and activities must
take place within an enclosed building, except for
permitted outdoor uses, such as recreation and
outdoor dining.

3.11.4 OUTDOOR MUSIC
Outdoor music as an accessory use in conjunction with a restaurant or bar shall be permitted for the entertainment and enjoyment of customers at the restaurant or bar
during regular operating hours.

1. Outdoor music as an accessory use shall be limited
to the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, except that
outdoor music may be extended until 11:00 pm within
the MS-MU and XR-MU zones.

2. Recorded background music may be permitted
outdoors on public sidewalks and other public areas
subject to the standards of this Chapter and Chapter
213 (Noise Abatement).

3. Noise levels for outdoor music, when permitted as an accessory use to a restaurant or bar, shall not exceed
a maximum range of 70 to 90 decibels (dB). See
also MMC Title V, Subsections V-213-2 and V-213-3 for
additional regulations.

4. Larger outdoor music events, both live and recorded
music, which are intended for the entertainment and
enjoyment of the general public shall require a Special Event Permit, subject to the Special Event Permit
regulations in the Zoning Ordinance.

5. Minor outdoor music events, both live and recorded
music, which are hosted on-site by a business with 9
or fewer total employees, shall be exempt from
applicable permit and fee requirements.

SPECIAL USE STANDARDS
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04

OBJECTIVE

DESIGN STANDARDS
04

72 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
04 OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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Overview
The Objective Design Standards provide criteria for site planning, urban form, and building design in the Plan Area, as well as topics such as pedestrian-level design. The Objective Design Standards in this chapter are tailored to development within the Plan Area, with a special focus on requirements for commercial and pedestrian- oriented mixed-use development. Conformance with the Objective Design Standards shall be required for any new permits or amendments submitted after the adoption of the Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan, and apply to all development in the Plan Area. The standards shall be implemented in conjunction with other standards and requirements of the Specific Plan.

In addition to the Objective Design Standards of this chapter, the City’s Zoning Code and Residential and Mixed- Use Objective Design Standards (City ODS) are applicable to residential and residential mixed-use projects with two or more dwelling units. To help navigate users, the Specific Plan Objective Design Standards reference key sections of the City’s Zoning Code and/or City ODS. Where standards of this chapter deviate from standards of the City ODS, the Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan Objective Design Standards shall prevail. Refer to Chapter 8 of the Specific Plan for additional information on the administration of the standards of the Specific Plan and the process for subsequent project review.

DESIGN STANDARDS STRUCTURE
The Design Standards are organized by into three
sections, addressing:

4.1 Site Planning & Design.

4.2 Building Design & Ar chitecture.

4.3 Pedestrian Level Design.

The general structure of the Objective Design Standards consists of:
• TOPIC
• PURPOSE STATEMENT, in blue text, summarizes
the purpose and intent of the requirements in
one sentence.
• STANDARDS provide design requirements that
are specific, numeric, and/or verifiable. Proposed
projects must meet the minimum standards set
forth in the standards. In limited instances,
“Guidelines” are identified, where there is flexibility in implementation, or the criteria are encouraged,
but optional.
• RELATED STANDARDS identifies other applicable
citywide Zoning or Objective Design Standards,
as well as related standards of this chapter.

4.1 Site Planning & Design
The planning and design of the site and arrangement of
activities are important to achieving a vibrant mixed-use Downtown environment, and complete and walkable
communities that support a mix of uses and activities.

The Site Planning & Design section addresses the
following topics and requirements:
• Block Size.
• Building Placement and Orientation, including
Building Siting, Setback Treatment, and
Encroachments.
• Special Conditions and Adjacencies.
• Site Access and Parking.
• Service and Utility Design.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 73 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Mid-block connection
1400 feet

4.1.1 PEDESTRIAN-SCALED BLOCKS
Reduce the size of superblocks and long block
lengths in the Plan Area to create pedestrian-scaled
blocks and provide a connected network of
streets, paths, and open spaces.

A. BLOCK SIZE STANDARDS

1. New streets and connections shall be provided where
identified by Figure 5-1 (Mobility Framework) and
Figure 6-1 (Public Realm Framework).
a. New streets and connections shall align and
connect to existing streets in adjacent areas and
neighborhoods.
b. See Chapter 5 for criteria related to the design of
new streets and connections.

2. Block length shall not exceed 400 feet and a
maximum block perimeter of 1,400 feet, consistent
with the ODS Section 2.1.1 (Maximum Block Length)
and shown in Figure 4-1.
a. For existing, new, or assembled parcels, where
block lengths exceed 400 feet, at least one mid-
block connection shall be provided as shown in
Figure 4-2, consistent with the Objective Design
Standards and the standards in this section.

3. The following qualify as mid-block connections:
a. Future Mixed-Use Streets.
b. Future Residential Streets.
c. Future Alleys.
d. Future Paseos.

See Chapter 5 for related design standards.

4. Maximum block lengths may be exceeded for the
edges parallel to and adjacent to railroads, creeks,
utilities, and highways where through access is
limited or prohibited.
a. The maximum block length may be exceeded for
the portion of the block within 100 feet of these
features.
b. Service access, via parallel roadways or alleys,
is encouraged to facilitate site circulation and
connections between development projects.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Specific Plan Section 5.1 (Mobility Framework)
• Specific Plan Section 6.1 (Public Realm Framework)
• City ODS Section 2.1. (Block Structure)
• City ODS Section 2.2. (Mid-block Connections)
Figure 4-1 Maximum Block Length and Perimeter
Figure 4-2 Required Mid-Block Connections

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

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4.1.2 BUILDING PLACEMENT AND ORIENTATION
Site buildings to front the edges of blocks and
public spaces, and support a vibrant streetscape
environment with pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

A. BUILDING SITING AND ORIENTATION

1. Buildings shall front on to the street or public space with active uses and pedestrian-oriented frontages
as further addressed in Section 4.3 and illustrated in
Figure 4-3.

2. Primary building entries shall be provided along
public sidewalks and publicly accessible pathways, as
shown in Figures 4-3 and 4-4.

3. Buildings adjoining a plaza, park, or private open
space shall front on to that open space as shown in
Figure 4-4.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Specific Plan Section 3.5 (Setback Standards)
• Specific Plan Section 3.6 (Retail Frontage
Requirements and Ground-Floor Activation)
• Specific Plan Section 3.7 (District Regulating Plans and Development Standards)
Lined by Active Uses
Publicly Accessible
Pathway
Figure 4-3 Active Building Frontages
Design buildings to front the street.

Design buildings with landscape setbacks and direct connections to a public sidewalk.

Figure 4-4 Building Oriented to the Sidewalk and Plazas Place the main pedestrian entry along a street or fronting public open space.

PLAZA/PASEO

PARKING
Primary Street
Secondary Street

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B. BUILDING ENCROACHMENT

1. Building encroachments into yard setback
areas are allowed in accordance with the Milpitas
Municipal Code Section XI-10-55.05 (Projections
Allowed into Required Yards, Setbacks), ODS Section

3.3.2, and the following standards.

2. Table 4-1 summarizes the allowed front setback
encroachments.
a. Figure 4-5 illustrates the maximum allowed
encroachment into the front setback, subject to
maintaining a minimum 5-foot front easement for
public utility services, where required.
b. The bottom of architectural features projecting
over a public sidewalk shall be a minimum
of 8 feet above grade as shown in Figure 4-6.

RELATED STANDARDS
• City ODS Section 3.3.2 (Encroachments)

PLANTING

LIGHTING

FURNISHINGSSIDEWALK

EASEMENT/

SETBACK

PROPERTY LINE
MIN. SETBACK FOR

PUBLIC UTILITIES
(WHERE REQUIRED)
8’ MAX5’ MIN

PLANTING

LIGHTING

FURNISHINGS

RETAIL / ACTIVE

GROUND FLOOR
USE

RESIDENTIAL OR
OFFICE

RESIDENTIAL

SIDEWALK
6’
Max
8’ Min
TABLE 4-1: ALLOWED FRONT SETBACK ENCROACHMENTS

DESIGN FEATURE MAXIMUM DEPTH INTO FRONT

SETBACK
Building entry conditions,
such as porches, front
patios, stoops, terraces, or
frontage courts
8 feet max. into front setback
with a minimum of 5 feet clear
from the front property line
where public utility services
are required
Architectural projections,
such as awnings, canopies,
weather protection
structures, and balconies
None on private property; 6
feet max. over public sidewalks
Figure 4-5 Architectural Features and Building Entries
Figure 4-6 Overhangs over Sidewalks

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4.1.3 SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND ADJACENCIES
Plan new development with sensitivity to local context
and special conditions.

A. TRANSITIONS TO SINGLE-FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS

1. The standards in this section apply to new
development in the Mixed-Use zones that share a
property line with a parcel zoned for Single Family
(R1) or Multiple Family (R3). This occurs at the
following locations:
a. The southwest corner of the XR-MU zone at the
Serra Center.
b. The northern boundary of all the GW-MU and XR-
MU zones, located north of Calaveras Boulevard.
c. The eastern edge of the AD-BP zone.

2. At the locations described above in A(1), new
development shall provide building setback and
height transitions adjacent to single-family residential neighborhoods consistent with the standards of the
Citywide Objective Design Standards in Section 3.9.1.

B. ADJACENT TO FREEWAYS

1. Development, including residential, commercial,
and mixed-use buildings, shall be set back a
minimum of 60 feet from the edge of the freeway
right-of-way, as shown in Figure 4-7.

Figure 4-7 Required Freeway Setback

2. Planting shall be provided adjacent to freeways,
consistent with the planting standards in the
City’s Objective Design Standards Section 3.9.3.3.

Landscaping and plant selection for site development
adjacent to I-880 shall be primarily native and/or bay- friendly, consistent with the natural character of the
region in the selection of trees and ground cover.

3. Additionally, the following guidelines should be
considered in freeway-adjacent development.
a. New office and commercial land uses should
be designed to provide attractive landscaping,
lighting, and signage adjacent to all buildings
oriented within a block of I-880.
b. Non-residential buildings should incorporate
focal elements, such as a tower or articulated
roof lines, to serve as visual landmarks into the
Gateway-Main Street area.
c. Screen truck loading and refuse collection areas
adjacent to and visible from freeways using
landscape screening.

C. ADJACENT TO RAILROAD LINES

1. New development projects, as well as public
improvement projects such as trails built directly
adjacent to or sharing a property line with a rail right- of-way shall be required to install continuous fencing
or solid walls between any new future development
and the rail right-of-way, to prevent unauthorized
pedestrian access. In addition, a row of evergreen trees, or similar screen planting, shall be required adjacent to the fencing or wall.
60 feet minimum
Setback
Freeway ROW

FREEWAY
Double row of trees
between freeway ROW and
buildings

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Figure 4-8 Required Creek Open Space Setback

2. New residential buildings shall be set back a
minimum of 40 feet from the center line of the
nearest rail track.

3. Residential and other sensitive noise receptors
constructed next to a rail right-of-way shall be
required to conduct a noise study and designed to
mitigate the impacts of train noise, especially for
bedrooms and other sensitive noise receptor spaces.

Suitable mitigation techniques shall include a
combination of window and wall soundproofing and
if required, constructing a sound wall.

D. ADJACENT TO CREEKS AND CHANNELS

1. Consistent with City requirements, all new
development located on or adjacent to Penitencia
Creek will be required to comply with the standards
and guidelines for land uses near streams.

Development or construction activity conducted
on or adjacent to the Santa Clara Valley Water
District (SCVWD) property easements, such as
creek crossings, shall be required to obtain
applicable permits from the SCVWD prior to
such construction activity.

2. Building setbacks adjacent to creeks and drainage
channels shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet
from the top of the bank, in addition to any required
rear or side yard setbacks specified in this Specific Plan and shown in Figure 4-8.

3. Where a public path is not located between the
building and the top of bank, a 12 foot-wide public
access easement shall be located within the first
30 feet of the top of bank, consistent with the open
space, public access easement, and planting design
standards identified in the Citywide Objective Design
Standards Section 3.9.5.3 and 3.5.9.4.

4. Additionally, the following guidelines should be
considered in areas adjacent to creeks and channels:
a. Maintain and enhance pedestrian and bicycle
access and views to and from all local creek
corridors.
b. Provide native landscaping along trails and
continue to fill in gaps in the public path
system along Penitencia Creek.

RELATED STANDARDS
• City ODS Section 3.9 (Standards for Special Conditions and Adjacencies)

LOWER PENITENCIA
CREEK25’ WALK ZONE

PRESERVE EXISTING TREES
(WHERE POSSIBLE)

FRONTAGE
ZONE
5’12’ TRAIL

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4.1.4 SITE AC CESS AND PARKING
Design vehicular, service, and parking access to limit
conflicts with pedestrians, bicycles, and transit and
minimize their impact to the pedestrian experience.

A. SERVICE AND PARKING ENTRIES

1. Curb cuts, consolidated parking areas, and
service areas between adjacent parcels shall be
coordinated to minimize transit, bicycle, and
pedestrian conflicts. Additionally:
a. New curb cuts along Main Street shall be limited
to side streets or alleys providing service or
parking access behind. New curb cuts, where they
are required due to access constraints, shall be
shared between adjacent parcels and coordinated
with the regulating plans for the Crossroad and
Main Street districts.
b. Curb cuts along Abel Street and Serra Way shall be
limited to one per block and shared between
adjacent parcels.

2. Vehicular service and parking entries, including
access to parking garages, shall be located along
secondary streets, side streets, or alleys.

3. Service or parking access and driveways shall be
located as far from the primary pedestrian building
entry as possible, at a minimum of 25 feet away.

4. Pedestrian service entry access shall be located
along a rear, secondary, or service street where
possible, and shall be located a minimum of 25
feet from the primary pedestrian building entry
as shown in Figure 4-9.

5. As site redevelopment and streetscape
improvements occur, district improvements shall
be planned for and implemented, including:
a. Adding service streets from Main Street to
service and park multiple parcels behind
buildings.
b. Providing alleys parallel and adjacent
to the railroad tracks for secondary access to
parking and service facilities, including for
shared or district parking lots.
c. New streets, service streets, alleys, and
other connections shall conform to the
requirements of Section 5 (Mobility).

Locate service functions and entries on a secondary street and / or a minimum of 25 feet from the primary building entry.

Figure 4-9 Service Entry Locations
B. SURFACE PARKING LOTS

1. Surface parking shall be located at the rear of the lot, behind buildings. Where existing surface parking lots
front a street, they shall be screened with a low wall
and/or a landscape buffer providing separation between
the parking area and pedestrians on the sidewalk.

2. Provide landscape islands in surface parking lots
instead of tree wells, when possible.
a. Landscape islands shall be a minimum of 5 feet
in width; however, 6-feet is preferred.
b. Where tree wells are provided, they shall be a
minimum of 5 feet by 5 feet and provide adequate
area for tree growth.
c. Plant a minimum of one shade tree per
eight parking spaces. New trees shall be provided at
a minimum 24-inch box size. See Chapter 6 for a list
of recommended tree types.

3. Use permeable pavers and landscaping to
filter and reduce stormwater run-off in surface
parking lots, when possible.

4. Provide a uniform parking identification signage for public parking areas that is coordinated in appearance
with an overall community branded signage system
as addressed in Section 6.4.

Secondary Street
Primary Street
SERVICE25 ft

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Access to individual garages are provided at the interior of the site from an alley.

Surface parking located behind the building units, and accessed via a secondary side street or alley.

Garage parking access provided from a secondary street.

C. PARKING STRUCTURES

1. Parking structures shall be located in one of the
following:
a. Below-grade.
b. Screened behind active building uses.
c. On the interior of a site and screened from public
view using the methods described in 2 below.

2. Where parking is visible from the public right-of-way, design the visible facades of parking structures to
complement the appearance of adjacent buildings
and streetscape features using the following
techniques:
a. Wrap parking structures on the ground floor
with a commercial, public, or residential use with
minimum depths as guided by the active use
requirements in Section 4.3.
b. Where it is not feasible to wrap a parking
garage, screen parking on the ground floor with
decorative grilles or ornamental metal screens,
landscaping, and/or low walls provided at a
minimum height of 3 feet.
c. Use finer-detailed cladding materials and
decorative elements on upper floors using a
similar articulation, color composition, and
building materials to the principal building or
adjacent buildings served.
d. Design parking garage entries and pedestrian
stair and elevator cores to be visible from the
street and distinct in massing, materials, and
lighting design.
e. Parking structures shall be discouraged within
25 feet of a property line fronting Main Street or
Serra Way.

3. Screen parking garages so vehicle headlights do
not shine into the windows of adjacent buildings
when vehicles are traveling up or down a ramp.

4. Allow solar photovoltaic panels, wind generators,
and other green roof features above rooftop
parking decks.

5. Lighting above parking garages shall be shielded
to avoid uplighting.

6. Locate parking for commercial retail and services
on the ground floor, when possible. Locate parking
for residents and employees below grade or on
upper floors.

RELATED STANDARDS
• City ODS Section 3.5 (Access and Parking)
• City ODS Section 3.7 (Utilities, Service Areas, and
Building Equipment)

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4.1.5 SERVICE AND U TILITY DESIGN
Locate and design service areas, storage areas, and
utilities to minimize their impact on the pedestrian
experience.

A. SERVICE AND UTILITY AREAS

1. Utilities shall be placed underground or in subsurface conduits, unless otherwise prohibited by the utility
provider. Development within a FEMA-designated Flood
Hazard zone, identified in Specific Plan Section 7.2
(Flood Protection), shall be subject to the City's
floodplain management construction standards in the
Milpitas Municipal Code.

2. All above-grade utilities and equipment (e.g.,
electric and gas meters, utility boxes, transformers,
air conditioning units, fire sprinkler valves, irrigation backflow preventers), and related service and/or
storage areas shall be integrated into the site, building, and landscape design and conform to the following:
a. They shall be clustered and consolidated
in a single area.
b. They shall be located within the building, or
on a façade other than the primary building
frontage, such as along an alley, parking area,
and/or the rear or side of a building.
c. They shall not be located within the public right-of- way.
d. They shall be located in a building recess, or in a
building setback away from building entries or
patios.
e. When they are located within a mid-block
connection, paseo, within 80 feet of a priority retail
corner, within 25 feet of open space areas, or within
25 feet of a street corner, they shall be screened
from public view provided it does not impede fire
access requirements.

3. Above-grade and rooftop-mounted utilities
and mechanical equipment shall be screened as
specified in the City ODS Section 3.7.1. See City
ODS Section 3.7 for additional requirements related to
Vents/ HVAC, Waste Removal and Exterior
Trash and Recycling Enclosures.

4. Where above-grade utility boxes exist, they
shall be relocated in conjunction with streetscape
improvement projects. Where relocation is not
feasible, improvements such as painting should
be considered as part of the streetscape and/or
public art program to enhance their appearance
within public spaces in the community.

RELATED STANDARDS
• City ODS Section 3.7 (Utilities, Service Areas,
and Building Equipment)
Incorporate public art on existing utility boxes to add to the streetscape identity.

A corner plaza, articulated corner and variation in materiality.

Metal panel art and landscaping is used to screen this loading area.

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4.2 Building Design & Architecture
This section addresses the overall building form
and massing, as well as primary building architectural
features, including building entries, windows, roofs,
materials, and colors, organized under the following
topical headers:
• Massing and Form.
• Façade Articulation and Design.
• Building Entries and Doors.
• Windows and Glazing.
• Building Materials and Colors.
• Roofs.

The building design standards in this section provide
standards for all development in the Plan Area. Building design of residential and mixed-use buildings shall
reference the City ODS, which organize building design
criteria through the following categories, as applicable to development in the Plan Area:
• (S) SMALL - House-like/Multiplex Buildings.

Small building types include cottage clusters,
duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, or combinations
of these types.
• (M) MEDIUM - Middle Housing/Mixed-Use
Buildings. Medium building types include
rowhouses, walk-up multiplex buildings,
garden style apartments.
• (L) LARGE - Mid-rise Buildings.

Large building types include mid-rises,
podium buildings, and wrapped structures.

Figure 4-10 Upper Story Stepback Requirement

4.2.1 MASSING AND FORM
Design building massing and form to reflect a human,
pedestrian-friendly scale along retail and activity
streets and provide transitions that respond to context conditions.

A. BUILDING MASSING AND FORM

1. All buildings must comply with the setback and
stepback standards outlined in Section 3.7
(Focus Area Regulating Plans and Development
Standards).

2. Buildings at street intersections with traffic signals and at community or district gateway sites must
include at least two of the following architectural
features for a minimum of 20% of each building
frontage along the street:
a. Corner plaza.
b. Articulated corner with vertical and/or horizontal
projections.
c. Taller massing and larger roof elements; the
maximum building height may be exceeded by
these elements as permitted by Section 3.3.
d. Building entries recessed a minimum of 3 feet.
e. An angled entry, angled 30 degrees or more
from the sidewalk.
f. Variation in facade treatments, such as change
in material, color, or increased transparency.

3. Upper story stepbacks are regulated through the
standards of Chapter 3. To further reduce building bulk, large buildings taller than 5 stories shall include the following:
a. A 75% reduction in the massing of floors 6
and above, as illustrated in Figure 4-10.
b. On floor 6, the transition space where the set
back occurs should be utilized for private
and/or common open space.

RELATED STANDARDS
• City ODS Section 4.2.1.2 (Upper Floor Mass
Reductions (L) (XL))
Upper floor building front stepback and
required 75% massing reduction above 5 stories

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4.2.2 FACADE ARTICULATION AND DESIGN
Require facade articulation to reflect the human scale
and provide visual interest to the public realm.

A. GENERAL STANDARDS

1. Buildings shall be designed to create or continue
an active, functional building frontage along the
public right-of-way.

2. Blank walls without windows or doors shall be limited as follows:
a. On retail-priority streets, the maximum length
of blank walls shall be limited to 20 feet. Blank
walls are not permitted within 60 feet of a street
intersection.
b. On all other streets:
• The maximum length of blank walls shall be
limited to 50 feet.
• Blank walls longer than 20 feet are not
permitted within the 60 feet closest to a street
intersection.

Continuous, active, and functional building frontage along the public right-of-way
Variation in the facade through building bays, recess,
fenestration, and changes in color and materiality.

Align center
lines of window
bays
Align
columns
Align major
breaks in the
facade
Figure 4-11 Upper Floor Alignment

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Figure 4-12 Variation in Building Facade

BUILDING DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

4. Additionally, the following guidelines should be
considered for building facades greater than 100 feet
in length as described in the City ODS Section 4.3.3
and shown in Figure 4-12
a. Variation in the building modulation through
major and minor breaks, vertical rhythms and
patterns, and variations in building height or roof
line.
b. Variation in the facade articulation through
horizontal or vertical recesses and projections and
building design elements.
c. Variation in fenestration size, proportion, pattern
and design including the design of shading
devices.
d. Variation in the materiality of the primary facade
through material use, size, textures, patterns and
colors.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Specific Plan Section 4.3 (Pedestrian Level Design)
Variation in
roof line
Variation in
window size
Variation in
materiality
Variation in
shading devices
Vertical
projection
B. FACADE COMPOSITION

1. The following façade composition standards shall
apply to street-facing facades above the ground-floor
in (M) Medium and (L) Large building types.

2. The length of any façade of a building shall be limited to 200 feet without a change in direction, defined as
a minimum 10-foot-deep change in façade direction.

3. Upper floor facades shall carry through vertical
elements of the building’s ground-floor through two
or more of the following described below and shown
in Figure 4-11:
a. Aligning centerlines of window bays.
b. Aligning major breaks in the façade.
c. Aligning vertical structural elements such
as columns.

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4.2.3 BUILDING ENTRIES
Design public building entries to make them easily
identifiable and accessible from the public realm.

A. BUILDING ENTRIES

1. Orient building entries to the public right-of-way
and provide direct access to the public sidewalk.
a. The primary building entry of a building shall
face and connect with a publicly accessible
pedestrian pathway designed for ADA access.
b. For building frontages adjacent to public
spaces, such as a plaza or paseo, locate a
building entry fronting the public space,
as shown in Figure 4-4.

2. Emphasize primary building entries through
at least two of the following techniques:
a. Forecourt or small entry plaza adjoining
lobby space.
b. Recesses or a weather protection device,
such as a canopy, awning, or overhang.
c. Streetscape features such as enhanced
paving and/or landscaping.

3. Building entries are required to be easily identifiable by including all of the following:
a. Distinct doors or a unique facade material
that differs from the rest of the building.
b. Building storefront identification signage, such
as channel letter signs, blade signs, and awning
signs, and window and door decals.
c. Special lighting.

4. Along Main Street commercial storefronts,
entry doors shall include raised panels, glass,
transom windows, and other traditional details.

A combination of panels and glass, full light
glass, or light panes in a wood or metal frame
are encouraged.

5. Provide entries to access bicycle parking spaces
from public spaces, or internal to the building with
access between bicycle parking and the building
lobby, when indoor bicycle parking is provided.

Such entries shall include:
a. Transparent glass for a minimum of 25%
of the entry material; and
b. Illumination at the entry during
low-light hours.

6. Design at-grade entries to townhomes and other (S)
Small building types using two of the following at the
entry to give each unit a unique identity:
a. An exterior entry porch or patio.
b. An exterior gated seating area at the same level
as the entry.
c. An awning or canopy above the entry.
d. Distinct doors that differs from adjacent units.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Specific Plan Section 4.3.2 (Ground-Floor Commercial) • City ODS Section 5.1.1 (Building Entries)
Examples of townhome entries with individual stoops, canopies, and distinct doors.

Examples of distinct primary building entries with building signage and canopy.

Examples of main street commercial storefront with glazing and full light glass doors.

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4.2.4 WINDOWS AND GLAZING
Utilize windows and glazing in a way that contributes
to the wellbeing of building users while protecting the natural environment.

A. WINDOWS AND GLAZING STANDARDS

1. Use transparent glass to provide visibility into
active spaces, including commercial storefronts
per Section 4.3.2 (Ground-Floor Commercial).

2. Glazing may be used as a facade treatment for a
maximum of 75% of any exterior building facade.

3. In new buildings and renovations, a minimum
of 60% of residential glazing shall be operable
windows.

B. BIRD SAFETY STANDARDS

1. Do not use mirrored or reflective glass on any exterior building facade.

2. Do not use freestanding transparent glass panels
as shading devices, signage, or other architectural
elements.

3. Use a bird safety treatment on facades within 300
feet of Lower Penitencia Creek that have 50% or more
glazed surface.

4. Use a bird safety treatment on the facade of any floor of the building that has:
a. 50% or more glazed surface; and
b. Within 15 vertical feet of the level of and visible
from a green roof, including glass located on an
adjacent building.

C. AWNINGS, SUNSHADES, AND SCREENS

GUIDELINES

1. When recessed windows, awnings, sunshades, and
other shading devices are used on south and west
facing building facades, design them to provide
shade on at least 30% of each exposed exterior
window surface.
a. Calculate the amount of shading for each window
by applying a 45 degree angle with the base equal
to the depth of the sunshade as shown in Figure
4-13.
b. Horizontal or vertical shading may be used to
meet this standard.

2. Tinted glass, translucent glass, and decorative
glass may be used to augment other decorative
building elements on the upper floors.

3. The design of windows should articulate the
building use and architectural style of the building
in materials and features, using appropriate trims, sills, and mullions.
a. In the historic sections of Main Street, utilize
window shapes that are taller than they are wide,
to reflect the character of traditional commercial
storefront buildings.
b. In commercial buildings outside of Main St,
utilize large windows and glass storefronts with
simple mullions to provide contemporary retail
storefronts and office buildings.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Specific Plan Section 4.3.2 (Ground-Floor Commercial) • City ODS Section 5.3 (Fenestration Design)
Windows and glazing shall consist no more than 75% of the building facade.
45° 45°
X’
X’
Area of Window (X’ x Y’)
Window Elevation Window Section
T otal area of Shade
Area of shade on window
greater than or equal to
30% Area of window
Y’
Y’
Figure 4-13 Illustration of Shade Requirements

BUILDING DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

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4.2.5 BUILDING MATERIAL S AND COLORS
Use robust, high quality building materials on
building exteriors that enrich the public realm
environment and maintain a low carbon footprint.

A. STANDARDS

1. Exterior Building Materials: Select high-quality,
durable building materials chosen from Table 4-2.
a. No more than three materials shall be used as
an exterior finish on a single building facade
excluding windows, doors, roofs and trims.
b. Material transitions along building facades shall
occur on the inside corner of the plane change.

When material changes need to occur on the
same plane, use trims, cornices, or other
architectural elements.

2. Window Materials: Use wood or metal frame
windows in commercial and mixed-use building
applications.
a. Wood frame windows must have a metal or
fiberglass exterior cladding.
b. Metal-frame windows must have a thermal
break.
c. Vinyl-frame windows and doors are permitted
for residential building applications within
residential zones.

3. Limit the number of primary building colors to
three with additional contrasting accent colors
permitted for architectural details, awnings,
and other building architectural features:

4. Extensively bold, fluorescent, and neon colors
that call attention to themselves are not
permitted.

B. GUIDELINES

1. Utilize green or low carbon building materials
where feasible, including low carbon concrete; recycled or reclaimed materials that can reduce emissions
associated with manufacturing new building material;
or carbon-storing materials, such as wood and other
plant-based materials like straw, hemp, and bamboo.

2. In the Abbott District, use industrial materials and accent features, such as metal siding and aluminum
window frames, window canopies with tensioned
cables, exposed structural columns and beams, and
sliding mechanical doors.

3. The use of color within the Plan Area is encouraged.

Choose materials and colors with natural earth tones,
such as stone, wood, and architectural metals.

RELATED STANDARDS
• City ODS Section 5.5 (Building Materials)

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Choose colors that complement the natural or architectural materials used on the exterior building facade.

Limit primary materials and colors to three on a single facade.

TABLE 4-2: EXTERIOR BUILDING MATERIALS

PERMITTED BUILDING MATERIALS PROHIBITED BUILDING MATERIALS Decorative (non-structural) Brick Masonry Plywood
Architectural Precast, Cast-in-place or Glass Fiber Reinforced (GFRC) Concrete
Unfinished Lumber
Stone Corrugated Fiberglass
Stucco or Plaster (for facades above the ground floor) Small Tiles Painted or Stained Wood Siding or Trim Shingles
Wood or Metal Frames for Windows and Doors Cultured Stone Corrugated Metal (for light industrial or industrial uses) Rough Finish Material Decorative Terracotta Vinyl or Aluminum Siding
Architectural Metal Panels Reflective Materials
Concrete Block (used for accent and not as a primary material) Untextured or Unfinished Metal Siding

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4.2.6 ROOFS
Design roofs as integral features of the building design and optimizing the building's sustainable design.

A. ROOF STANDARDS

1. Where rooftops provide common open space and/or
green roofs, provide access to all building tenants.

2. Select roofing materials that are durable, functional, and energy-efficient, referencing the list of permitted and prohibited materials in Table 4-3.

3. Select roof materials that do one of the following:
a. Reduce building heat gain, such as high-albedo
materials or vegetated roofs; or
b. Provide natural light to the interior of the
building, such as skylights.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Milpitas ODS Section 5.4 (Green/Productive
Roofscapes)
TABLE 4-3: ROOFING MATERIALS

PERMITTED ROOFING MATERIALS PROHIBITED ROOFING MATERIALS Slate Shingles Vinyl
Galvanized Metal Plastic
Non-reflective Aluminum and Zinc Aluminum Fiberglass
Metal Plywood
Terracotta
Composite Concrete Tile
Vegetated Roofs
High-Albedo Built-up Roofs
High-Albedo Single-ply Roofing
Photovoltaic Solar Panels
For Gutters & Downspouts:

Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, or PVC
Green/vegetated roofs that reduce heat gain can be used for common open space.

Rooftops can include active uses and amenities.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 89 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

4.3 Pedestrian Level Design
This section addresses the building frontage design at
the pedestrian level, including landscaping, lighting, and signage, organized under the following topics:
• Ground-Floor Residential.
• Ground-Floor Commercial.
• Outdoor Dining.
• Landscape Design.
• Private Lighting and Signage.

4.3.1 GROUND-LE VEL FLOOR RESIDENTIAL
Activate street frontages when adjacent to ground-
floor residential buildings by providing entries and a
transition between public and private spaces.

A. DESIGN OF GROUND-FLOOR RESIDENTIAL

1. Provide active residential entries, based on the
types identified in the City ODS, Section 5.2, which
provides standards for:
a. Stoop Entries.
b. Porch Entries.
c. Dooryard/ Patio Entries.
d. Terrace Entries.
e. Frontage Court Entries.

2. Active uses, including lobbies, or amenity spaces,
such as a library, fitness center, community room,
office, or exhibition space, shall be incorporated
into the ground-floor of residential and mixed-use
buildings. Additionally, they shall provide entries and/ or windows at the ground floor to activate the street
frontage.

3. The building entries to ground-floor residential units shall comply with the following:
a. Where there are active frontage requirements,
ground-floor residential units and entries,
including stoops, porches, and patios, may be
elevated up to a maximum of 3 feet above grade.

Exceptions shall be permitted for compliance with
the City's floodplain requirements, see below.
b. Unit entries may be raised above 3 feet where
there are no active frontage requirements.
c. All residential unit entries shall comply with the
City’s floodplain requirements in the Milpitas
Municipal Code Section XI-15 (Floodplain
Management Regulations).

4. For townhome units, the following standards apply:
a. Building stoops or patios shall be provided at
building entries.

Create a transition between ground level residential units and public space with steps to building entries, windows, and gardening spaces.

PEDESTRIAN LEVEL DESIGN
b. The setback shall incorporate individual or
shared garden spaces or front yards.

5. Seat walls, planters, or fences between a
ground-floor residential unit and right-of-way or public space shall be no greater than 3 feet tall.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Milpitas ODS Section 3.4 (Ground Floor Uses)
• Milpitas ODS Section 5.1 (Ground Floor Design)

90 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
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2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

4.3.2 GROUND-FL OOR COMMERCIAL
Design ground-floor commercial spaces that can
support a vibrant retail environment.

A. DESIGN OF COMMERCIAL

SHOPFRONTS AND CORNERS

1. Design retail priority shopfronts, including
along Serra Way and Main Street, with the following
retail-ready tenant space standards:
a. Retail bays measuring 25 to 35 feet in width,
compatible with the existing scale of storefronts
along Main Street that can support multiple
tenants in single or multiple bays.
b. An entrance at each retail bay. The primary
entrance to each commercial tenant space
shall be located on the front façade along the
street.
c. A minimum depth of 40 feet for retail uses,
however 55 feet is preferred.

2. Design retail priority corners to support ground
floor commercial space wrapping around the street
corner for a minimum distance of 40 feet.
a. Do not place structural features that would
prevent reconfiguration of the ground-floor
space for at-grade retail.
b. To preserve transparency, do not place
structural columns over 2 feet wide within
8 feet of a street corner.

3. The height of ground-floor commercial spaces
shall be a minimum 15 feet clear height to
finished ceiling or structural element, as shown in
Figure 4-14.
a. A minimum clear height of 18 feet is preferred
to support clerestory windows.
b. Maintain a distance of 4 feet between a
dropped ceiling and clerestory window as shown
in Figure 4-15.

4. For commercial storefronts, a minimum of 60%
of the storefront between 3 feet and 7 feet in
height must be comprised of clear, non-reflective
windows that allow views into commercial
spaces or product displays.
a. Glass panes shall be no less than 3 feet wide
and 4 feet high. The area within 4 feet of
the storefront must be at least 75% open to
perpendicular view.
b. Window decals may be permitted, limited to the
identification of the store name, operating hours,
and window art.

5. Commercial spaces shall have a floor elevation
that is level with the elevation of the adjacent
sidewalk, whenever possible.

Figure 4-14 Ground-Floor Commercial Storefront Design
Use clear glass to provide a visual connection into commercial storefronts above 3 feet.

Figure 4-15 Ground Floor Commercial Storefront Design
Provide a minimum 15 feet clear ceiling height for retail uses and additional height for clerestory windows

RETAIL / ACTIVE

GROUND FLOOR
USE
Visual
Connection
Direct Access
At Grade
15 ‘ MIN
Clerestroy
Windows

RETAIL / ACTIVE

GROUND FLOOR
USE
Visual
Connection
Direct Access
At Grade
15 ‘ MIN
Clerestroy
Windows
B. GUIDELINES

1. Consider the design of ground-floor retail space
along retail priority and activity streets to anticipate restaurant requirements, including incorporating vents
in the design.

2. Allow potted plants and public art within the front
setback area if a 5-foot clear walk zone is maintained
for pedestrian circulation.

3. In retail spaces, strive for maximum visibility and
transparency.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Specific Plan Section 3.6 (Retail Frontage Requirements and Ground-Floor Activation)
• Milpitas ODS Section 3.4 (Ground Floor Uses)
• Milpitas ODS Section 5.1 (Ground Floor Design)

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 91 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

4.3.3 OUTDOOR DINING
Integrate outdoor dining that helps activate the public realm, providing spaces where people can interact,
engage and enjoy dining amenities year round.

A. GENERAL STANDARDS

1. Integrate outdoor dining into the design of
street and streetscape improvements, to support
commercial businesses.

2. Dining activities shall not interfere with the clear ‘pedestrian zone’ of the sidewalk as defined in
Section 5, Mobility.

3. Seating areas shall be designed to not screen or
block the main facade of neighboring businesses.

4. Furniture within outdoor seating and dining areas
shall be designed to be movable and include
chairs, tables, and umbrellas that complement the
character of the business while activating the street.

5. Retractable or movable shade devices and fixed
canopies or canopy-type awnings are permitted.

6. Maximum height for all overhead shade structures
shall be 8 feet.

7. Outdoor dining shall not be fully enclosed.

8. Heaters must be placed at least 5 feet from trunk
or branches of City trees.

9. All outdoor dining, regardless of location, shall be made ADA accessible.

B. SIDEWALK OUTDOOR DINING

1. For outdoor dining located within the sidewalk right- of-way:
a. Outdoor dining shall be integrated within the
building setback, adjacent to or near the sidewalk.
b. All items for outdoor dining (i.e., tables, chairs,
heaters) must be up against the wall of the
business or as close as possible.
c. Sidewalk seating area may not exceed the
business frontage and must be spaced at least 3
feet from the adjacent business(es).
d. Seating and dining shall not block bus stop
waiting areas and must be removed when a
City agency, utility company or other contractor
needs access.
e. Platforms may not be installed within the
required clear pedestrian zone of the sidewalk.

Use movable furniture within outdoor seating and dining areas that support an attractive shopping environment.

C. PARKLETS

1. Parklets with outdoor dining located in the roadway is permitted in Parking Lanes or Flex Zones along Activity Streets.

2. For outdoor dining located within parking lanes:
a. All furniture associated with outdoor dining must
be within the designated parking lane striping.
b. Seating area and barriers may not be located:
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Within 8 feet of a marked crosswalk.
• Within a bike lane.
• Within a bus stop.
c. Seating area may exceed business frontage with
permission from the City and in agreement with
adjacent businesses.
d. Barriers must be included on three sides of the
seating perimeter to separate seating from the
travel lane and adjacent parking. Additionally,
barriers must:
• Be at least 18 inches in width and 30-36 inches
in height to preserve visibility for motorists and
provide protection for patrons;
• Include reflective paint or tape on all sides facing
oncoming traffic;
• Have a solid exterior wall and weighted bottom;
and
• Have an opening for emergency access with a
width of 36 inches for every 20 linear feet.

3. Outdoor dining located in the roadway must provide
an accessible route from the business entry to the
seating area.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Milpitas Ordinance No. 38.850

PEDESTRIAN LEVEL DESIGN

92 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
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4.3.4 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Design on-site landscaping to add color, texture, and
visual interest to the streetscape; activate and shade
buildings and public spaces; and expand the city's
urban forest.

A. STREET TREES

1. Street trees shall not be planted within 10 feet
of a street intersection, to avoid interfering with
driver's line of site.

2. Street trees shall be pruned to provide adequate
pedestrian and vehicular clearance and minimize
obstructions to sight view lines, ensuring:
a. A minimum 8-foot of vertical clearance between
the lowest tree branches and the grade above
adjacent public sidewalks.
b. Where mature trees overhand the curb, at least
13 feet of vertical clearance shall be maintained
between the lowest tree branches and the
street to allow clearance for trucks and buses.

3. Required front setbacks shall be landscaped
to create a transition between public and private
space as required by Section 3.3.1 of the Citywide
Objective Design Standards.

4. New residential or mixed-use development with
front setbacks of 15 feet or greater shall include,
at minimum, one tree per 40 linear feet of street
frontage between the back of the sidewalk and
building facade. The spacing of trees may vary.

5. Where a commercial or mixed-use building is
set back from the property line, the setback area
shall be designed as an integral part of the public
realm by supporting public activity on the street,
consistent with the following criteria:
a. Setbacks and recesses shall be a minimum of 2
feet deep to provide window shopping along the
building frontage, outdoor benches or seating
areas, or landscape screening.
b. Planted landscaped areas or hardscape area with
potted plants adjacent to building facades shall
be a minimum of 3 feet; however, a minimum
5-foot setback is preferred where shade trees are
provided.
c. A minimum 6-foot setback is encouraged for cafe
seating adjacent to the building and 10 feet or
more for outdoor dining areas with more than one
row of tables and chairs.

Use bay-friendly native and drought-tolerant landscaping.

Front setbacks shall be landscaped to create a natural
transition between public and private spaces.

6. Existing mature trees shall be protected on-site when possible, consistent with the following criteria:
a. Building setbacks or stepbacks shall be designed to
provide space for existing tree growth, including for
tree root and canopy growth.
b. Existing mature trees should be preserved in-
place, and incorporated into the design of open
spaces, courtyards, outdoor dining areas, and other
amenities.
c. Where an existing City street trees, protected tree, or heritage tree cannot be preserved, they shall be
replaced in accordance with Municipal Code Title X,
Chapter 2.

7. Landscape materials shall be suited to the Bay
Area climate, consistent with the standards for
landscape and hardscape materials in Specific
Plan Section 6.5.3 and 6.5.4.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Section 6.5 (Streetscape and Landscape)
• City of Milpitas Tree Maintenance and Protection
Ordinance (Municipal Code Title X, Chapter 2)
• City of Milpitas Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (Municipal Code Title VIII, Chapter 5)

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 93 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

4.3.5 PRIVATE LIGHTING AND SIGNAGE
Create safe and inviting public spaces with active
commercial uses extending into the evening hours,
and integrate signage as a visually unifying element in commercial and mixed-use zones.

A. LIGHTING

1. For storefront retail, use building-mounted lights
to illuminate a minimum zone of 4 feet in front of
the building, and a minimum of 2 feet within the
building, including the display space.

2. Require pedestrian lighting for outdoor common
area spaces, including sidewalks, parking lots, and
service areas and entries.

3. Provide outdoor lighting using fixtures that yield
low pollution and glare.

4. Orient light fixtures downward and to shield
light from public and private buildings.

5. Provide accent lighting to illuminate street
addresses, business identification signs, and
district signage and branding, to support
customer wayfinding.

6. The use of decorative lighting to create local
ambiance for outdoor retail and dining
activities is encouraged.

B. SIGNAGE

1. A master signage program for multi- tenant business
identification signs is required per the City Zoning
Ordinance.

2. On retail priority streets, provide pedestrian
signage that is perpendicular to the sidewalk,
in order to be more visible to pedestrians.

3. Orient signs parallel to the street to enhance
visibility for drivers and for businesses that are
more street or highway-oriented.

C. GUIDELINES

1. Use materials and colors that are compatible with
building materials and colors.

2. Do not obscure the building’s architecture with
oversized signs, rather use the signage to accentuate
the character of the building.

RELATED STANDARDS
• Specific Plan Section 4.3.5 (Private Lighting and
Signage)
• Specific Plan Section 6.5 (Streetscape and Landscape) Artistic signs add character to the building architecture and the charm of businesses in the Crossroads and Main Street districts.

Use site and building lighting to support the retail ambiance of Main Street.

Integrate pedestrian lighting to support active commercial uses into the evening hours.

PEDESTRIAN LEVEL DESIGN

05

05 MOBILITY

96 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Overview
The overarching goal of the mobility framework, addressed in this chapter, is to promote the use of roadways within the Plan Area by all modes of transportation, including walking, biking, shared-use micro-mobility, transit, and vehicles. The Specific Plan Area sits between two freeways: I-880 and I-680 on the west and east, respectively.

SR 237 becomes Calaveras Boulevard at the west end of the Plan Area and carries a significant amount of regional traffic, to connect I-880 to I-680. Abel Street is as a north-south connector through the Plan Area. Great Mall Parkway serves as an east-west connector with Class II bike lanes at the south end of the Plan Area. The VTA Orange Line light rail system and VTA Bus Routes 44 and 66 run along Great Mall Parkway.

5.1 Mobility Framework
The mobility framework for the Plan Area is illustrated in Figure 5-1, and described further below and in the
following sections.

MULTIMODAL COMMUNITY CORRIDORS
Enhance the multimodal travel experience on the
existing streets providing access and connection within the Plan Area, with a focus on improving Calaveras
Boulevard, Serra Way, Main Street, and Abel Street as key activity streets supporting the activity of the Plan Area.

FUTURE STREETS AND CONNECTIONS
Provide new streets and alleys parallel to Main Street to provide business area and neighborhood access while
improving the bike and pedestrian quality and character of Main and Abel Streets. The Specific Plan supports
new streets with redevelopment of the Serra Center and
other large neighborhood blocks to connect to existing
roadways and support a more walkable neighborhood
grid pattern. Future streets are further identified by type in Figure 5-3.

SHUTTLE ROUTE AND TRANSIT HUBS
Plan for a neighborhood circulator loop or on-demand
shuttle connecting retail and community destinations
within the Plan Area. Improve the safety and comfort of existing or new transit stop facilities to serve development in the area, including the potential for a centrally located transit hub and transfer station within the Crossroads
District.

FUTURE RAILROAD CROSSINGS
In coordination with Union Pacific Railroad, evaluate the potential future at grade street or bike and pedestrian connections of the railroad tracks east of Main Street. At least one new railroad track crossing will be necessary to support future development on the lands between the
two railroad tracks.

DISTRIBUTED PUBLIC PARKING AREAS
The Specific Plan proposes the implementation of a
district parking strategy and shared public parking areas distributed to support the development of the Crossroads District and Main Street as the downtown area for the
Specific Plan.

COMPLETE STREETS APPROACH
The streets within the Gateway-Main Street Area are
designed as a “complete streets” system that will facilitate mobility for all roadway users and create an inviting
public realm environment. Complete streets support a
variety of mobility options, including automobiles, trucks, transit, bikes, and pedestrians and are accessible to
people of all ages and abilities while supporting local land uses. This complete streets approach facilitates equity by assuming all community members have access to all
modes of transportation regardless of special needs or
financial limitations.

This chapter addresses mobility, transportation, and
parking within the Plan Area and sets the standards
and street designs that support a complete street
travel environment. This chapter includes the following sections:
• 5.1 Mobility Framework.
• 5.2 Street Activity Zones.
• 5.3 Street Design.
• 5.4 Traffic Improvements.
• 5.5 Public Transit Improvements.
• 5.6 Pedestrian Network.
• 5.7 Bicycles and Micro-Mobility.
• 5.8 Parking.
• 5.9 Fire Access.

The City of Milpitas General Plan Circulation Element
provides a framework for the City to provide a multimodal transportation system that allows residents, workers, and visitors to reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

The General Plan Circulation Element provides guidance
to the goals and design standards of the Specific Plan.

Additionally, Section 6.5.3 of this Specific Plan includes information regarding the role of streets in stormwater management.

MOBILITY FRAMEWORK
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 97 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
880
237
Starlite
Park
Berryessa Creek Trail
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro
East
Parc Metro
West
Parc Metro
Central
John
McDermott
Park Tom Evatt
Park
Æba
0 1,200’600’300’

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SINNOTT LN

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD
P
P
P
P
P
P
T
T
Existing Street
Future Street
Future Alley
Future Public Parking Area
Existing Public Parking Area
Existing Transit Hub
Future Transit Hub
Existing Light Rail Station
Existing Railway
Existing Light Rail Line
Existing BART Line
Potential Future At-Grade Rail Crossing (To be Studied) T
T
P
P
0 300' 600' 1,200'
Figure 5-1 Mobility Framework

98 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
A commercial street organized with distinct street activity zones.

5.2 Street Activity Zones
The activity zones, illustrated in Figure 5-2, define how the public and semi-public spaces along streets within
the Plan Area are organized and used to support multiple functions and purposes. The street sections included in this chapter illustrate the spatial relationship of activity zones for each street design segment.
• The frontage zone includes the semi-public and
public space between the face of the building
and the pedestrian zone, and may be occupied
by sidewalks, landscaping, outdoor dining, plaza
area, or parking (if already existing; parking shall
not be permitted in the frontage zone for new
development). Frontage zones are regulated by the
standards set in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7.
• The walk zone primarily accommodates the
movement of pedestrians and should be designed to
provide unobstructed sidewalk space.
• The amenity zone provides space for street trees,
green infrastructure, lights, and furnishings.
• The flexible street zone or flex zone provides space
for parking, loading, parklets, and curb extensions
along Main Street, Future Mixed-Use Streets and
Future Residential Streets.

5.3 Street Design
Street design sections are provided for eleven street
segments on the following pages, including:
• 5.3.1 South Main Street in the Crossroads District.
• 5.3.2 South Main Street in the Main Street District.
• 5.3.3 South Abel Street.
• 5.3.4 Calaveras Boulevard.
• 5.3.5 Serra Way.
• 5.3.6 South Abbott Avenue (North of Calaveras).
• 5.3.7 South Abbott Avenue (South of Calaveras).
• 5.3.8 Future Mixed-Use Streets.
• 5.3.9 Future Residential Streets.
• 5.3.10 Future Alleys.
• 5.3.11 Future Paseos.

Figure 5-2 Street Activity Zones
Crossroads
Crossroads

PROPERTY LINE

CURB EXTENSION

AND PARKLET

SHOWN BEYOND

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE

FLEX ZONEAMENITY

ZONEWALK ZONEFRONTAGE
ZONE

MOBILITY FRAMEWORK
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 99 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
880
237
Starlite
Park
Berryessa Creek Trail
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro
East
Parc Metro
West
Parc Metro
Central
John
McDermott
Park Tom Evatt
Park
Æba
0 1,200’600’300’

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD

SINNOTT LN
South Abel Street
Main Street
Serra Way
South Abbott Avenue
Future Mixed-Use Streets
Future Residential Streets
Future Business Park/Industrial Streets
Future Alleys
Existing Unchanged Streets
Existing Railway
Existing Light Rail Line
Existing BART Line
Figure 5-3 Street Typology Diagram
0 300' 600' 1,200'

100 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
An example of a Shared Street with curbless right-of-way and varied pavers to distinguish between sidewalk and shared roadway.

5.3.1 SOUTH MAIN S TREET IN THE CROSSROADS

AND MAIN STREET DISTRICT
South Main Street is a collector roadway extending north from South Main Street, at Sinnott Lane to Calaveras
Boulevard. The section of South Main Street in the
Crossroads and District will be configured to provide
a mixed multimodal street with shared travel lanes,
wider walk zones that require a public access setback/
easement, and flexible curbside use in the flex zone. This flex zone will accommodate a mixture of short-term
parking, passenger and delivery loading, curb extensions, and parklets. Curb extensions provide shorter pedestrian crossings and stormwater amenities; whereas, parklets
may be used to accommodate outdoor dining amenities.

South Main Street in the Main Street District will be
configured to provide a mixed multimodal street with
shared travel lanes and maintain the existing sidewalk.

Like in the Crossroads District, the Main Street district shall provide flexible curbside uses in the flex zone that include curb extensions and parklets. The proposed
re-design of Main Street deviates from and will require an update to the City's Trails, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Incorporate streetscape improvements along Main
Street, as shown in Figure 5-4 for the Crossroads
District and Figure 5-5 for the Main Street District,
including undergrounding utilities. The curb-to-curb
width will remain consistent with existing conditions,
except where new curb extensions are built.

2. Reduce the speed limit to 15-20 mph for the full
length of the shared street.

3. Include signage and a change in street surface
texture along the Shared Street to reinforce the
shared functions of the street. Examples of shared
street surface treatments include:
a. A curbless right-of-way with varied textured
or permeable pavers to distinguish between
sidewalk and shared roadway; or
b. Traditional concrete curbed sidewalks adjacent
to a textured or painted shared roadway of a
contrasting color.

4. Develop a parallel street and alley system to Main
Street to provide business and neighborhood access,
reduce driveways, and improve the pedestrian quality
of Main Street.

SOUTH MAIN STREET SECTION
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 101 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 5-4 South Main Street Section in the Crossroads District Crossroads
Crossroads
Crossroads
Crossroads

PROPERTY LINE
MAIN STREET - Crossroads

SECTION B-B

AMENITY
ZONE
SHARED

TRAVEL LANE
SHARED

TRAVEL LANE

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE

RETAIL/
ACTIVE

GROUND FLOOR

RETAIL/
ACTIVE

GROUND FLOOR

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

CURB EXTENSION

AND PARKLET

SHOWN BEYOND
5’ 10’

EXISTING ROADWAYSIDEWALK SIDEWALK

PROPERTY LINE

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
8’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
8’ MIN
44’18’ 18’
13’5’9’13’13’ 5’ 9’ 13’
64’

5. Add north-south and east-west paseo connections,
as shown in Figure 6-1, (Public Realm Framework)
and Figure 5-15, to provide more direct connections
and improve pedestrian and bike access within the
Gateway and Main Street Districts.

6. Add high-visibility crosswalks to all existing and
proposed pedestrian crossings along Main Street.

7. Where existing crosswalks are unsignalized,
coordinate with the city to study the need for a
rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) or new
traffic signal and coordinate updates with the City's
Traffic Safety Study.

8. Add curb extensions at all existing VTA bus stops
along Main Street. Bus stop curb extensions shall
extend the full length of a typical VTA bus and
designed in accordance with VTA's Bus Stop and
Passenger Design Criteria and Standards.

9. Add curb extensions to intersections with pedestrian crossings and adjacent to retail storefronts. Curb
extensions shall extend the full width of the flex zone.

10. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater infrastructure in the amenity zone, curb extensions
at intersections, and other areas of the flex zone. See also Section 6.5.3.

WEST EAST
An entertainment district activated with outdoor dining and entertainment venues is envisioned along S. Main Street.

102 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 5-5 South Main Street Section in the Main Street District Crossroads
Crossroads
Crossroads
Crossroads

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

MAIN STREET

SECTION C-C

LIVE - WORK/

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

CURB EXTENSION

AND PARKLET

SHOWN BEYOND

EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

EXISTING ROADWAYSIDEWALK SIDEWALK

AMENITY
ZONE
SHARED

TRAVEL LANE
SHARED

TRAVEL LANE

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE

FRONTAGE

ZONEWALK
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE
5’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
5’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
5’ 5’9’13’9’5’ 5’ 13’
64’
44’10’ 10’WEST EAST
S. Main Street within the Main Street District has a walkable urban village form, characterized by development raised with stoops.

CALAVERAS BOULEVARD STREET SECTION
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 103 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

5.3.2 SOUTH ABEL S TREET
South Abel Street is a north-south arterial that connects North Milpitas Avenue, West Calaveras Boulevard/SR-237, and Great Mall Parkway. It extends east of North Milpitas Avenue as Jacklin Road. Within the Specific Plan network, South Abel Street will be configured to provide a mixed multimodal street with multiple walk zones, a two-way
bike path adjacent to the Lower Penitencia Creek, and
two travel lanes in each direction.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Incorporate streetscape improvements along Abel
Street as shown in Figure 5-6.

2. Construct a two-way bike path along the east side
of Lower Penitencia Creek for the full length of Abel
Street between Calaveras Boulevard and Great Mall
Parkway as shown in Figure 5-6.

3. Add a pedestrian walkway, street furniture and
plantings along the west side of Lower Penitencia
Creek as new development or site redevelopment
occurs.

4. Coordinate with the City to prepare a traffic study
to determine if a new traffic signal and pedestrian
crossing at the intersection of Machado Avenue and
South Abel Street and at new street intersections
with Abel Streets, as shown in Figure 5-17, are needed
to provide bicycle and pedestrian connections across
Abel Street. Coordinate street and intersection
improvement updates with the City's Traffic Safety
Study.

5. Improve connection from South Abel Street to a
potential future transit hub by providing pedestrian
and bicycle connections with the multi-use trail to/
from the hub as shown in Figure 5-18.

6. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater
infrastructure in the amenity zone, and the design
of areas adjacent to the Lower Penitencia Creek. See
also Section 6.5.3.

Figure 5-6 South Abel Street Section

ABEL STREET

SECTION D-D

PRESERVE EXISTING TREES
(WHERE POSSIBLE)

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

ROADWAYSIDEWALK SIDEWALK
TRAVEL
LANE
TRAVEL
LANE
TRAVEL
LANE
TRAVEL
LANE
BUFFER
BUFFER

LOWER PENITENCIA
CREEK

TWO-WAY

BIKE PATH

PLANTED

MEDIAN/

TURN BAY

AMENITY
ZONE

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE

WALK ZONE WALK
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
8’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
90’
10’ 5’5’40’-55’25’ 6’5’11’11’ 11’
2’
2’11’11’
59’20’ 11’

104 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

5.3.3 SERRA WA Y
Serra Way is a short collector roadway in the historic
commercial area that connects West Calaveras Boulevard
to South Abel Street and South Main Street. The speed
limit is 30 mph. Within the Specific Plan network, Serra Way will be configured to provide a multimodal street
with generous walk zones, buffered bike lanes, bus
boarding islands at existing bus stops, and opportunities for curb extensions to serve pedestrian crossings and
amenities.

The existing right of way narrows between Calaveras
Boulevard and Main Street. In order to accommodate the
varied right of way width, the buffers provided between bike lanes and travel lanes change width accordingly.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Coordinate with the City to conduct a road diet study for Serra Way between Calaveras Boulevard and Main
Street, reducing Serra Way from two lanes in each
direction to one lane in each direction.

2. Provide pedestrian intersection improvements at the
following locations:
a. Serra Way and Calaveras Boulevard.
b. Serra Way and South Abel Street.
c. Serra Way and South Main Street.

3. Reduce the speed limit to 25 mph for the full length of the street.

4. Include curb extensions, tighten curb radii and/
or close slip lanes at intersection corners, where
possible, to reduce crossing distances and increase
pedestrian and cyclist visibility.

5. Elevate the bike lane to near sidewalk level along
Serra Way at the approach to Calaveras Boulevard,
consistent with the planned Calaveras Boulevard
improvements.

6. Incorporate streetscape improvements along Serra
Way per Figure 5-8, including buffered bike lanes, a
planted median, and expanded sidewalks.

7. Coordinate with the Fire Department to include
a vertical protection element, such as a flexible
delineator in the bike lane buffer to help delineate
the bike lane from the adjacent parking. Vertical
protection elements shall include reflective surfaces
facing the parking lane for visibility in low light
conditions.

8. Add bus boarding islands at the existing VTA bus
stop along Serra Way. Bus stop boarding islands
shall extend the full length of a typical VTA bus and
be designed in accordance with VTA's Bus Stop
and Passenger Design Criteria and Standards. All
boarding islands shall include an ADA accessible
route to the adjacent sidewalk. Bike lanes shall be
routed behind all bus boarding islands.

9. A buffer lane shall be provided along Serra Way to
support right-of-way access for fire protection. Where
fire access is not needed, include on-street parking or curb space for passenger loading.

10. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater infrastructure in the amenity zone. See also Section

6.5.3. A bus boarding island with bike lane routed behind the island.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 105 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 5-7 Serra Way Section

SERRA WAY SECTION
A protected bike lane with vertical protection element.A curb extension with outdoor dining.

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

SERRA WAY

SECTION A-A

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

RETAIL/
ACTIVE
GROUND
FLOOR

RETAIL/
ACTIVE
GROUND
FLOOR

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

BIKE LANE AND BUFFER

CONTINUES AROUND CURB

EXTENSION BEYOND

BUS BOARDING ISLAND

LOCATED IN BUFFER AT
EXISTING BUS STOP ONLY;

OTHERWISE, CURB SIDE

FLEX ZONE FOR PARKING

OR PASSENGER LOADING

BUS BOARDING ISLAND

LOCATED IN BUFFER AT
EXISTING BUS STOP ONLY;

OTHERWISE, CURB SIDE

FLEX ZONE FOR PARKING

OR PASSENGER LOADING

CURB EXTENSION

SHOWN BEYOND

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY (VARIES)

EXISTING ROADWAY (VARIES)SIDEWALK SIDEWALK

TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANEMEDIAN/

TURN BAY
11’ (VARIES)

BUFFER/BUS

BOARDING

ISLAND OR

CURB SIDE

FLEX ZONE
11’ (VARIES)

BUFFER/BUS

BOARDING

ISLAND OR

CURB SIDE

FLEX ZONE

AMENITY
ZONE

AMENITY
ZONE
BIKE
LANE
BIKE
LANE
WALK
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
8’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
8’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
13’12’ 12’12’13’ 5’ 5’ 6’6’
90’
70’18’ 18’

NORTH SOUTH

106 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

BACK OF EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

BACK OF EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

SERRA WAY

SECTION A-A

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

RETAIL/
ACTIVE
GROUND
FLOOR

RETAIL/
ACTIVE
GROUND
FLOOR

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICESTREET BY CALTRANS

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

AMENITY
ZONE
(VARIES)

AMENITY
ZONE
(VARIES)
BIKE
PATH
BIKE
PATH
WALK
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
15’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACKPER THE CALAVERAS BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
(FUTURE PHASE TO BE COORDINATED WITH CALTRANS)15’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
14’6’ MIN.6’ MIN.

BUFFER1’
14’
BUFFER1’

5.3.4 CALAVERAS BOULEVARD
Calaveras Boulevard, otherwise known as SR 237 between
I-680 and I-880, is a six-lane arterial roadway which
transitions into a fully grade separated highway west of I-880, at the west edge of the Plan Area. On the eastern side of the Plan Area, SR 237/Calaveras Boulevard is
grade-separated due to the presence of UPRR Railroad
and BART tracks, resulting in a limited connections to
Main Street.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Coordinate with the Calaveras widening plans
between Abel Street and Milpitas Boulevard to
support off-street bike paths and sidewalks on both
sides of the street.

2. Provide pedestrian intersection improvements at the
following locations:
a. Calaveras Boulevard and South Abbott Avenue.
b. Calaveras Boulevard and Serra Way.
c. Calaveras Boulevard and South Abel Street.

3. Include curb extensions, tighten curb radii, and/or
close slip lanes at intersection corners where possible to reduce crossing distances and increase pedestrian
visibility.

4. Provide a pedestrian and bicycle connection to South Main Street from Calaveras Boulevard by creating a
pedestrian plaza and two-way cycletrack along East
Carlo Street between Calaveras Boulevard and South
Main Street.

5. Require a 15' private setback/easement dedication,
measured from the existing right-of-way, to support a
1-foot buffer and 14-foot wide sidewalk.

6. Incorporate street trees in the amenity zone, spaced a minimum of 15 feet on center, when the amenity zone
is a minimum of 4 feet wide.

Figure 5-8 Calaveras Boulevard Section, West of Abel Street

NORTH SOUTH

SOUTH ABBOTT AVENUE SECTION
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 107 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

5.3.5 SOUTH ABBO TT AVENUE
(NORTH OF CALAVERAS BOULEVARD)
South Abbott Avenue extends from the north end of the
Plan Area at Smithwood Street to Calaveras Boulevard,
connecting to Starlite Park and Anthony Spangler
Elementary just north of the Plan Area. The speed limit is 30 mph north of Calaveras Boulevard. Within the
Specific Plan network, South Abbott Avenue north of
Calaveras Boulevard will be configured to provide a mixed multimodal street with comfortable walk zones, a two-
way protected bike lane, vehicle parking on the east side, and one travel lane in each direction with a shared center turn lane.

ABBOTT AVE -North

SECTION E-E

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

RETAIL/

LIVE-WORK/

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

RETAIL/

LIVE-WORK/

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

ROADWAYSIDEWALK SIDEWALK
CENTER

TURN LANE
TRAVEL
LANE
TRAVEL

LANEPARKING

TWO-WAY

BIKE LANE

AMENITY
ZONE

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
WALK
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE
BUFFER
7’ MAX

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
7’ MAX

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
85’
10’ 10’12’5’ 4’8’ 10’10’ 11’ 5’
55’15’ 15’

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Incorporate streetscape improvements along South
Abbott Avenue, per Figure 5-9, including a two-way
buffered bike lane and expanded sidewalks.

2. Coordinate with the City to transition from the
proposed two-way protected bike lane on South
Abbott Avenue to a Class IIIB (Bicycle Boulevard)
facility, north of Spence Avenue, to connect to Starlite Park and the Anthony Spangler Elementary School.

3. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater
infrastructure in the amenity zones and parking
area curb extensions at intersections with future
improvements. See also Section 6.5.3.

WEST EAST
Figure 5-9 South Abbott Avenue (North of Calaveras Boulevard) Section

108 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
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5.3.6 SOUTH ABBO TT AVENUE
(SOUTH OF CALAVERAS BOULEVARD)
South Abbott Avenue extends from Calaveras Boulevard
south to industrial warehouses adjacent to I-880,
currently ending in a cul-de-sac. The speed limit is 35 mph south of Calaveras Boulevard. Within the Specific
Plan network, South Abbott Avenue south of Calaveras
Boulevard would be configured to provide a mixed
multimodal street with comfortable walk zones, a
cycle track connecting the proposed Abbott District to
Calaveras Boulevard, on-street parking, and one travel
lane in each direction with a shared turn lane.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Connect Thompson Street to South Abbott Avenue,
as shown in Figure 5-3, to improve the connectivity
and add a second point of access to the Abbott
District.

2. Incorporate streetscape improvements along South
Abbott Avenue per Figure 5-10, including a two-way
shared use path and expanded sidewalks.

3. Continue the two-way multi-use path along the south
side of South Abbott Avenue to connect with a future
paseo along the Abbott District's eastern edge.

4. Integrate gateway signage in the amenity zone along
the west curb.

5. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater
infrastructure in the amenity zones and parking area
curb extensions with future improvements. See also
Section 6.5.3.

ABBOTT AVE - South

SECTION F-F

HOSPITALITY

RETAIL/

LIVE - WORK

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

UPPER STORY

STEPBACK

AS REQUIRED

EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

ROADWAYSIDEWALK SIDEWALK
CENTER

TURN LANE

TRAVEL LANE

TRAVEL LANE

PARKING

PARKING

SHARED USE
PATH

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE
5’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
5’ MIN

EASEMENT/

SETBACK
77’
54’14’ 19’
9’ 5’10’5’ 11’ 8’12’8’ 11’
4’
BUFFER
2’

AMENITY
ZONE
BUFFER
2’WEST EAST
Figure 5-10 South Abbott Avenue (South of Calaveras Boulevard) Section

FUTURE STREETS SECTION
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 109 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

5.3.7 FUT URE MIXED-USE STREETS
Future mixed-use streets will promote multimodal use
with shared travel lanes with bicycles, sidewalks, and Flex Zones on both sides of the street.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Implement Future Mixed-Use Street connections
to provide alternate/parallel routes to Main Street,
Serra Way, Calaveras Boulevard, and South Abbott
Avenue and establish future connections as new
development occurs. Future Mixed-Use Streets are
listed below and shown in Figure 5-3.

North/South Connections:
a. Mid-block connection between South Abel Street
and Main Street connecting Carlo Street with
Serra Way.
b. Extend San Petra Court north to Calaveras
Boulevard.
c. Mid-block connection connecting Junipero
Avenue with Serra Way midway between South
Abel Street and Ethyl Street.

East/West Connections:
a. Mid-block connection between Carlo Street and
Serra Way connecting Butler Street to Main Street.
b. Mid-block connection between Serra Way and
Junipero Avenue connecting South Abbott
Avenue to Main Street.

2. Design Future Mixed-Use Streets per Figure 5-11 with sidewalks and a flex zone on both sides of the street,
and pedestrian intersection improvements at all
intersections.

3. Add traffic controls to all new intersections created where Future Mixed-Use Streets cross other Future
Mixed-Use Streets or intersect with existing streets.

Coordinate with the City to conduct a traffic study for new traffic signals at all new intersections. Coordinate updates with the City's Traffic Safety Study.

4. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater
infrastructure in the amenity zone, curb extensions,
and other areas of the flex zone. See also Section 6.5.3.

FUTURE MIXED-USE STREET

SECTION G-G

RESIDENTIAL/

LIVE - WORK

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

RESIDENTIAL/

LIVE - WORK

RESIDENTIAL

OR OFFICE

CURB EXTENSION

AND PARKLET

SHOWN BEYOND

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

RIGHT-OF-WAY

ROADWAYSIDEWALK SIDEWALK

FRONTAGE
ZONE

TRAVEL LANETRAVEL LANE AMENITY
ZONE

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE
5’ MIN

SETBACK
5’ MIN

SETBACK
64’
6’6’ 5’ 8’11’8’ 5’ 11’
42’11’ 11’
BUFFER
2’
BUFFER
2’
Figure 5-11 Future Mixed-Use Street Section

110 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

5.3.8 FUT URE RESIDENTIAL STREETS
Future residential streets will promote multimodal use
with shared travel lanes with bicycles, sidewalks, and flex zones on both sides of the street.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Implement new streets and connections to provide
an alternate/ parallel route to Main Street, Hammond
Way, and Curtis Avenue and establish future
connections as new development occurs. Future
Residential Streets are listed below and shown in
Figure 5-3.

North/South Connections:
a. Include a series of north/south residential streets
in the area bounded by Hammond Way to the
west, Curtis Avenue to the south, the existing
railroad lines to the east and Tom Evatt Park to
the north. New residential streets shall be evenly
spaced and create block sizes that meet the
standards set in Section 4.1.

East/West Connections:
a. Extend Corning Avenue west to connect to the
future north/south multi-use path and future
Abbott District development.
b. Include a series of east/west residential streets in the area bounded by Hammond Way to the west,
Curtis Avenue to the south, the existing railroad
lines to the east and Tom Evatt Park to the north.

New residential streets shall be evenly spaced and
create block sizes that meet the standards set in
Section 4.1.1.

2. Design Future Residential Streets per Figure 5-12,
including sidewalks and flex zones on both sides of
the street, and pedestrian intersection improvements
at all intersections.

3. Add traffic controls to all new intersections created where Future Residential Streets cross other Future
Residential Streets or intersect with existing streets.

Coordinate with the City to conduct a traffic study for new traffic signals at all new intersections. Coordinate updates with the City's Traffic Safety Study.

4. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater
infrastructure in the curb extensions and other areas
of the flex zone. See also Section 6.5.3.

FUTURE RESIDENTIAL STREET

SECTION H-H

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL/

LIVE - WORK

CURB EXTENSION

AND PARKLET

SHOWN BEYOND

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

RIGHT-OF-WAY

ROADWAY
TRAVEL
LANE
TRAVEL
LANE
WALK
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE
FLEX
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE

FRONTAGE
ZONE
5’ MIN

SETBACK SETBACK
5’ MIN
54’
11’ 11’ 8’ 6’6’ 8’
42’
BUFFER
2’
BUFFER
2’
Figure 5-12 Future Residential Street Section

FUTURE STREETS SECTION
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 111 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

5.3.9 FUT URE ALLEYS
Future alleys will serve back-of-house needs, as well as support bike and pedestrian movement and fire truck
access. One-way alleys shall be designed with walk zones on both sides of the travel lane, whereas two-way traffic alleys will be required to have a walk zone on only one side of the alley.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Implement new alleys as new development occurs
to provide back-of-house access to parcels on large
blocks or where access is constrained, such as along
South Main Street. Locations of future alleys include,
but are not limited to, those listed below and shown
in Figure 5-3:

North/South Alleys:
a. Just west of and parallel to the existing railroad
track and Hammond Way, providing access to
the back of parcels fronting the east side of Main
Street.
b. Mid-block between South Abel Street and Main
Street connecting Corning Avenue and Alvarez
Court.

East/West Alleys:
a. Extend Alvarez Court from South Abel Street to
Main Street.
b. East/west alleys as required to provide access to
the back of parcels fronting the east side of Main
Street.

2. Design one-way alleys as shown in Figure 5-13,
including a walk zone on both sides of the alley.

3. Design two-way alleys as shown in Figure 5-14,
including at least one walk zone on either side of the
alley.

4. Provide a minimum 5-foot amenity zone on either
side of the alley to provide drainage or lighting and
landscaping.

5. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater
infrastructure in the amenity zones. See also Section

6.5.3. FUTURE COMMERCIAL

SECTION G-G

FUTURE COMMERCIAL

SECTION G-G

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

PROPERTY LINE

RIGHT-OF-WAY RIGHT-OF-WAY

ROADWAYROADWAY
TRAVEL
LANE

AMENITY
ZONE

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
TRAVEL
LANE
TRAVEL
LANE

AMENITY
ZONE

AMENITY
ZONE
WALK
ZONE
5’ MIN5’ MIN5’ MIN

SETBACK SETBACK SETBACK SETBACK
5’ MIN
20’ 25’
10’ 10’ 10’8’ 6’4’ 4’ 5’ 5’ 5’ 5’5’
20’10’
Figure 5-13 Future Alley - One Way Figure 5-14 Future Alley - Two Way

112 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
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5.3.10 FUT URE PASEO
Future paseos will provide additional north/south and
east/west pedestrian and bicycle connections within the Plan Area. Locations of Future Paseos are shown in Figure 6-1.

DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Provide a shared use bicycle and pedestrian paseo
with landscaping adjacent to the existing property
line as shown in Figure 5-15. The required shared
use path shall provide unobstructed space for the
movement of pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Study the potential to incorporate green stormwater
infrastructure in the amenity zones on either side of
the shared-use path. See also Section 6.5.3.

5.3.11 FIRE AC CESS
All new development, new streets, and modifications to
existing streets shall comply with applicable State and local fire codes.

ABBOTT DISTRICT PASEO

SECTION M-M

PASEO WIDTH

SHARED USE
PATH
25’
12’
An example of a residential shared use paseo.

An example of a mixed-use shared use paseo.

Figure 5-15 Future Paseo

TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS
MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 113 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Calaveras Boulevard is planned as a complete street with an elevated pedestrian walkway and cycletrack.

5.4 Traffic Improvements
Guided by a complete streets approach, this Plan
emphasizes pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements
as a way to improve safety for all roadway users. The Plan does not include increases to vehicle capacity. However, Caltrans’ Calaveras Boulevard Improvement Project will
include changes to vehicle capacity along Calaveras
Boulevard, as well as other traffic and intersection
improvements. The Calaveras Boulevard Improvement
Project will make the following improvements to
Calaveras Boulevard, between Abel Street and Milpitas
Boulevard:

1. Adding pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including
elevated cycle tracks in both directions.

2. Implementing complete streets improvements on
Calaveras Boulevard, including widening existing
sidewalks on the north side of Calaveras Boulevard
and providing new sidewalks along the south side of
Calaveras Boulevard.

3. Widening Calaveras Boulevard and providing three
through lanes between I-880 and I-680 in both
directions.

4. Replacing the existing structures over the Union
Pacific Railroad/Bay Area Rapid Transit (UPRR/
BART) tracks with a wider structure and replacing
or widening the existing structures over North Main
Street and the Union Pacific Railroad track with
a wider structure or having the existing structure
widened and seismically retrofitted.

5. Improving the intersection safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

114 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
05 MOBILITY
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5.5 Public Tr ansit Improvements

5.5.1 PUBLIC TRANSIT FRAMEWORK
The Public Transit Framework for the Plan Area
is presented in Figure 5-16. The goal of the transit
framework is to connect the Plan Area to local
and regional transit service directly and provide a
comfortable, efficient, and safe experience for transit users. Figure 5-16 illustrates the existing transit networks and proposed public transit improvements in the Plan
Area, described in more detail below.

The Plan Area is served by several transit services,
including Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
(VTA) buses and light rail, and Bay Area Rapid Transit
(BART) commuter rail. The city has a shuttle program
known as Simple Mobile Access to Reliable Transit
(SMART) that provides on-demand rideshare service from
various pick-up/drop-off locations and provides first-mile/ last-mile connections with the Milpitas BART Station and VTA’s bus and light rail stations.

1. The Specific Plan proposes a shuttle loop along Main Street, Weller Lane, Abel Street, Thompson Street,
and Great Mall Parkway to connect the Plan Area
with existing transit that may be coordinated with
the SMART program and can build upon existing bus
stop facilities, as well as serve underserved locations in the Plan Area, including at:
a. Existing bus stops on South Main Street at Curtis
Avenue.
b. Existing bus stops on South Main Street south of
Tom Evatt Park.
c. Existing bus stops on South Main Street at
Corning Avenue.
d. Existing bus stops on South Main Street at Serra
Way.
e. Existing bus stops on North Main Street at the
Milpitas Library.
f. Existing bus stops on North Abel Street at Weller
Lane.
g. Existing bus stops on Serra Way between
Calaveras Boulevard and South Abel Street.
h. At the intersection of South Abbott Avenue and
the extension of Thompson Street north.
i. At the intersection of Thompson Street and
Machado Avenue.

5.5.2 TRANSIT DESIGN ST ANDARDS
Transit amenities shall comply with the VTA Bus Stop and Facility Criteria and Standards and the following standards:

1. Provide bus stop amenities, including shelters,
benches, lighting, and real-time bus displays at all
existing bus stops and existing and new transit hubs
within the Plan Area as shown in Figure 5-16.

2. Provide a shuttle service for the Plan Area that is
coordinated with existing transit services.

3. Provide bus curb extensions at all existing bus stops along South Main Street. Bus curb extensions to be
constructed to extend the full length of an existing
VTA bus. Where bike lanes are provided, they shall
be integrated into the bus curb extension design to
provide a safe route for cyclists and safe boarding
experience for bus riders.

4. Provide bus boarding islands at all existing bus
stops along Serra Way. Bus boarding islands to be
constructed to extend the full length of an existing
VTA bus and include an ADA accessible route to the
adjacent sidewalk. Bike lanes shall be routed behind
all bus boarding islands.

5. Coordinate micro-mobility service area and docking
stations with transit hub locations for first-mile/last- mile connections.

6. Maintain all transit-supportive infrastructure.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 115 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Existing Streets
Future Streets
Future Alleys
Existing Bus Route
Proposed Shuttle Loop
Existing Bus Stop
Existing SMART Stop
Existing Light Rail Line
Existing Light Rail Station
Existing Transit Hub
Future Transit Hub
T
T
T
Figure 5-16 Public Transit Framework
880
237
Starlite
Park
Berryessa Creek Trail
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro
East
Parc Metro
West
Parc Metro
Central
John
McDermott
Park Tom Evatt
Park
Æba
0 1,200’600’300’

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD

SINNOTT LN
T
T
B
B
B
B
B
BB
B
S
S
S
S
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SS
S
S
B
S
0 300' 600' 1,200'

PUBLIC TRANSIT FRAMEWORK

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5.6 Pedestrian Network

5.6.1 PEDESTRIAN FRAMEWORK
The Pedestrian Framework for the Plan Area is presented in Figure 5-17. Figure 5-17 illustrates the pedestrian
intersection improvement priorities described further
below.

SIGNAL AND INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
Provide traffic signal and intersection crossing
improvements that support safe pedestrian roadway
crossings, prioritizing the existing signalized intersections and new signalized intersections shown in Figure 5-17.

All new intersections created by the intersection of two future streets shall comply with the design standards
listed in Section 5.6.2.

5.6.2 PEDESTRIAN DESIGN STANDARDS
A goal of this Specific Plan is to provide a safe, direct and connected pedestrian network by improving existing
pedestrian infrastructure and adding new pedestrian
infrastructure where needed. Pedestrian infrastructure
improvements shall comply with the following standards:

1. Install high-visibility crosswalks at all new and existing crosswalks within the Plan area. High-visibility
crosswalks shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide.

2. Where pedestrian intersection improvements have
been identified or a new intersection has been
created by the intersection of future streets with S.

Abel Street, intersection infrastructure shall include
the following:
a. A traffic study to determine if a new traffic signal is needed to safely support vehicle, bike, and
pedestrian crossings.
b. Curb extensions extending the full width of the
parking lane (where applicable);
c. High-visibility crosswalks a minimum of 10 feet
wide; and
d. Recessed stop bars located at least 8 feet in
advance of the crosswalk.

3. Where mid-block crossings and new crossings do
not meet the requirements for a new traffic signal,
install on-demand signals for pedestrian crossings.

Examples include rectangular rapid-flashing beacons
(RRFBs) or pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs).

A rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB). A planted curb extension at an intersection.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 117 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 5-17 Pedestrian Framework
880
237
Starlite
Park
Berryessa Creek Trail
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro
East
Parc Metro
West
Parc Metro
Central
John
McDermott
Park Tom Evatt
Park
Æba
0 1,200’600’300’

SINNOTT LN

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD
Main Street Shared Street
Parks and Open Space
Pedestrian Intersection Improvements
Potential New Signalized Intersection
(Subject to Further Study)
Existing Streets
Future Streets
Future Alleys
0 300' 600' 1,200'

PEDESTRIAN FRAMEWORK

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5.7 Bicycles and Micro-Mobility

5.7.1 BICY CLE AND MICRO-MOBILITY

FRAMEWORK
The Bicycle and Micro-Mobility Framework for the Plan
Area is presented in Figure 5-18. Figure 5-18 illustrates the proposed bicycle infrastructure improvements and
proposed micro-mobility hubs, described further below.

CONNECTED BICYCLE NETWORK
Figure 5-18 illustrates the proposed bicycle infrastructure network that will work together to provide a continuous bicycle connection from local neighborhoods to the
commercial and mixed-use zones within the Plan Area.

Bicycle infrastructure improvements within the Plan
Area are classified based on Caltrans’ California Highway Design Manual. A brief description of each proposed bike infrastructure class is provided below.

Class I - Bike Path: Bike paths, also termed shared-use or multi-use paths, are paved right-of-way for exclusive use by bicyclists, pedestrians, and those using non-motorized modes of travel. They are physically separated from
vehicular traffic and can be constructed in the roadway right-of-way or an exclusive right-of way.

Class II - Bike Lane: Bike lanes are defined by pavement striping and signage used to allocate a portion of a
roadway for exclusive or preferential bicycle travel. Bike lanes are one-way facilities on either side of a roadway.

Bike Lanes may be enhanced with treatments that
improve safety and connectivity, such as additional
warning or wayfinding signage.

Class IV - Separated Bikeway: Separated Bikeways are
on-street bicycle facilities that include a vertical physical barrier between the bikeway and moving traffic, such as flexible bollards, a raised curb, on-street parking, or planter boxes. Separated bikeways may also be referred to as
“cycle tracks,” or “protected bike lanes.”

MICRO-MOBILITY HUBS
Plan for shared-use micro-mobility infrastructure,
supporting safe bike, scooter, or other forms of
micro-mobility services. Provide strategically located
micro-mobility hubs that provide a safe alternative
transportation means within the Plan Area and beyond.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
has a Bay Area Regional Mobility Hub Implementation
Playbook (April 2021) that provides guidance on what a
mobility hub in the Bay Area should include. Based on
MTC’s definitions of hubs, these future micro-mobility
hubs could be considered as Opportunity Hubs that
could provide valuable first-mile/last-mile transportation services, including bicycle share, e-scooters, and
transportation network companies (TNCs) pick-up/drop-
off zones and provide transit shelters/waiting areas for nearby transit lines including VTA Routes 47 and 66, the latter of which is a frequent bus route.

1. Micro-mobility hubs are proposed at the following
locations, as identified in Figure 5-18:
a. Main Street / Serra Way.
b. Main Street / Corning Avenue.
c. Main Street / Machado Avenue.
d. Main Street / Curtis Avenue.
e. Main Street / Great Mall Parkway.
f. N Abel Street / Calaveras Boulevard.
g. N Abel Street / O’Toole Elms Park.
h. Calaveras Boulevard / Serra Way.
i. S Abbott Avenue / Junipero Avenue.
j. Thompson Street / Machado Avenue.

A Class I Bike Path with an adjacent pedestrian walk zone. An example of a Class II Bike Lane, delineated with green paint.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 119 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Figure 5-18 Bicycle and Micro-Mobility Framework
880
237
Starlite
Park
Berryessa Creek Trail
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro
East
Parc Metro
West
Parc Metro
Central
John
McDermott
Park Tom Evatt
Park
Æba
0 1,200’600’300’
T
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
T

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD

SINNOTT LN
Existing Class I Bike Path
Proposed Class I Bike Path
Proposed Class II Bike Lane
Proposed Class IV Separated Bikeway
Main Street Shared Street
Parks and Open Space
Future Micro-Mobility Hub
Future Transit Hub
Existing Transit Hub
Existing Light Rail Station
M
T
T
0 300' 600' 1,200'

BIKE & MICRO-MOBILITY FRAMEWORK

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5.7.2 BICY CLE DESIGN STANDARDS
A goal of this Specific Plan is to encourage the shift to bicycle and other micro-mobility modes by enhancing
existing and adding new bicycle infrastructure, creating a comfortable, efficient, and safe experience for bicyclists.

Bicycle infrastructure and related amenities shall comply with the following standards:

1. Where Class IV protected bike lanes are provided,
bike lanes shall be constructed with a minimum
width of 6 feet. Protection for Class IV bike lanes shall include a vertical element with reflective paint or tape within the bike lane buffer to make them more visible
to drivers. Examples of permitted vertical protection
elements include flexible delineators.

2. Provide bicycle parking including secure bicycle
parking throughout the Plan Area to encourage
bicycle riding as a form of transportation.

5.7.3 MICRO-MOBILIT Y DESIGN STANDARDS
The proposed micro-mobility hubs will provide first-
mile/last-mile connections within the Specific Plan
and between the focus areas and other districts. Micro- mobility hubs will be accommodated on new curb
extensions, bus bulbs and at identified transit hubs.

Micro-mobility hubs shall meet the following design
standards:

1. Develop a Micro-mobility Hub Plan that identifies
preferred micro-mobility providers and identifies
spacing requirements for various services, including
micro-mobility (e-scooters, bikeshare), short- and
long-term bike parking, bike stations with end-of-trip
facilities, carshare parking, pick-up/drop-off zones,
and bus/shuttle stops.

2. Include amenities at all micro-mobility hubs
including vending/retail space, street furniture,
seating, pedestrian-scale lighting, green space,
real-time travel information displays, maps, and
wayfinding.

3. Provide wayfinding/signage that is comprehensive,
consistent, clear, legible, and accessible to all and
can create a sense of arrival, enhance the first-last
mile travel experience, and provides direction with
consistent wayfinding design.

Diagram of a Micromobility Hub; Image Credit: MTC Mobility Hub Implementation Playbook.

An example of a Micromobility Hub.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 121 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
Flexible curb space for time of day use, including for loading/ unloading and rideshare service is encouraged.

Shared district public parking is encouraged.

5.8 Parking

5.8.1 DISTRIC T-WIDE PARKING FRAMEWORK
The Milpitas Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan envisions providing enough parking spaces in centralized areas
without encouraging or incentivizing vehicular travel or providing unused or underutilized parking spaces. A goal of this Specific Plan is to provide sufficient parking in the four focus area districts, while reducing the demand for additional parking and providing a system where people
park once and access their destinations via walking,
biking, or transit.

1. All development in the Plan Area shall conform to
the parking standards listed in Section 3.7 and the
parking ratios set forth in Table 3-9.

2. New public parking locations are proposed at the
following locations, as identified in Figure 5-1, Mobility Framework:
a. At the southeast corner of South Abbott Avenue
and north of Junipero Avenue (within Serra
Center).
b. To the south of Serra Way between South Main
Street and South Abel Street.
c. To the south of Calaveras Boulevard between
South Main Street and South Abel Street.
d. To the east of South Main Street adjacent to the
railroad tracks.

5.8.2 DISTRIC T-WIDE PARKING STANDARDS
District-wide parking development shall comply with the following standards:

1. Encourage development that results in parking
reductions and take advantage of the Specific Plan
shared parking reductions addressed in Section 3.10.

2. Establish a parking district and parking management
plan to serve the Specific Plan focus areas that
addresses the following:
a. Identifies a combination of structured, surface,
and on-street public parking and/or shared
parking facilities.
b. Establishes an in-lieu fee program or improvement
district for properties benefiting from the parking
district to pay for additional public parking that
accommodates private parking shortfalls.
c. Identifies a strategy for short-term on-street
parking space, including time limits, parking
meters, and/or resident or parking zones.
d. Establishes parking fees and fines.

3. Utilize on-street curb space efficiently by allowing for multiple time-of-day uses (e.g., loading/unloading in
the mornings/evenings, parking during the day).

4. Require residential units in the Plan Area to unbundle parking costs from the cost to rent or buy the
residential unit.

5. Encourage shared private parking across lots and
developments, specifically in the Crossroads and
Main Street Districts.

6. Requiring a Parking Plan to be developed in
conjunction with future redevelopment of the Abbott
District, Serra Center, Urban Reserve Areas, and other
large development projects.

PARKING FRAMEWORK

06

06 PUBLIC REALM

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Overview
The Public Realm chapter addresses the network of parks, open space, and public spaces that provide a sense of place for the Plan Area. Quality public open spaces are an essential part of the urban fabric of higher-density urban neighborhoods where private outdoor spaces may be more limited. A variety of parks and shared public spaces are envisioned in the Plan Area, to serve as focal points to activate districts and neighborhoods and meet diverse community needs for recreation, social gathering spaces, and neighborhood connections. New parks and open space are envisioned to include neighborhood parks, urban parks, linear parks and paseos, as well as smaller privately owned pocket parks, plazas, and urban alleys/greenways. • Parc Metro Central, a small, 0.58 acre urban park that contains open lawn area and entry to the Parc Metro
Clubhouse.
• Parc Metro West, a small 1.0 acre urban park at the
intersection of Curtis Avenue and Commet Drive,
east of Hammond Way, provides passive recreational
opportunities that includes an open lawn and seating.

6.3 New Parks and Open Space
The City’s General Plan establishes an overall goal of 3.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents in the Plan Area. To achieve this, the Specific Plan has identified new parks and open space to support build-out of the Plan Area as shown in Figure 6-2. Based on the projected population
in the Plan Area (assuming 2.49 persons per household), a total of 24 acres of parks will be required. Requirements will be met through a combination of public parks and
plazas, privately-owned open space (up to the total
allowed by the Zoning Ordinance), and park in-lieu fees.

Another goal of the Specific Plan is to improve the
recreational value of parks and open space serving the Plan Area in accordance with the City's Park and Recreation
Master Plan Recreation Value System, while expanding
the network of parks and open space in the community
as new development and public improvements occur.

The Recreational Value system is a points-based system
for evaluating existing and proposed public parks on their capacity to provide the following amenities:
• Active Uses (e.g., sport court, pool, playground, skate park)
• Contemplative Uses (e.g., nature area, community
garden, public art)
• Social Uses (e.g., amphitheater, picnic area, concession, plaza)
• Support Facilities (e.g., restroom, parking lot, power, wi-fi) • Required Amenities (e.g., bike racks, drinking fountains, lighting, seating)
This system will ensure parks meet their maximum
potential in providing residents and workers with
flexible and usable space; a variety of experiences; and a comprehensive range of experiences.

The Plan Area public realm strategies are organized into the following sections:
• 6.1 Public Realm Framework.
• 6.2 Existing Park Facilities.
• 6.3 New Parks and Open Space.
• 6.4 Placemaking and District Branding.
• 6.5 Streetscape and Landscaping.

6.1 Public Realm F ramework
Figure 6-1 illustrates the public realm framework for the Plan Area, which includes an interconnected parks, open space, and greenway network, as well as placemaking
features such as gateways, public parks and plazas,
streetscapes, and branding. These spaces and places
will be designed with the goals of improving the health of the community by providing new connections,
shade, landscaping, and open space; creating places
for children to play and communities to come together,
recreate, and celebrate; expanding the city’s urban forest; supporting habitat, wildlife, and pollinators; and providing stormwater management.

6.2 Existing Park Facilities
The Plan Area currently includes the following public park facilities, together totaling 11.61 acres.
• John McDermott Park, a 0.94 acre Urban Park,
includes 2 playgrounds, a restroom, and picnic tables.
• Tom Evatt Park, a 5.46 acre one-half mile linear park extends from Thompson Street, parallel to Machado
Avenue, and continues west to S. Main Street,
terminating at the railroad tracks, includes 2 half-court basketball and tennis courts, 2 bocce ball courts, 1
playground, picnic tables and a linear multi-use trail. • O'Toole Elms Park, a 1.63 acre neighborhood park,
includes 2 playgrounds, picnic tables, seating, and a
pedestrian connection between S. Abel Street and S.

Main Street.
• Parc Metro East, a 2.0 acre urban park located at
the end of Curtis Avenue, serves the Parc Metro
neighborhood. It contains two picnic areas, a
playground, and restroom, and is surrounded by open
lawn area and a pathway.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 125 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
880
237
Starlite
Park
Berryessa Creek Trail
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro
East
Parc Metro
West
Parc Metro
Central
John
McDermott
Park
Tom Evatt
Park
Æba
0 1,200’600’300’

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD
Figure 6-1 Public Realm Framework
Existing Greenways/Paseos
Proposed Greenways/Paseos
City Gateway
District Gateway
New Public Park/Open Space
New Plaza Focal Point (Private)
Linear City Branding
Linear District Branding
0 300' 600' 1,200'

PUBLIC REALM FRAMEWORK

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6.3.1 NEW P ARKS AND PLAZAS
The Specific Plan identifies new parks and plazas to
support existing and future development and serve as
district focal points for activity. The following standards address the proposed parks and plazas within the Plan
Area shown in Figure 6-2.

1. N. Main St. Park - Implement a new neighborhood
park north of the Library with an anchor civic gathering space, such as an amphitheater or farmer's market
pavilion, a community museum, and flexible program
spaces to host activities and community events.

2. Crossroads Square - Anchor the historic crossroads
at the end of Serra Way and Main Street with a new
civic plaza or "Crossroads Square."

3. Carlo Park - Create Carlo Park, as a new urban plaza and mobility hub located along Carlo Street, west of
Main Street, including:
a. Conversion of unused City-owned right-of-way
and vacant land.
b. Preservation of existing trees to the extent
possible with the future plaza design.
c. Providing pedestrian amenities, such as seating,
planters, and lighting.

4. Serra Center - Require the integration of new parks, plazas, and open spaces as part of the redevelopment
of the Serra Center, including:
a. Creation of a new neighborhood park to provide
open space supporting future residents or a linear
park to serve as a community activity hub within
the Crossroads District.
b. Recreational amenities serving the local
neighborhood area, which may include:
• Play spaces
• Pedestrian seating
• Pedestrian scale lighting
• Wayfinding signage
• Landscaping
• Drinking fountains
• Bicycle racks

5. Tom Evatt Park - Expand and activate Tom Evatt Park
along the Hetch Hetchy right-of-way as a linear open
space, including:
a. New open space at the areas identified as the Tom
Evatt Park West Expansion and Tom Evatt Park
East Expansion.
b. Community trail connections to neighborhoods
east of S. Main Street and south of Curtis Avenue.
c. Recreational amenities serving the local
neighborhood area, such as:
• Benches
• Distinctive paving
• Bicycle racks
• Directional/wayfinding signage
d. Coordinate all expanded Tom Evatt Park spaces
and amenities with the requirements within the
Hetch Hetchy right-of-way easement.

6. South Railyards Park - Integrate new urban parks,
plazas, and open spaces in conjunction with future
development of the South Railyards, north of the Parc
Metro community that incorporates inspiration from
the rail themed historic use of the site, including in
the development of South Railyards Park and the Tom
Evatt Park East Expansion identified in Figure 6-2.

7. Activities - Work with the City's Parks and Recreation Department to plan and program activities and
events in parks, plazas, and public spaces throughout
the community, including, but not limited to:
a. Farmer's market
b. Food truck and other food and drink events
c. Dance and musical performances and concerts
d. Cultural festivals and celebrations
e. Carnivals and other family-friendly events
Plan a new neighborhood park north of the Library that
includes a community museum and space for civic or
community activity, such as farmer's markets.

Tom Evatt Park is a linear park providing east-west pedestrian connection between Main Street and Abel Street.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 127 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
880
237
Æba
0 1,200’600’300’

SERRA WY

CURTIS AVE

HAMMOND WAY

S MILPITAS BLVD

BERRYESSA CREEK

PENITENCIA CREEK

BARBER LN

TOPAZ ST

GIBRALTAR DR

RAILROAD AVE
S. MAIN ST
S. ABEL ST

THOMPSON ST

CARLO ST

SPENCE AVE

S ABBOTT AVE

BUTLER ST

JUNIPERO AVE

CORNING AVE

SYLVIA AVE

MACHADO AVE

GREAT MALL PKWY

CALAVERAS BLVD
Figure 6-2 Parks & Open Space Plan
Existing Parks and Open Space Proposed Parks and Open SpaceP 1 3P
P
P
P
P P
P
4 5
6 5
Starlite
Park
N. Main St.

Park
Carlo Park
Crossroads
Square
Serra Center
T om Evatt Park
Expansion
T om Evatt Park
Expansion
South Railyards
Park
Tom Evatt
Park
John
McDermott
Park
O'Toole
Elms Park
Parc Metro Parks
0 300' 600' 1,200'
Note: Proposed parks and open space locations are shown for illustrative purposes only. Actual locations of a future park or open space is subject to change, however should generally be located within 1/8 of a mile of the location shown. #

PARKS & OPEN SPACE FRAMEWORK
2

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6.3.2 CREEKSIDE OP EN SPACE
Creek and drainage corridors are opportunities to
support native landscape open space, riparian habitat,
and continuous bike and pedestrian trail connections
connecting the community.

1. Maintain and enhance pedestrian and bicycle access
along Lower Penitencia Creek.

2. Naturalize the drainageways along Penitencia Creek
by integrating native trees and plants that provide
shade, stormwater management, habitat areas, and
improve the views along the creek corridor.

3. Fill in gaps in the pedestrian trail system along
Penitencia Creek as sites redevelop and public creek
improvements are completed.
a. All trail improvements shall be designed in
partnership with Valley Water Authority.
b. Creekside trails shall be a minimum of 12 feet wide, and include a minimum 8 foot paved trail and 2
foot decomposed granite shoulders on either side
as described in Section 4.1.3(D).
c. Use the landscaped area adjacent to the creek trail
to support native landscaping and stormwater
management.

Anchor the terminus of Serra Way with a new town square , providing a flexible outdoor community space for music and informal uses.

Integrate a new urban or neighborhood park with future
redevelopment of the Serra Center as a mixed-use district.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 129 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

6.3.3 UNDERPASSES AND O THER

INFRASTRUCTURE SPACES
Reclaim and activate space for public use at underpasses and other public infrastructure, by creating safe and
inviting public spaces, and integrating lighting, public art, and activities.

1. Improve the Calaveras Boulevard overcrossing
and underpass locations as public space and safe
passageways, by:
a. Activating the public walkways and spaces below
the Calaveras Boulevard underpass with public art
and safety lighting along the sidewalks.
b. Highlighting distinct elements of the structure,
such as columns, walkways, and roof surfaces, with
lighting, artwork, or other creative features.
c. Providing gateway and wayfinding identification
from both ends of the underpass to demarcate
district transitions or provide historic
interpretation.

2. Study the feasibility of a bike and pedestrian access ramp from the Calaveras Bridge into Carlo Park
as part of plans or future implementation of the
Calaveras Boulevard widening project (see Section

5.3.4).

3. Reclaim and program unused right-of-way or
underutilized land to provide usable public spaces,
such as parklets or picnic spaces.

4. Proposed improvements to infrastructure spaces
that may be located off-site can be counted toward
meeting park and open space credits, subject to
coordination with the city at the time of development
review.

Activate the space below the Calaveras Boulevard underpass with public art, lighting, and recreational activity.

Study the feasibility for bike and pedestrian access down from the Calaveras Bridge into Carlo Park.

Convert unused city right-of-way into an urban parklet with a bike mobility hub and outdoor seating.

PARKS & OPEN SPACE FRAMEWORK

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6.3.4 PRIVATELY-OWNED, PUBLIC OPEN
SPACES
Encourage the development of privately-owned,
publicly accessible open spaces (POPOS), such as plazas, courtyards, pedestrian alleys, and paseos to expand the outdoor experience in the community. POPOS should be
designed as public spaces, and an extension of business activities, to help activate the Crossroads and Main Street districts and foster a sense of community.

1. Plazas and other types of POPOS may be credited
against the requirement of dedication for park and
recreation purposes if the following criteria are met:
a. The space is open to the public during business
hours to the public as guided by standards in
Section 3.4.2 (Open Space Standards).
b. Space is programed with seating, shade, lighting,
and landscaping.
c. Space shall be sized, at a minimum, to support
places for seating or the future programmed use
or activity.
d. Also see the Milpitas Municipal Code Section XI-10-

4.05 and XI-09.08.

2. Ground-level publicly accessible open space must be
either lined by at least 25% of the building frontage
or connected by an accessible path that is visually
and physically connected to an internal building
courtyard.

3. Locate plazas and ground-level or roof-level POPOS
next to at least one street, paseo, or public park edge. a. For raised or rooftop open space, create visual
connections to the surroundings and provide
signage to identify the use, from the public right-
of-way and/or building entry.
b. Distinguish between pedestrian paths and activity
spaces with textured or colored pavement or
changes in materials.

4. Provide mobile seating options during the day to
allow users the flexibility to move around to take
advantage of sun or shade.

5. Integrate pedestrian-scaled lighting to support safe navigation and use of the space.

6. Program POPOS in commercial districts to integrate
power, wi-fi capability, and features that support pop- up retail and outdoor activities, such as music that
compliment and enhance the retail experience.

7. Design for stormwater treatment needs and
demonstrate natural drainage designs through rain
gardens, bioretention gardens, roof gardens, and
other low impact development strategies.

8. All POPOS shall have signage with the name of the
POPOS at the entrance(s) to the POPOS from the
public right-of-way.

Cluster and design buildings to provides plazas and open space as focal points for activity and gathering.

Plan for parklets to support outdoor dining for restaurants and businesses along Main Street and Serra Way.

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6.4 Placemaking and District Branding
The placemaking and branding concepts described in
this section are intended to create a recognizable identity and sense of place for the Plan Area while enhancing it's character and livability.

6.4.1 GATE WAYS, WAYFINDING, AND PUBLIC

SIGNAGE

COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT GATEWAYS
City gateways and district gateways, consisting of public art, signage, and landscaping, are proposed at the
primary entrances and nodes into the Gateway-Main
Street community as shown in Figure 6-1, Public Realm
Framework.

1. Provide city gateways along Calaveras Boulevard
and Great Mall Parkway, as identified in Figure 6-1,
to provide a sense of arrival into the Gateway-Main
Street area as identified in the City's General Plan
Goal CD-8.
a. Use a community branded landscape monument
sign, vertical landscape marker, and/or public art,
to demark community gateway entries.
b. Anchor community gateways with landscaping
that is layered with accent trees and low-
maintenance shrubs, ground covers, and flowers.
c. Anchor gateway intersections with landmark
buildings that incorporate distinctive architectural
character and activate the area. Orient landmark
buildings to face and frame the corners of
intersections.

2. Provide district gateways to distinguish the entries into the Crossroads, Main Street, Library, and Abbott,
Districts.
a. Develop branded district gateway elements as a
community signage family to be implemented
in coordination with future wayfinding and
streetscape improvement projects.
b. Distinguish each district with a unique branded
logo design that may be integrated into a
landscaped entry sign or marker and banners.

3. Reinforce city and district gateways with linear
streetscape branding elements, such as street trees,
street lights with banners, and street furnishings as
described in Section 6.5.1.
a. Provide distinct colored paving or textured
intersection treatments at gateways and special
places, such as plazas.
b. Integrate public art, consistent with the guidance
in Section 6.4.2.

Example of a district identification sign.

4. Identity major n eighborhood areas, including the
Parc Metro, North Abbott, and North Abel Street
neighborhoods, with neighborhood gateway
signs designed to reflect the character of each
neighborhood.

PLACEMAKING & BRANDING
City branded community gateway sign.

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WAYFINDING AND PUBLIC SIGNAGE
Wayfinding and public signage shall be designed
as a comprehensive system to help visitors and the
community effectively find and navigate the districts and destinations in the Plan Area. An effective public signage system presents wayfinding information in a clear and
logical sequence to help prepare and guide motorists to their intended destinations. Public signs to aid travelers into the Plan Area include:

1. Directory Signs with directional arrows, indicating
the direction to districts or key community
destinations. These signs shall be designed to support
motorists traveling at the speed limit.

2. Pedestrian Directory Signs that provide area maps
and detailed information regarding area points of
interests and public connections. These signs are
designed for viewing at the pedestrian scale and
may be freestanding structures or incorporated into
existing streetscape elements.

3. Parking Lot Identification Signs that can be viewed
from public streets to identify the entries of public
parking facilities and include the international "P"
symbol.

4. Develop a common branding identity for public signs
in the Plan Area.
a. Use a unified material and color palette that is
designed to match or complement the existing
street furnishings along Main Street.
b. Utilize the city's community branded logos and
graphics at City and district gateways.
c. Ensure public signs conform with regulations set
forth by the State and other regulating authorities
and use international symbols.

5. Wayfinding and public signage should be clear,
concise, and easy to read and located at clearly visible decision points for vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians as appropriate.

6. Use wa yfinding signage to provide direction to areas of interest, including freeway and public parking
locations, shopping and employment districts, park
and civic uses, community trails, and other points of
interest.

7. Celebrate and interpret the history of Main Street
within the Plan Area.
a. Develop a Historic Marker program and integrate
historic markers on or adjacent to structures of
historic significance.
b. Include a map or directory of historic points of
interest at the N. Main Street Park or Carlo Park.
c. Place historic markers at locally historic resources within the city's Historic Resources Inventory.

Use historic markers to identify historic resources and sites along Main Street.

Use public art and displays in community open spaces to highlight the city's diverse history and cultures.
d. Use public art and displays to highlight Main
Street's history and evolution, and interpret and
provide public education about the rich history,
stories, and cultures of the people who settled in
the area.
e. Engage the Milpitas Historical Society and tribal
administrations with potential cultural resources
in the area in the development of interpretative
displays.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 133 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

6.4.2 PUBLIC ART AND MURALS
Public art provides opportunities to support artists
while enhancing the community's unique character
and identity. A variety of art mediums, including
sculpture, painting and murals, sidewalk art, mosaics,
and streetscape and branding improvements provide
avenues to enliven the public and private spaces within the Plan Area.

1. Use and promote public art to help define the
identity of the Plan Area.
a. Integrate public art into community and district
gateway entries and the wayfinding and public
signage design.
b. Provide public art to enrich the commercial
streetscape environment with unique building
architecture, storefronts, and signage; and in the
design of public or private plazas, common open
space, landscaping, and street furnishings.
c. Use public art to enliven open space connections
in the community, including urban or linear parks,
paseos, trails, and pedestrian alleys.
d. Use public arts as landmarks to frame the
terminus of public right-of-ways or view corridors
or as repeated elements providing visual
continuity along a paseo.
e. Consider opportunities to integrate feature
lighting into the design of public art so that the
art can enliven the public realm in the evening
and night.

2. Choose materials that will sustain long-term outdoor exposure and have community longevity.

3. Locate public art so as not to create conflict with
vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian travel modes.

4. Use the City's Mural Program to implement murals
within the Plan Area that convey themes related to
the area’s cultural and commercial history and sense of place, including as a historic and regional crossroads.

5. Integrate functional public art, such as unique bicycle racks or seating installations, to help activate the
public realm along Main Street and Serra Way.

6. Integrate permanent and temporary public art into
common area spaces of commercial and residential
development projects.

7. Work with the existing Public Art Program and Mural
Program to support the review, implementation,
installation, and maintenance of public art pieces,
consistent with the guidelines of the City's Public Art Master Plan. The Program is encouraged to engage
local businesses, tribes, and the community in the
selection and dedication of public art installations.

Public art sculptures on display in front of the public library, an adaptive reuse of the historic Miller Grammar High School.

Public art integrated with a watershed friendly landscaping demonstration garden enliven this Main Street landscape.

Window graphics are encouraged as a form of public art to provide identity to businesses and add interest to commercial shopfronts.

PLACEMAKING & BRANDING

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6.5 Streetscape and Landscaping

6.5.1 STREET LIGHTS AND BANNERS
Street lighting contributes to the pedestrian character, placemaking, and perception of safety by facilitating the safe movement of traffic, and lighting paths and public
spaces to support bicycle and pedestrian uses. Street
lights, combined with branding and signage features, will reinforce the character and identity of districts within the Plan Area.

LIGHTING SELECTION AND DESIGN

1. A coordinated palette, or “family” of light fixtures for street and pedestrian lighting shall be selected to
create a cohesive streetscape theme for each district
in the following areas, consistent with the Figure 6-4:
a. Along the length of Calaveras Boulevard.
b. Along the length of Abel Street.
c. Along the length of Main Street and in the
Crossroads and Main Street Districts.
d. Within the Gateway District.
e. Within the Abbott District.

2. The following criteria apply:
a. The family of fixtures should be selected as part of the streetscape planning process.
b. The family of fixtures shall contribute to the
branding of the district, and shall be compatible
with the streetscape palette as discussed in
Section 6.5.2.
c. All lighting within the district shall be a consistent color and design, and have a powder cast finish.
d. Any branding, name plates, or plaques, shall be
integrated into the design of the fixture.
e. Light fixtures shall minimize light spill over with
full cut-off luminaries.

3. LED lights, smart light fixtures, timers, and dimmers, shall be used where possible in streetscape and open
space projects to dim or turn off lighting when not
in use, to conserve energy, and reduce night time
light pollution. LED lights produce a white and more
even spread of light that enhances visibility and color rendering, appropriate for retail streets, including Serra Way and Main Street where high-quality lighting is
desired.

Pedestrian-scaled street lights and banners should be used to activate Main Street.

Special accent lights, such as string lights, can be integrated into small public spaces and paseos within the Entertainment District to provide evening ambiance.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 135 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

LOCATION AND APPLICATION

1. Provide consistently spaced pedestrian-scale lighting, in combination with taller roadway lights where
needed, to illuminate areas of high pedestrian activity (identify roads, connections, open spaces, etc) as well as key street intersections, mid- block crossings, and
transit stops.

2. Street lights should be integrated with district
branding elements and signage, such as banners and
directional signs, to identify the Specific Plan districts, including the Gateway, Crossroads, Main Street,
Abbott, and Library Districts. The following criteria
apply:
a. Street lighting may utilize either single or double
head fixture, with optional banners.
b. Clamp-on brackets for banners and/or hanging
brackets, should be considered in conjunction
with the streetscape program.

3. Lighting art should be used in the landscape,
streetscape, city and district gateway features, or
design of buildings fronting Calaveras Boulevard to
help emphasize the entrance into Milpitas and the
Crossroads District.

4. Bollards with integrated lighting may be used to
separate and illuminate the boundaries and pathways
of plazas, alleys, and paseos.

5. Decorative lighting or string lights are encouraged as overhead elements integrated into public and private
outdoor dining areas, plazas, paseos, and other public
spaces along Serra Way, Main Street, and other
commercial districts or nodes.

6.5.2 STREET FURNISHINGS
Street furnishings include benches and seating areas,
bicycle racks, bollards, trash receptacles, and parking meters. Well-designed street furnishings that are
thoughtfully located are key components of a complete
street, adding comfort to the pedestrian and bicycling
experience. Street furnishings should be organized to
maximize safety, comfort, and functionality for all users, and coordinated in appearance with other streetscape
elements in order to achieve a cohesive district identity.

DESIGN SELECTION AND FINISHES

1. A streetscape program should be developed
to support the consistent implementation of
streetscape improvements for each of the following
districts:
a. The length of Main Street.
b. The Crossroads District.
c. The Gateway District.
d. The Abbott District.

2. When selecting street furniture for each of the above areas, such as benches, trash receptacles, and bicycle
racks, a “family” or “kit of parts” approach should
be utilized to promote a consistent design theme,
character, and finish.
a. A family of furnishings should be selected as part
of the streetscape planning process.
b. The family of furnishings should contribute to
the branding of the district. Any branding, name
plates, or plaques, shall be integrate into the
design of the furniture element.
c. As part of the selection process, sustainability
benefits, such as the integration of smart lighting,
should be considered wherever possible.

3. Furnishings shall be a consistent color and design,
with a powder cast finish.

4. The streetscape palette currently used along North
Main Street may be continued into South Main Street,
or a compatible palette may be selected based on
fixture availability and sustainability features.

5. Bus shelters, transit stops, and mobility hubs shall be designed to protect users from the weather and
should integrate pedestrian convenience amenities,
such as trash receptacles, lighting, and transit
schedule information.

Lighting art that serves as a sense of arrival into a downtown district.

STREETSCAPE & LANDSCAPE

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Decorative black metal street furnishings are used along North Main Street.

Provide bike racks in the planting/furnishing zone, accessible to bicycle riders.

Design bus shelters to coordinate with future streetscape improvements along Main Street.

LOCATION AND SPACING

1. Seating and benches shall be clustered with other
street furnishings, such as lighting and trash
receptacles, where space allows.
a. Benches and seating areas shall be spaced no
greater than 300 feet apart to provide convenient
resting places along the sidewalk.
b. Trash receptacles shall be provided at regular
intervals along the public sidewalk, to serve
nearby businesses, and bus stops. A minimum
of 18 inches clear shall be provided around trash
receptacles.

2. Street furnishing shall be located so not to impede
pedestrian and bicycle traffic flow, including any
required American with Disabilities Act requirements.

3. Bicycle racks shall be strategically located within and adjacent to transit stops, commercial areas, public
facilities, and parking areas, to encourage bicycle
ridership and provide an attractive alternative to
locking bicycles to trees and light poles. Additionally, the following standards apply:
a. Bicycle racks should be clustered with micro-
mobility parking, where available.
b. Bicycle racks and micro-mobility parking areas
should be places in lighted areas, shall not
obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow, and
should be located where riders can safely and
easily dismount and walk to building entries.

4. Bollards may be located where restriction to
vehicular movement is desired or to prevent traffic
from encroaching on high pedestrian activity areas.

Bollards should not exceed 4 feet in height.

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6.5.3 STREET LANDSCAPING
The selection of landscape materials in the Plan Area shall be well-suited to the local Bay Area climate and selected for their drought-tolerance, durability, flower or
foliage texture and color, and ease of maintenance.

Additionally, street landscaping along designated Green Streets shall accommodate green stormwater infrastructure, to the extent feasible.

GREEN STREETS

1. The following streets are identified as potential Green Streets:
a. South Main Street in the Crossroads and Main
Street Districts (within the amenity and flex zones).
b. Serra Way (within the amenity zone).
c. South Abel Street (within the amenity zone).
d. South Abbott Avenue (within the amenity zone
and parking area curb extensions).
e. Future Mixed-Use Streets (within the amenity and
flex zones).
f. Future Residential Streets (within the flex zones/
parking area curb extensions).
g. Future Business Park/Industrial Streets in the
Abbott District.
h. Future Alleys (within the amenity zone).
i. Future Paseo (within the amenity zone).

2. All Green Streets shall incorporate green stormwater infrastructure, such as bioswales, stormwater tree
wells, and/or pervious pavement in the right-of-way.

3. All landscaping included in Green Streets shall follow Bay-Friendly Landscaping guidelines and serve the
dual purpose of treating and slowing stormwater run-
off and providing shade and greening along the street.

STREET TREES AND TREE SELECTION

1. Street trees from Appendix B of the City's Urban
Forest Management Plan, summarized in Table 6-1,
are recommended for new plantings within the Plan
Area. However, refer to the latest edition of the City's Urban Forest Management Plan.

2. Use of trees not listed in the Urban Forest
Management Plan shall be coordinated with the city
during the development review process.

3. Existing, healthy, mature trees shall be maintained
wherever possible, and incorporated within the
design of corridor and site improvements.

4. Trees planted along commercial sidewalks and in
urban paseos and plazas are encouraged to use tree
wells that can expand the usable sidewalk surface area.

TABLE 6-1: RECOMMENDED STREET TREES
LARGE (COMMON NAME | BOTANICAL NAME)
Autumn Blaze Maple Acer x freemanii
Queen Palm Arecastrum romanzoffianum
Western Catalpa Catalpa speciosa
Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodara
European Hackberry Celtis australis
Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis
Chinese Hackberry Celtis sinensis
Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Microtheca Eucalyptus Eucalyptus microtheca
Peppermint Eucalyptus Eucalyptus nicholii
Desert Gum Eucalyptus rudis
Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba
Silk Oak Grevillea robusta
Jacaranda Jacaranda acutifolia
Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera
Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
Canary Island Pine Pinus canariensis
Victorian Box Pittosporum undulatum
London Plane Tree Platanus acerifolia
Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia
Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea
Forest Green Oak Quercus frainetto 'Schmidt'
Valley Oak Quercus lobata
Red Oak Quercus rubra
Cork Oak Quercus suber
Southern Live Oak Quercus virginiana
Chinese Tallow Sapium sebiferum
Silver Linden Tilia tomentosa 'Sterling'
Brisbane Box Tristania conferta
Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia
California Fan Palm Washingtonia filifera
Mexican Palm Washingtonia robusta

STREETSCAPE & LANDSCAPE

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TABLE 6-1: RECOMMENDED STREET TREES
MEDIUM (COMMON NAME | BOTANICAL NAME)
Blackwood Acacia Acacia melanoxylon
Red Maple Acer rubrum
Silk Tree Albizia julibrissin
Bronze Loquat Eriobotrya deflexa
Autumn Purple Ash Fraxinus americana
Australian Willow Geijera parviflora
Chinese Flame Tree Koelreuteria bipinnata
Goldenrain Tree Koelreuteria paniculata
Mayten Tree Maytenus boaria
Flaxleaf Paperbark Melaleuca linariifolia
Chinese Pistache Pistachia chinensis
Fem Pine Podocarpus gracilior
Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera
Omamental Pear Pyrus calleryana
Holly Oak Quercus ilex
African Sumac Rhus lances
Briazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius
Water Gum Tristania laurina
Frontier Elm Ulmus 'frontier'
Emerald Sunshine Elm Ulmus propinqua
SMALL (COMMON NAME | BOTANICAL NAME)
Bailey Acacia Acacia baileyana
Red Horsechestnut Aesculis carnea
Strawberry Tree Arbutus undo
Weeping Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis
European Hombeam Carpinus betulus
Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis
Western Redbud Cercis occidentalis
Chinese Fringe Tree Chionanthus retusus
Washington Thom Crataegus phaenopyrum
Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica
Sweet Bay Laurus noblis 'Saratoga'
Carolina Laurel Cherry Prunus caroliniana
City Sprite Zelkova Zelkova serrata 'City Sprite'
New Zealand Christmas Tree Metrosideros excelsus
Goldenrain Tree - Koelreuteria paniculata
Chinese Pistache - Pistachia chinensis

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 139 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

PLANTING SELECTION

1. California native and Mediterranean plants that are
adapted to the Bay Area climate are recommended
as guided by the Bay Friendly Landscape Plant Lists
or East Bay Municipal Utility District's Plants and
Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates of the San
Francisco Bay Region, as summarized in Table 6-2.
a. Native and drought-tolerant, water conserving
plant species are strongly recommended.
b. Plant lists for new development shall be
coordinated with the city during the development
review process.

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

1. For additional guidance related to tree selection,
plant materials, and landscaping, see the Milpitas
Residential and Mixed-Use Objective Design
Standards.

Fescue bunch grass - Festuca
Coast Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinali
TABLE 6-2: RECOMMENDED PLANT PALETTE
PERENNIALS (COMMON NAME | BOTANICAL NAME)
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) Alstroemeria spp
California Fuchsia Epilobium canum
Coyote Mint Monardella villosa
Hummingbird Sage Salvia spathacea
Lavender Lavandula spp
New Zealand Flax Phormium tenax
Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans
Penstemon Penstemon
Globe mallow Sphaeralcea
Thyme Thymus
Fescue bunch grass Festuca
SHRUBS (COMMON NAME | BOTANICAL NAME)
California sagebrush Artemisia californica
Rockrose Cistus
Flannel bush Fremontodendron
Tree mallow Lavatera
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinali
Coast rosemary Westringia fruticosa
Manzanita Arctostaphylos
Butterfly bush Buddleja davidii
GROUNDCOVERS (COMMON NAME | BOTANICAL NAME)
Myoporum Myoporum parvifolium
Thyme Thymus
Trailing mallow Malvastrum

STREETSCAPE & LANDSCAPE

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6.5.4 HARDSCAP E MATERIAL PALETTE

1. High-quality hardscape and paving materials shall be used within the Plan Area’s public and semi-public
spaces, to demarcate activity spaces and places of
interest, including:
a. Plazas and courtyards.
b. Paseos and mid-block pedestrian crossings.
c. Corner locations along Main Street, Serra Way, and
at Serra Center (Priority Retail Corners).
d. Sidewalks along branded gateways and streets as
identified in Figure 6-4.

2. The City's existing or standard sidewalk design shall be used. Paving accents may be used if consistent
with the established style of adjacent improvements,
unless new improvements are planned.

3. Refer to Table 6-3 for a list of acceptable hardscape materials. Additionally, the following standards apply:
a. A limited hardscape palette should be used in
public and semi-public spaces to help minimize
visual clutter and promote a cohesive identity,
drawing from local or planned streetscape
improvements where applicable.
b. Where new materials are being installed
adjacent to existing street improvements, new
materials shall be selected to be similar in style
and character to existing hardscape materials to
provide consistency in the district.

TABLE 6-3: RECOMMENDED HARDSCAPE MATERIALS
Brick
Natural Stone
Integrated Color Concrete
Stabilized Crushed Stone
Wood (accent only)
Turf Block
Slate
Brick or Concrete Unit Pavers
Composite Materials, such as Hardiplank
Stabilized Gravel
Permeable Pavers or Pavement
Pervious Concrete
Stainless Steel, Powder Coated Metal, Corten Steel (accent only)
Decomposed Granite
Example of a natural stone path
Brick used as accent hardscape material

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APRIL 2025 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT

PLACEMAKING & BRANDING

07

07 INFRASTRUCTURE &

PUBLIC SERVICES

07 INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC SERVICES
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Overview
The implementation of the Midtown Specific Plan
saw collaborative efforts between the City and private
developers to create new infrastructure elements,
encompassing streets, streetscapes, and utilities.

Despite the completion of certain aspects outlined in
that plan since its adoption in 2002 and update in 2010, the Gateway-Main Street Specific Plan is recognized
as an area with underutilized parcels that are prime for development and redevelopment.

This chapter outlines the infrastructure to support public services within the Plan Area. It sets forth policies and improvement projects for enhancing and expanding
public facilities, including vital utility systems like stormwater drainage, sewer, and water.

Other chapters of the Specific Plan delve into specific aspects of infrastructure development. Chapter
5 addresses streets and mobility infrastructure
improvements, while Chapters 6 focuses on the policies
and development standards related to parks, open space, and public realm improvements.

The infrastructure and public services addressed in this chapter include:
• 7.1 Storm Drainage
• 7.2 Flooding
• 7.3 Water Supply and Distribution System
• 7.4 Sewer
• 7.5 Solid Waste
• 7.6 Energy and Technology
• 7.7 Fire Protection and Emergency Response
• 7.8 Police Services
• 7.9 Schools
• 7.10 Libraries
• 7.11 Child Care

7.1 Storm Drainage

7.1.1 CONTEXT

STORM DRAIN MASTER PLAN ANALYSIS
The City of Milpitas Storm Drain Master Plan, prepared
in 2021, reports background information and analysis
relevant to the Plan Area. Within the document, on page ES-4, the following statement is included:

This updated master plan and corresponding CIP differs
from previous master plans due to the ICM (Integrated
Catchment Modeling) model, which integrates updated
rainfall and a different hydrologic methodology as
described herein. Additionally, the model accounts for
surface storage within streets and other open spaces
and the precise timing of coincident creek discharges,
which was not directly accounted for in previous master plans. These updates generally result in less flooding
at the desired level of service and fewer CIP projects
to meet the City’s storm drainage criteria. Figure ES-2 depicts the CIP from the 2013 Master Plan for reference.

Stormwater runoff in Milpitas is channeled through
a network of gutters, underground pipes, and open
channels. These channels direct the run-off to Coyote
Creek, which ultimately empties into San Francisco Bay.

The drainage pattern in Milpitas typically flow from the southeast to the northwest. In lower-lying areas near
the bay, many storm drains rely on pumping to handle
significant flows. Furthermore, the Santa Clara Valley
Water District oversees storm drainage operations within the City of Milpitas.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) is Milpitas’ primary partner in managing local stormwater
issues. Valley Water’s stated mission is to “provide Silicon Valley safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy.” More specifically, Valley Water manages
most of Milpitas’ major drainage-ways, including Arroyo de los Coches, Berryessa Creek, Calera Creek, Coyote
Creek, Lower Penitencia Creek, East Penitencia Creek,
Piedmont Creek, and Tularcitos Creek. Coordination with Valley Water is integral to the Storm Drain Master Plan’s success since all the storm drainage systems within the city eventually discharge into a Valley Water-managed
facility. Valley Water is keenly interested in any storm drain project that might impact one of their receiving
creeks. In turn, Milpitas has a vested interest in how
Valley Water manages its legislated flood protection
responsibility. (City of Milpitas Storm Drain Master Plan 2021, Page ES-1)
The City of Milpitas and Gateway-Main Street Specific
Plan Area are situated within the lower portion of the
Coyote Creek watershed, as depicted in Figure 7-1.

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Figure 7-1 City of Milpitas within the Coyote Creek Watershed Milpitas Storm Drainage Master Plan October 1, 2021
Introduction

Schaaf & Wheeler Page 1-2

Figure 1-1: City of Milpitas within the Coyote Creek Watershed Climate
Milpitas has a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from 46°F in the winter to 71°F in the summer. From May to October, there is virtually no chance of precipitation within the area, but winters can be cool and moist. Rainfall is the only significant cause of stormwater runoff (significant snowfall is extremely rare), averaging 14 inches per year near the bay, up to 18 inches annually near the eastern ridgeline.

Most precipitation events in the Milpitas area are either orographic when moist air is lifted over the hills, then cools and condenses, or cyclonic, where rain is with air masses’ movement from higher barometric pressure regions to lower pressure. Cyclonic events can also be caused by frontal activity. Warm fronts are generally associated with broad bands of relatively low-intensity rainfall, while higher rainfall intensifies typify cold fronts. Convective precipitation (e.g., thunderstorms) caused by air heating at the ground often leads to too intense localized storms, but it is not common in this area.

The 2021 Storm Drain Master Plan outlines proposed
land uses for portions of the Plan Area, but not others.

Areas with no defined land uses were assigned sub-
basin-specific hydrology parameters based on the Esri
World Imagery Map. The Master Plan highlights three
low-priority improvements within the Specific Plan
boundaries at:
• Main Street and Sierra Way,
• On Comet Drive, and
• A short segment of Railroad Avenue.

Additionally, the report identifies four CIP storm drain main extensions along Main Street. These projects
currently lack priority and will need to be constructed concurrently with developments along Main Street. See
Figure 7-2 on the following page. The following excerpts from pages 1-3 of the Master Plan encapsulate the
developmental impact on the Plan Area.

Generally, impervious surface does not increase with
infill development, so the impacts of the specific plan areas would be based on realigned roads or identifying
currently underserved areas where parcels drain by
gravity to the street frontage.

Recent land-use changes and growth are concentrated
within the Gateway-Main Street and Metro Plan areas.

Therefore, storm drain systems serving these tributary
areas are the most potentially impacted by new
development.

Source: City of Milpitas Storm Drain Master Plan 2021

STORM DRAINAGE

07 INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC SERVICES
146 MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT
2021 STORM DRAIN MASTER PLAN
RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS:

STORM DRAIN MAIN EXTENSION

STORM DRAIN MAIN UPSIZE
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NOTE: SEE SEWER MASTER PLAN FOR MORE DETAILS

MODELED STORM DRAIN

MODELED STORM DRAIN CHANNEL
Figure 7-2 Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements
Source: City of Milpitas Storm Drain Master Plan, adapted by BKF in 2024.

MILPITAS GATEWAY-MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN 147 2025 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Effective July 1, 2023, the San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Control Board implemented an updated
iteration of the Municipal Stormwater Permit, known as
MRP 3.0. This revision incorporates modifications and
supplementary requirements compared to the preceding
C.3 regulations. The following is a summary of the
significant updates:
• Impervious surface threshold for most projects has
dropped from 10,000 to 5,000 square feet, including
for new roads and the addition of a travel lane to an
existing road.
• New categories of regulated projects include:
• Road and sidewalk repair projects ≥ 5,000
contiguous square feet.
• Road reconstruction and pavement widening ≥
1 contiguous acre.
• Detached single family home that creates or
replaces ≥ 10,000 square feet.

The changes to the MRP mandate that off-site road and
sidewalk repairs be treated so each project will need to assess the application of these additional requirements individually. There are various methods to meet the
treatment requirements of MRP 3.0, whether regionally
or locally, and each project within the Plan Area must
evaluate effective strategies to enhance water quality and manage stormwater runoff from new developments.

To comply with the latest stormwater regulations,
implementing green streets infrastructure may be
necessary. Within the Plan Area, which includes public
roads like Main Street, Thompson Street, and Abel Street, all must meet new treatment requirements as projects
are developed along their frontage. The City of Milpitas Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) initiative has
proposed methods to address treatment in the public
right-of-way. Chapter 5 (Mobility) of the Specific Plan outlines potential locations for these treatments within the public right-of-way.

The Amenity Zone, situated between the curb and
sidewalk as depicted in Chapter 5, and the Flexible
Street Zone (Flex Zone), which accommodates parking,
loading, parklets, and curb extensions along Main Street, Abel Street, Serra Way, Abbott Avenue, future mixed-
use streets, and future residential streets, and future alleyways are earmarked for treatment installations.

Along Main Street, four intersections—Carlo Street,
Serra Way, Corning Avenue, and Curtis Avenue—have
been identified as ideal locations for public right-of-way treatment. Additionally, Tom Evatt Park along Main Street is also suited for treatment. These locations benefit from underground storm drains that will connect to green
street treatment basins located within the amenity
zones and particularly, the curb extensions (bulb-outs) introduced in these areas.

The City of Milpitas Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plan states the following:

Integrating GSI into public spaces typically involves
construction of stormwater capture and treatment
measures in public streets, parks, and parking lots or as part of public buildings. Types of GSI measures that can be constructed in public spaces include: (1) bioretention, (2) stormwater tree well filters, (3) pervious pavement, (4) infiltration facilities, (5) green roofs, and 6) rainwater harvesting and use facilities.

The most typical treatment infrastructure constructed
along roadways are bioretention and stormwater tree well filters. The GSI Plan further describes these infrastructure types:

Bioretention areas are depressed landscaped areas
that consist of a ponding area, mulch layer, plants, and a special biotreatment soil media composed of sand and
compost, underlain by drain rock and an underdrain, if
required. Bioretention is designed to retain stormwater runoff, filter stormwater runoff through biotreatment soil media and plant roots, and either infiltrate stormwater runoff to underlying soils as allowed by site conditions, or release treated stormwater runoff to the storm drain system, or both. They can be of any shape and are
adaptable for use on a building or parking lot site or in the street right-of-way. Parking lots can accommodate
bioretention areas in medians, corners, and pockets of
space unavailable for parking. Bioretention systems
in the streetscape have specific names: stormwater
planters, stormwater curb extensions (or bulb-out), and stormwater tree well filters.

A stormwater curb extension is a bioretention system
that extends into the roadway and involves modification of the curb line and gutter (Figure 7-3). Stormwater
curb extensions may be installed midblock or at an
intersection. Curb bulb-outs and curb extensions
installed for pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and other transportation benefits can also provide opportunities
for siting bioretention facilities.

Figure 7-3 Stormwater Curb Extension, Los Altos
Source: City of Los Altos

STORM DRAINAGE