Milpitas Municipal Code Ch. C.6 Parking and Loading

The specific purposes of the parking and loading requirements are to:

A. Require parking spaces and loading spaces for all land uses that are sufficient in number, size, and arrangement;

B. Minimize the negative environmental and urban design impacts of parking lots, driveways, and drive aisles within parking lots;

C. Ensure the provision of adequate off-street bicycle parking;

D. Establish standards and regulations for safe and well-designed parking, unloading and vehicle circulation areas;

E. Offer flexible means of minimizing the amount of area devoted to parking by allowing reductions in the number of required spaces in transit-served locations, shared parking facilities, and other situations expected to have lower vehicle parking demand;

F. Encourage modal shift; and

G. Reduce urban run-off and heat island effect.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

Off-street parking spaces shall be provided and improved consistent with this Chapter as follows:

A. Whenever a building is constructed;

B. Whenever a new use is established; or

C. Whenever an existing building or use is altered, resulting in an increase in the number of required parking or loading facilities; however, Subsection C.18.060.A (Nonconforming Parking) may reduce the amount of additional parking required.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

A. When Constructed. Parking and loading facilities required by this Chapter shall be constructed or installed prior to final inspection or the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the use that they serve.

B. Existing Parking and Loading to be Maintained. No existing parking and loading area serving any use may be reduced in amount or changed in design or location below the requirements for such use, unless equivalent substitute facilities are provided.

C. Accessibility. Parking and loading areas shall be accessible for their intended purpose during all hours of operation.

D. Vehicle Storage and Repairs Prohibited. No required parking or loading facilities shall be used for the storage of inoperable vehicles for any period of time. Repair work and servicing of vehicles is prohibited within required parking or loading facilities.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

A. General. Parking spaces shall be designed consistent with Subsection C.6.080 (Parking Area Development and Design Standards) unless otherwise allowed by this Chapter.

B. Disabled Accessible Parking.

1. Parking for disabled persons shall be provided in compliance with the Building Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

2. Parking spaces for disabled persons shall count toward the number of parking spaces required by this Chapter.

3. A site shall not be considered to have nonconforming parking if the number of off-street spaces provided is reduced to less than required by this Chapter solely because the lot is restriped to comply with handicapped parking requirements.

C. Compact Parking Spaces. For parking areas and garages containing 10 or more stalls serving nonresidential, mixed use, and multi-family uses, up to 40 percent of the total (i.e., required and non-required) stalls may be compact parking spaces.

D. Tandem Parking. Tandem parking is allowed for residential uses when the tandem spaces are assigned to the same dwelling unit and where the tandem parking is a maximum of two cars in depth. Tandem parking may also be approved for nonresidential uses when the tandem spaces are assigned to employees of the same nonresidential establishment or if the applicant demonstrates that tandem parking will not interfere with orderly parking and movement of vehicles consistent with Subsection C.6.040.E (Stacked Parking).

E. Stacked Parking. Stacked or valet parking is allowed if an attendant is present, or an automated system is in place to move vehicles. If stacked parking managed by an attendant is used for required parking spaces, an acceptable form of guarantee must be filed with the Director ensuring that an attendant will be present while the parking lot is in operation.

F. Unbundled Parking from Residential Uses. Unbundled parking is allowed with any dwelling unit other than a detached single-family dwelling and is required for attached single unit and multi-unit projects of 16 units or more:

1. All off-street spaces shall be leased or sold separately from the rental or purchase fees for dwelling units for the life of the dwelling units, such that potential renters or buyers have the option of renting or buying a residential unit at a price lower than would be the case if there were a single price for both the residential unit and the parking space.

2. In cases where there are fewer parking spaces than dwelling units, the parking spaces shall be offered first to the potential owners or renters of three-bedroom or more units, second to owners or renters of two-bedroom units, and then to owners and renters of other units. Spaces shall be offered to tenants first. Non-tenants may lease with a provision for 30 days to terminate the lease.

3. Renters or buyers of on-site affordable units shall have an equal opportunity to rent or buy a parking space on the same terms and conditions as offered to renters or buyers of other dwelling units. Parking rates shall be established based on the prevailing market rate and shall not be subsidized by property owners or employers; however, rates for affordable units shall be prorated in proportion to their rent discounts. For condominiums with non-deeded spaces, the homeowners' association (HOA) shall collect parking fees separate from the standard HOA fee.

G. Commercial Vehicles and Trailers.

1. Commercial Vehicles. Commercial vehicles, including any self-propelled vehicle over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle rating and/or having more than two axles and possessing a commercial license plate, shall not be parked or stored in any residential zone or any street adjoining a residential zone, except that commercial vehicles may be parked or stored in a residential zone if kept fully within a garage or other enclosed structure.

2. Commercial Trailers. Trailers or equipment used for commercial purposes shall be stored within an enclosed building.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

A. Number of Spaces Required.

1. Each land use is subject to the required number of parking spaces as listed in Table C.6.050-A (Required Number of Vehicle Parking Spaces) unless excepted under Subsection C.6.050.C (Exceptions) or otherwise provided in this Title.

2. The parking requirement for any use not listed in Table C.6.050-A (Required Number of Vehicle Parking Spaces) shall be determined by the Director based upon the requirements for the most similar comparable use, the characteristics of the proposed use, and any other relevant data regarding parking demand.

Table C.6.050-A: Required Number of Vehicle Parking Spaces

Table Notes:

1 See specific land uses within each land use classification in Part XIII-B (Zone Regulations).

2 See exceptions in Subsection C.6.050.C (Exceptions).

3 The requirement for delivery truck parking is not intended to accommodate semi-trucks delivering products to the site.

4 Parking shall not be required for single-family dwelling additional consistent with California Government Code § 65863.3.

B. Calculation of Required Spaces.

1. Parking Ratios. The number of required parking spaces shall be calculated according to the following rules:

a. Floor area. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to floor area, the floor area is assumed to be gross floor area, unless otherwise stated. Any portion of floor area that is used for automobile parking shall not be counted in calculating the floor area for required parking.

b. Employees. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to employees, the number of employees shall be based on the maximum number of employees that occurs in a typical week.

c. Bedrooms. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to bedrooms, any rooms having the potential of being a bedroom and meeting the standards of the California Building Code as a sleeping room shall be counted as a bedroom.

d. Students, children, or clients. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to students, children, or clients, the number is assumed to be the number of students, children, or clients at the state-certified capacity or at Building Code Occupancy where no state certification is required.

e. Seats. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to seats, each 24 inches of bench-type seating at maximum seating capacity is counted as one seat. For places of meeting or assembly that do not include fixed seating, seven square feet shall equal one seat.

2. Sites with Multiple Uses. If more than one use is located on a site, the number of required parking and loading spaces shall be equal to the sum of the requirements calculated separately for each use, unless a lower amount of parking is required or allowed consistent with Section C.6.060.A (Shared Parking), this Chapter, or this Title.

3. Parking Requirements for Ancillary Uses. For accessory or ancillary uses, no additional parking may be required as determined by the Director. Examples of this case include a coffee or snack shop within an office or hotel development or a copy/package store within a business park.

4. New Building Without Tenants. If the type of tenant that will occupy a nonresidential building, or the nonresidential portion of a mixed-use building, is not known at the time the new building is being proposed, the number of parking spaces required for the nonresidential use shall be the parking generally required for the use classification (e.g., commercial uses) as identified in Table C.6.050-A (Required Number of Vehicle Parking Spaces) unless otherwise determined by the Review Authority.

5. Queuing Area. The number of parking spaces required by Table C.6.050-A (Required Number of Vehicle Parking Spaces) does not include queuing space that may be required for vehicles and customers waiting in vehicles for service, pump stations, auto service bays, or similar uses.

C. Exceptions.

1. Major Transit Stop Proximity. Parking requirements for all uses within a one-half mile of a major transit stop are listed in Table C.6.050-B (Vehicle Parking Requirements Near a Major Transit Stop).

Table C.6.050-B: Vehicle Parking Requirements Near a Major Transit Stop 1

Table Notes:

1 Within ½ mile of a major transit stop as defined in California Public Resources Code § 21155.

2 Minimum automobile parking requirement is prohibited by California Government Code § 65863.2 unless specific findings are made or the project is exempt.

3 Valet, tandem spaces, and mechanical lift stalls are counted as individual spaces.

2. Metro Specific Plan Area Parking Requirements. Parking requirements for all uses in the Metro Specific Plan area are listed in Table C.6.050-C (Vehicle Parking Requirements in the Metro Specific Plan Area).

Table C.6.050-C: Vehicle Parking Requirements in the Metro Specific Plan Area

Table Notes:

1 Valet, tandem spaces, and mechanical lift stalls are counted as individual spaces.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

A. Shared Parking.

1. Purpose. Buildings or sites with multiple uses shall have reduced parking requirements reflecting different peak parking demands and/or the capture of trips within the building or site due to the mix of on-site uses.

2. Parking Reductions For Sites With Two Uses. The amount of the parking reduction is calculated by taking the sum of the minimum parking requirements for the two uses with the highest parking requirement based on Table C.6.050-A (Required Number of Vehicle Parking Spaces) and multiplying that sum by the percentage in Table C.6.060-A (Parking Reductions for Sites with Two Uses) for that combination of uses. The Review Authority may approve further reductions consistent with C.6.060.G (Other Parking Reductions).

Table C.6.060-A: Parking Reductions for Sites with Two Uses

3. Parking Use Analysis for Other Sites with Multiple Uses. When three or more uses share parking or a use is not listed in Table C.6.060-A (Parking Reductions for Sites with Two Uses), the amount of required parking may be reduced if a parking use analysis is provided that demonstrates that the amount of proposed parking is adequate. The Review Authority shall only allow the parking reduction consistent with C.6.060.G (Other Parking Reductions).

B. Off-Site Parking. The required number of on-site parking spaces may be reduced through the provision of off-site parking in compliance with the following:

1. Location. Required parking must be located within one-half mile of the project site.

2. Access. Access between the on-site use(s) or the subject site and the off-site parking area must be provided through pedestrian, bicycle, and/or transit facility connections (e.g., sidewalks, multi-use paths, bicycle lanes, transit stops). Adequate signage must be installed to direct users to off-site parking areas as determined necessary by the Director. Off-site parking may also be shared parking.

3. Agreement. A parking agreement shall be provided in a form acceptable to the City Attorney which identifies the location of the off-site parking spaces, guarantees the continued availability of the off-site parking spaces, and sets forth the ongoing responsibilities of the parties involved. The parties to the agreement shall include the owners and lessees of the off-site parking spaces and the owners and lessees of the subject site, and a copy of any such agreement shall be provided to the City. The City shall not be required to be a party to any such agreement, but each agreement shall grant the City the right (but not the obligation) to enforce the agreement's terms and shall include a provision requiring that the City be notified immediately of any termination or default of the agreement. Any termination or default of the agreement between parties shall result in revocation of the on-site parking reduction approval by the City unless a new alternative parking arrangement is approved by the City within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the Director.

C. Designated Car-Sharing Parking. Required parking spaces may be substituted with designated car-share vehicle parking spaces, and the required number of parking spaces may be reduced, consistent with the following.

1. Car-Share Parking Designation. A maximum of 20 percent of the required parking spaces may be designated as car-share vehicle parking spaces.

2. Reduction Allowed.

a. Parking areas with 50 or fewer parking spaces. A five percent reduction in the required parking shall be allowed where five percent of the required spaces are designated as car-share vehicle parking spaces.

b. Parking areas with 51 or more parking spaces. A 10 percent reduction in the required parking shall be allowed where 10 percent of the required spaces are designated as car-share vehicle parking spaces.

D. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Parking Spaces. Each electric Vehicle (EV) charging parking space exceeding the minimum requirement in Section C.6.090 (Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces) shall count as two required parking spaces, for up to a maximum of five additional EV parking spaces corresponding to a parking requirement reduction of 10 spaces.

E. Bicycle Parking. Bicycle parking exceeding the minimum requirements in this Chapter may reduce the number of required vehicle parking spaces by up to five percent, provided the bicycle parking complies with the following:

1. Three bicycle spaces may substitute for one vehicle space; and

2. Bicycle spaces must comply with the standards in Section C.6.100 (Bicycle Parking).

F. Motorcycle Parking. Motorcycle parking may substitute for up to five percent of the required number of vehicle parking spaces. Each motorcycle space must be at least four feet wide and seven feet deep and be able to accommodate two-wheeled motorized vehicles, including scooters, mopeds, and similar vehicles.

G. Other Parking Reductions. Required parking for any use or site may be reduced at the discretion of the Review Authority, if any of the following findings are met:

1. The site is developed, and it would be infeasible or impractical to provide additional parking;

2. Special conditions including, but not limited to the nature of the proposed operation; proximity to transit service; transportation characteristics of the persons residing, working, or visiting the site; or other circumstances will reduce parking demand at the site;

3. The use will be adequately served by proposed on-site parking or other approved off-site parking;

4. A parking use analysis is provided to support the proposed parking arrangement; or

5. Parking demand generated by the project will not exceed the capacity of the supply of on-street parking.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

A. Applicability. New construction of the following types of projects shall be subject to this Section:

1. Residential. Single-family and multi-family projects with 20 or more units (excluding elderly and long-term care, emergency shelters, residential care facilities and similar uses, and affordable housing projects with greater than 50 percent of units below market rate).

2. Lodging. Hotels and motels with 40 or more rooms.

3. Commercial. Commercial uses of more than 5,000 square feet.

4. Office and Employment-Generating Industrial Uses. Office and employment-generating industrial uses (e.g., research and development uses) of more than 10,000 square feet.

5. Other. Any other land use found to have a significant impact to vehicle miles traveled during environmental review.

B. TDM Plan Requirements. The project applicant shall submit a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan for review and approval by the Review Authority. The TDM Plan shall document and demonstrate consistency with the requirements in this Section. The TDM Plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Identification of the applicable trip reduction measures to be implemented based on the size of the project and estimated number of trips generated.

2. Implementation plan for each trip reduction measure, including timelines, responsibilities, and budget allocations.

3. Monitoring and evaluation plan, submitted annually to the Department, to track the effectiveness of the trip reduction measures and adjust them as needed.

a. This shall be required for at least the first five years after building occupancy.

b. At their discretion, the Director may require modifications if anticipated results are not achieved.

C. Trip Reduction Measures.

1. Required Trip Reduction Measures. The following trip reduction measures must be incorporated into all TDM Plans.

a. Provide the following information to employees and/or residents on an annual basis:

(i) Carpooling/vanpooling information;

(ii) Transit schedules and route information;

(iii) Information on air pollution and alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips;

(iv) Bicycle route and facility information, including local bicycle maps, locations of nearest outdoor bicycle parking or enclosed bicycle storage, and bicycle safety information; and

(v) Information on walking and biking to work, pedestrian and bicycling safety, and all-weather walking shoes.

b. Identify a TDM coordinator or contact person to provide oversight and management of the TDM Plan's implementation. The individual must either be an employee, homeowners association representative, or contracted through a third-party provider. In addition, for sites leasing space to multiple employers or businesses, the TDM coordinator designated by the property owner shall be responsible for providing lists of mandatory and optional measures to all individual businesses. Commercial tenants should be obligated (via lease language) to provide a main point of contact for the designated TDM coordinator.

c. At least one measure from Subsection C.6.070.C.2 (Supplemental Trip Reduction Measures).

2. Supplemental Trip Reduction Measures.

a. All projects. The following measures may be included in a TDM Plan for any project.

(i) Bicycle repair station(s). An on-site bicycle repair station above that required by Section C.6.100 (Bicycle Parking).

(ii) Active transportation gap closure. Constructing improvements that close gaps in the local active transportation system network (e.g., constructing segments of pedestrian paths or bicycle lanes to connect the project site to existing or planned pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure network).

(iii) Funding for trip reduction projects. Funding toward local transit, pedestrian, or bicycle facilities or infrastructure above that required through impact fees or mitigation requirements.

b. Residential projects. The following measures may be included in a TDM Plan for any residential project.

(i) Transit pass subsidies. Transit pass subsidies for residents.

(ii) On-site car share. An on-site car-share program with at least one dedicated car-share vehicle.

(iii) Bicycle share or micromobility program. An on-site bicycle share or micromobility (e.g., bicycle, scooter, or other lightweight small/personal vehicle) program for use by residents.

c. Nonresidential projects. The following measures may be included in a TDM Plan for any nonresidential project.

(i) Transit pass subsidies for employees. Subsidies shall be administered through a pre-tax transit benefit program allowing employees to fully fund their transit use with pre-tax dollars if they opt into the program.

(ii) Carpooling and/or vanpooling to facilitate shared work trips. Carpool and vanpool programs shall include subsidies or other monetary incentives from employers (e.g., gas card after carpooling for a given amount of time, or parking subsidies for carpools), as well as ride-matching services to help facilitate these shared trips.

(iii) Cash reward incentives. Offer a "cash-out" program to employees who do not drive to work. If the employer leases parking, the cash-out amount shall be equivalent to the cost per space for the employer to lease parking for employees. If the employer owns and manages its own parking facilities, the cash-out value shall be determined based on market-rate parking at nearby locations.

(iv) Showers. Showers, changing rooms, and lockers to accommodate employees arriving by bicycle or other active form of transportation.

(v) Telecommuting and flexible work schedules. Offer and encourage employees to work remotely at least one day per week to reduce overall vehicle trips. When employees commute to work, encourage flexible work schedules that encourage travel outside of peak hours.

(vi) Enhanced shuttle commitment. Providing a project-specific shuttle (e.g., a hotel funding or providing a free supplemental shuttle service to the airport, etc.).

(vii) On-site amenities. Providing on-site amenities to reduce employee vehicle trips (e.g., child care, cafeteria, etc.).

(viii) On-site employee housing. Providing on-site employee housing.

D. TDM Plan Submittal and Review.

1. Submittal. The applicant shall submit a TDM Plan for review and approval by the Review Authority. The TDM Plan shall document and demonstrate consistency with the requirements in this Section.

2. Final TDM Plan. The applicant shall submit the Final TDM Plan including any requirements imposed by the City as part of the Building Permit or Business License processes for compliance with this Section. The Department shall review and approve the Final TDM Plan to ensure all City requirements have been addressed.

3. TDM Plan Agreement. A TDM Plan agreement shall be provided in a form acceptable to the City Attorney and shall include the Final TDM Plan prior to Certification of Occupancy. The parties to the agreement shall include the owners and lessees of the project site. A copy of the agreement shall be provided to the City. The City shall not be required to be a party to any such agreement, but each agreement shall grant the City the right (but not the obligation) to enforce the agreement's terms and shall include a provision requiring that the City be notified immediately of any termination or default of the agreement. Any termination or default of the agreement between parties shall result in enforcement action by the City unless a new TDM Plan is approved by the City within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the Director.

4. Tenant Concurrence Letter. Prior to approval of a permit for tenant improvements or a Business License, tenants shall submit a letter demonstrating concurrence with the Final TDM Plan. The letter shall acknowledge how applicable TDM requirements are identified in their lease and summarize how the tenant is implementing applicable trip reduction measures. The City shall receive and review this letter to confirm the implementation of the Final TDM Plan.

5. Modifications. The Department may approve modifications to the final TDM Plan that are consistent with the project overall and would result in achieving the performance targets.

6. Changed Plans. A change in an approved project that would add at least 100 daily trips shall be treated as a new application.

E. Monitoring and Enforcement.

1. Initial Compliance Form. When applying for a Certificate of Occupancy, all projects must submit an initial compliance form to the Department documenting that the Final TDM Plan will be implemented before the site reaches 50 percent occupancy.

2. Annual Compliance Form. All projects must submit an annual compliance form to the Department documenting the continued implementation of the Final TDM Plan for the time period established in this Section or in the Final TDM Plan, whichever is longer.

3. Penalty for Noncompliance. If the required performance targets are not being achieved, or if the participant fails to submit required monitoring documentation, the following penalties shall apply:

a. First violation. The City will direct the participant to modify its Final TDM Plan to achieve compliance. Modifications are likely to include adding or modifying trip reduction measures to increase mode shift.

b. Second violation. The City will direct the participant to retain an independent consultant to identify additional program modifications to achieve compliance. Modifications are likely to include adding or modifying trip reduction measures to increase mode shift.

c. Third violation. The City may assess a penalty per the approved fee schedule. Penalties shall be assessed for each additional violation in subsequent years. The Council shall, in a resolution adopted after a duly noticed public hearing, set forth the amount of the fine, describe the need for the fine, describe the reasonable relationship between the fine and the effect of noncompliance, and set forth time for calculation and payment of the fine.

4. Appeal of Penalty. The participant may appeal the decision to assess a penalty consistent with Chapter I-21 (Administrative Citations). In determining whether a financial penalty is appropriate, the City may consider whether the participant has made a good faith effort to implement the Final TDM Plan and achieve trip reduction.

5. Program Costs. Participants shall be required to reimburse the City for costs incurred in maintaining and enforcing the trip reduction program for the approved project.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

A. Location of Parking. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, all required parking spaces shall be located on the same site as the use they serve.

1. Residential Parking. Vehicles on private property used for residential purposes shall be parked only in paved parking spaces or in driveways that comply with the following:

a. The driveway must provide access to required parking spaces; and

b. The required spaces must not block access to parking for other residential units.

2. Driveways on Residential Lots with One or Two Dwelling Units. Only one driveway and one curb cut is allowed per residential lot with one or two dwelling units, except that a corner lot may have a second driveway and curb cut, not to exceed 12 feet in width, providing vehicular access to the side or rear yard area, subject to approval by the Director and the City Engineer.

3. MXD3 Zone. No parking spaces area allowed within the front or street side setback areas, except for schools.

B. Limitations on Reversing. Each automobile parking stall shall be so located that no automobile is required to back onto any public street or sidewalk to leave the parking stall, parking bay, or driveway except from a lot in the R1 or R2 zone.

C. Backing Space in Residential Projects. A minimum unobstructed vehicular maneuvering distance of 25 feet measured from the opening of the garage or carport shall be provided, except as otherwise allowed in this Section.

D. Size and Dimensions of Parking Spaces and Maneuvering Aisles. Parking spaces shall meet the minimum size and dimensions established in Table C.6.080-A (Parking Space Minimum Dimensions). Screening walls, roof support posts, columns, or other structural members shall not intrude into the required dimensions for parking spaces. Maneuvering aisles shall meet the minimum size and dimensions established in Table C.6.080-B (Maneuvering Aisle Minimum Dimensions).

Table C.6.080-A: Parking Space Minimum Dimensions

Table Notes:

1 A min. width of 10 ft and a minimum length of 20 ft must be provided in a residential garage containing four or fewer parking spaces and where the individual garage does not include circulation elements, such as driveway aisles.

Table C.6.080-B: Maneuvering Aisle Minimum Dimensions

Table Notes:

1 Modified standards may be approved by the City Engineer depending on the number of compact spaces present.

FIGURE C.6.080-1: SIZE AND DIMENSIONS OF PARKING SPACES AND MANEUVERING AISLES [Figure: FIGURE C.6.080-1: SIZE AND DIMENSIONS OF PARKING SPACES AND MANEUVERING AISLES]

E. Required Improvements. All parking areas and access driveways shall have a smoothly graded, stabilized, and dustless surface with adequate drainage consistent with Engineering Division specifications.

F. Striping and Marking.

1. Space Outline. All parking spaces shall be clearly outlined with striping consistent with Engineering Division specifications.

2. Maneuvering Areas. All aisles, approach lanes, and turning areas shall be clearly marked with directional arrows and lines as necessary to provide for safe movement.

3. Compact Spaces. All compact spaces shall be clearly marked as such.

4. Assigned Parking. Lots developed with multiple uses and a shared parking area shall not assign parking spaces to individual tenant spaces or uses, except that parking spaces for residential uses in a mixed-use project shall be assigned to the residential portion of the development.

G. Bumpers, Curbs, and Wheel Stops. A permanent curb, bumper, wheel stop, or similar device at least six inches high and thick shall be installed along the front edge of each parking space to protect buildings and landscaping from vehicular damage. If such protection is provided by a wheel stop, the stopping edge shall be placed no closer than two feet from the edges of the required sidewalks, planter, or landscaped areas and from any building. The two feet beyond the wheel stop may be paved, landscaped with ground cover, or used as additional sidewalk width. No walkway used for a wheel stop may be less than six feet wide.

H. Circulation and Safety.

1. Visibility. Visibility shall be ensured for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists entering individual parking spaces, circulating within a parking facility, and entering or leaving a parking facility.

2. Public Service Vehicles. Parking lots shall be designed so that sanitation, emergency, and other public service vehicles can provide service without backing up unreasonable distances or making other dangerous or hazardous turning movements.

3. Pedestrian Circulation. Parking areas for commercial uses that are 80 feet or more in depth and/or include 25 or more parking spaces must have distinct and dedicated pedestrian access from a commercial use to parking areas and public sidewalks, according to the following standards.

a. Connection to public sidewalk. An on-site walkway shall connect the main building entry to a public sidewalk on each street frontage. Such walkway shall be the shortest practical distance between the main building entry and sidewalk, generally no more than 125 percent of the straight-line distance.

b. Materials and width. Walkways shall provide at least five feet of unobstructed width, be hard surfaced, and paved with permeable materials.

c. Identification. Pedestrian walkways shall be clearly differentiated from driveways, parking aisles, and parking and loading spaces using a raised crosswalk, a different paving material, or similar method.

d. Separation. Where a pedestrian walkway is parallel and adjacent to a vehicle travel area, it must be raised and separated from the vehicle travel area by a raised curb at least four inches high, bollards, or other physical barriers.

I. Screening. A solid masonry wall a minimum height of six feet shall be required on all common property lines when any parking area is established abutting a residentially-zoned property. The wall shall be consistent with Section C.2.040 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges).

J. Landscaping. Parking area landscaping shall be provided consistent with Chapter C.4 (Landscaping Standards).

K. Lighting. Parking area lighting shall comply with Section C.2.070 (Lighting and Illumination).

L. Alternative Parking Area Designs. An applicant may submit an alternative parking area design to the Director. The City Engineer and Review Authority may approve the alternative design if the applicant demonstrates the alternative design achieves at least one of the following:

1. Environmental design and green building objectives, including but not limited to achieving certification under the LEED Green Building Rating System or Green Globes building rating system;

2. Reduces or eliminates a public safety hazard; or

3. Brings substandard parking spaces into greater compliance with current City standards.

M. Transportation Research Board Manual and Guidelines. Projects shall comply with the Transportation Research Board's Access Management Manual and Access Management Application Guidelines as appropriate as determined by the City Engineer.

N. Maintenance. Parking lots, including landscaped areas, driveways, and loading areas, shall be maintained free of refuse, debris, or other accumulated matter and shall always be kept in good repair.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and EV-capable parking spaces may be provided in any area designated for the parking or loading of vehicles. All such spaces shall count toward the number of parking spaces required by this Chapter.

A. Required EV Charging Stations. The total number of required EV charging spaces shall be provided in compliance with the California Green Building Code.

B. Exceptions. Exceptions to the total number of EV charging spaces may be made on a case-by-case basis where the Director and the Building Official determine that EV charging infrastructure is not feasible based upon one or more of the following conditions:

1. There is insufficient electrical supply; or

2. The project is for an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit.

C. Size. EV charging station parking spaces and EV-capable parking spaces shall be the same size and dimensions as specified in Section C.6.080.D (Size and Dimensions of Parking Spaces and Maneuvering Aisles). EV supply equipment shall not reduce the size of the parking space below the minimum required dimensions.

D. EV Charging Station Standards. EV charging stations shall be allowed within any zone subject to all applicable requirements of the Milpitas Municipal Code and California Green Building Code in addition to the following:

1. The EV charging station shall be protected to prevent damage by automobiles.

2. Installation of mechanical equipment shall not conflict with existing infrastructure and shall not result in pedestrian or vehicular traffic hazards.

3. The EV charging station shall have complete instructions and appropriate warnings posted in an unobstructed location next to each EV charging station.

4. EV Stations for Public Use. EV charging stations for public use must comply with the following standards.

a. The public EV charging station shall be visible from the right-of-way and illuminated during nighttime business hours. Lighting shall comply with Section C.2.070 (Lighting and Illumination).

b. The EV charging station may be on a timer that limits the use of the station to the normal business hours of the use(s) that it serves to preclude unauthorized use after business hours.

c. The following information shall be posted at a public EV charging station:

(i) Voltage and amperage levels;

(ii) Hour of operations if time limits or tow-away provisions are to be enforced by the property owner;

(iii) Usage fee;

(iv) Safety information; and

(v) Contact information for reporting when the equipment is not operating or other problems.

5. Existing parking spaces that must be removed to accommodate required EV charging spaces shall not be required to be replaced.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

A. Required Bicycle Parking. Bicycle parking must be provided consistent with this Section; however, if the California Green Building Code or other standards require additional bicycle parking or imposes more restrictive standards, the standard requiring the most bicycle parking and imposing the more restrictive standards shall control.

B. Number of Bicycle Spaces Required.

1. General. Bicycle parking shall be provided, consistent with this Table C.6.100-A (Required Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces), unless Subsection C.6.100.B.2 (Bicycle Parking Near a Major Transit Stop or Within the Metro Specific Plan Area) applies. Short-term parking spaces generally serve shoppers, customers, messengers, guests, and other visitors to a site who generally stay for a short time. Long-term bicycle parking spaces generally serve employees, students, residents, commuters, and others who generally stay at a site for four hours or longer.

Table C.6.100-A: Required Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces 1

Table Notes:

1 See separate standards for projects near major transit stops or within the Metro Specific Plan areas in accordance with Subsection C.6.100.B.2 (Bicycle Parking Near a Major Transit Stop or within the Metro Specific Plan Area).

2. Bicycle Parking Near a Major Transit Stop or Within the Metro Specific Plan Area. Bicycle parking requirements for all uses within a one-half mile of a major transit stop and within the Metro Specific Plan area shall be provided consistent with Table C.6.100-B (Bicycle Parking Requirements Near a Major Transit Stop or within the Metro Specific Plan Area).

Table C.6.100-B: Bicycle Parking Requirements Near a Major Transit Stop or within the Metro Specific Plan Area

C. Bicycle Parking Standards.

1. Size and Accessibility. Each bicycle parking space shall be a minimum of two feet in width and six feet in length and shall be accessible without moving another bicycle. Two feet of clearance shall be provided between bicycle parking spaces and adjacent walls, poles, landscaping, street furniture, drive aisles, and pedestrian walkways. Five feet of clearance shall be provided from vehicle parking spaces.

2. Standards for Short-Term Bicycle Parking.

a. Location. Short-term bicycle parking must be located outside of the public right-of-way and pedestrian walkways and within 50 feet of a main entrance to the building it serves. In the case of a commercial center, bicycle parking must be located within 50 feet of an entrance to each anchor store. Bicycle parking shall be visible from the street or from the main building entrance, or a sign must be posted at the main building entrance indicating the location of the parking.

b. Anchoring and security. For each bicycle parking space required, a stationary, securely anchored object shall be provided to which a bicycle frame and one wheel can be secured with a high-security U-shaped shackle lock if both wheels are left on the bicycle. One such object may serve multiple bicycle parking spaces.

c. Large bicycles. Five percent of the short-term parking spaces shall be at least three feet by 10 feet per parking space to accommodate large bicycles such as cargo, recumbent, tandem, and electric bicycles, and bicycles with trailers.

3. Standards for Long-Term Bicycle Parking.

a. Location. Long-term bicycle parking must be located on the same lot as the use it serves.

(i) In parking garages, long-term bicycle parking must be located near an entrance to the facility.

(ii) If not located on the ground floor, long-term bicycle parking must be accessible by an elevator with interior dimensions of at least 80 inches by 54 inches.

b. Covered spaces. 100 percent of the required long-term bicycle parking for multi-family residential uses shall be covered. At least 50 percent of the required long-term bicycle parking for other uses must be covered. Covered parking can be provided inside buildings, under roof overhangs or awnings, in bicycle lockers, or within or under other structures.

c. Security. Long-term bicycle parking must be in at least one of the following facilities:

(i) An enclosed bicycle locker;

(ii) A fenced, covered, locked or guarded bicycle storage area;

(iii) A rack or stand inside a building that is within view of an attendant or security guard or visible from employee work areas, or within a secure/restricted bicycle storage room;

(iv) In a highly visible area that is monitored by a security camera; or

(v) Other secure area approved by the Director.

d. Electrical outlets. Electrical outlets must be provided for electric bicycle charging.

e. Large bicycles. Five percent of the long-term parking spaces shall be at least three feet by 10 feet per parking space to accommodate large bicycles such as cargo, recumbent, tandem, and electric bicycles, and bicycles with trailers.

f. Bike repair station. When 10 or more long-term parking spaces are required, a bicycle repair station must also be provided. At minimum, the bicycle repair station must include tools to help fix minor maintenance issues, such as adding air to a tire, tightening a loose chain, or adjusting handlebars.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)

All uses requiring the receipt or distribution by vehicles or trucks of material or merchandise shall provide off-street loading and unloading areas to handle the volume of truck traffic and loading requirements. The loading space(s) shall be maintained during the existence of the building or use it is required to serve. No loading space which is provided for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this Section shall be eliminated, reduced, or converted in any manner below the requirements established in this Title, unless equivalent facilities are provided elsewhere, conforming to this Title.

A. Number of Loading Spaces Required for Commercial and Industrial Uses. At a minimum, loading spaces shall be provided in compliance with Table C.6.110-A (Required Loading Spaces).

1. Multi-Tenant Buildings. The gross floor area of the entire building shall be used in determining spaces for multi-tenant buildings. A common loading area may be required, if each tenant space is not provided with a loading area. Drive-in roll-up doors for multi-tenant industrial projects may be substituted for required loading areas.

2. Reduction to Number of Loading Spaces Required. The Director may waive the loading space requirement upon finding that the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that, due to the specific nature of the use and building, such loading space will not be necessary.

3. Additional Loading Spaces Required. Additional loading spaces may be required to ensure that trucks will not be loaded, unloaded, or stored on public streets. Such requirement shall be based on the anticipated frequency of truck deliveries.

Table C.6.110-A: Required Loading Spaces

B. Maneuvering Area. Sufficient space shall be provided for turning and maneuvering vehicles such that vehicles may enter and exit the site in a forward direction.

C. Location and Orientation.

1. Off-street loading facilities shall be located on the same site with the use for which the berths are required.

2. Off-street loading facilities shall be designed and located so that loading vehicles are not parked in required setbacks, driveways, or required parking spaces during loading activities.

3. No loading berths shall be closer than 30 feet to any property in a residential zone unless completely enclosed within a building, or a uniformly solid fence or wall, or any combination thereof, not less than eight feet in height.

4. No permitted or required loading berth shall be located within 25 feet of the nearest point of any street intersection.

5. Loading areas shall be located inside of buildings or on non-primary street frontages, alleys, parking areas, and/or at the rear or side of building.

6. Buffer and additional standards for certain uses (e.g., some warehousing and distribution uses) are required in accordance with California Government Code section 65098.

7. Exceptions. The location requirement may be modified or waived where the Review Authority finds that:

a. The intended use of the property or the location of or shape of the site and/or existing development warrant an adjustment to or waiver of these standards;

b. That street-facing loading areas will exhibit architectural treatment, or will be enhanced with landscaping, in such a way as to minimize visual and noise impacts; and

c. There are specific features of the site and design of the building such that strict application of the location requirement is impractical.

D. Size and Dimensions. Each on-site loading space required by this Section shall not be less than 12 feet wide, 45 feet long, and 14 feet high, exclusive of driveways and areas for maneuvering. The minimum size requirement may be modified if the Director finds that the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that due to the nature of the proposed use, such size will not be needed.

E. Screening. All loading zones and truck parking areas shall be screened from view by a minimum of an eight-foot-high hedge, vine-covered fence, or wall and landscaping.

F. Bumpers. Bumper rails shall be provided in loading areas where needed for safety or to protect property.

G. Paving. Loading areas, aisles, and access driveways shall be paved so as to provide a durable, dustless surface and shall be graded and drained to dispose of surface water.

H. Use of Required Loading Spaces. Loading areas shall be accessible for their intended purpose during all hours of operation. No repair work or servicing of vehicles shall be conducted in a loading area. Space allocated to any off-street loading berth shall not be used to satisfy the space requirements for any off-street parking facility.

(Ord. No. 38.858, § 4, 9/2/25)