Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Planning
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Planning
To find your property's Zoning District, open the Zoning Map; find your property using major surrounding street names. Each Zoning District is assigned its own color; locate the color your property is shaded in the legend to see your Zoning District.
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Planning
Development standards depend on Zoning District the property is located. The Municipal Code lists the standards for each Zoning District. Find your Zoning District using the Zoning Map; open the brochure for your Zoning District for a summary of the applicable standards.
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Planning
Review this memorandum (PDF) to better understand the most frequently requested Hillside Development Standards.
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Planning
All developments and new businesses require Planning review. Some types of businesses and development require discretionary review by the Planning Commission, Planning Subcommittee or City Council. Other developments or new businesses may be approved administratively by staff. For more information regarding the development, review check the provisions within the City's Zoning Code for the appropriate "Zoning district", "Special Uses (Section 13 )", "General Provisions (Section 54)" and "Applications (Section 57)" sections. For new businesses, check the appropriate zoning district's "Permitted and conditionally permitted uses" subsection for requirements.
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Planning
Yes. Planning Division approval is required, and a building permit may be required. Requirements for signs are located in Signs (Section 24).
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Planning
You need to complete and submit a temporary promotional sign application (PDF) to the Planning staff. You may only have four permits per calendar year. The first permit allows the display of the banner for 30 consecutive days, and each subsequent permit allows the display of the banner for 15 consecutive days. The maximum size of the banner is 60 square feet. The banner needs to be flush-mounted to the building wall.
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Planning
A variance is a permit issued to a specific location by an administrative agency (Planning Commission or the City Council acting as an administrative agency) to deviate from development standards (e.g., parking, setbacks) set forth in the zoning regulations section 57. In order to be approved for a variance, the proposal must meet several State-mandated findings.
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Planning
Milpitas Residents Empowered to Prevent Unwanted Visitors Starting January 1, 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, residents of the City of Milpitas will have a new tool to protect their privacy and property rights. The City of Milpitas has adopted a new law prohibiting unwanted visitors from intruding upon residential property in violation of properly posted signs. Property owners can legally place signs on their premises to prohibit unwanted visitors, including solicitors, canvassers, and other uninvited guests.
The ordinance aims to enhance community safety and peace of mind by providing residents a simple and enforceable method to deter uninvited visitors. Signs must be prominently displayed at entry points to be legally binding.
Key details about the ordinance include:
Effective Date: January 1, 2025.
Signage Requirements: Signs must clearly state “No Soliciting,” “No Trespassing,” “No Canvassing,” or other similar
language to indicate that visitors are not welcome without prior permission.
Legal Enforcement: Residents may sue and recover penalties defined by City law.
Even without a sign, uninvited visitors must follow a resident’s order to leave their property. Similarly, even if residents post a sign, they can always give permission to enter and withdraw this consent at any time. Exceptions apply for neighbors, deliveries, and others. Organizations are responsible for informing those going door-to-door on their behalf about this new law.
The City of Milpitas encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the full law in Title V, Chapter 15 of the Milpitas Municipal Code.