Cupertino · Zoning · ML
Cupertino ML zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Cupertino's ML zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Cupertino code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft (Unless the General Plan allows a different height)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (Unless the General Plan allows a different height)
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft (A number after a dash in the lot's zoning symbol sets its minimum in thousands of sq ft)
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
ML (Light Industrial) is a zoning district in Cupertino. Every value below was read from the Cupertino Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in ML
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 40 ft Applies: Unless the General Plan allows a different height § 19.72.060 · code textTable row “1. Building”, column “ML”: 40 feet (limited to 2 stories) unless a different height is allowed by the General Plan |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: Unless the General Plan allows a different height § 19.72.060 · code textTable row “1. Building”, column “ML”: 40 feet (limited to 2 stories) unless a different height is allowed by the General Plan |
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 19.72.060 · code textTable row “1. Front Yard”, column “ML”: 25 feet or must conform to 19.72.060(C)6 below |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft Applies: A number after a dash in the lot's zoning symbol sets its minimum in thousands of sq ft § 19.72.060 · code textTable row “1. Minimum Lot Area”, column “ML”: 10,000 square feet |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 19.72.060 · code textTable row “4. Maximum Lot Coverage”, column “ML”: 40% |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in ML:
- Minimum front setback: 50 ft — When lot adjacent to or separated by a street from area zoned R-1 or A-1 § 19.72.060
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — Not adjacent to ML or T zoning districts § 19.72.060
- Minimum side setback: No minimum — Adjacent to ML or T zoning districts § 19.72.060
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — Not adjacent to ML or T zoning districts § 19.72.060
- Minimum rear setback: No minimum — Adjacent to ML or T zoning districts § 19.72.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general side setback, rear setback, FAR, density limit for ML in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Cupertino Municipal Code.
Other Cupertino zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Cupertino's ML zone?
40 ft (unless the General Plan allows a different height) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.72.060.
What is the maximum number of stories in Cupertino's ML zone?
2 stories (unless the General Plan allows a different height) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.72.060.
What is the minimum front setback in Cupertino's ML zone?
25 ft — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.72.060.
What is the minimum lot size in Cupertino's ML zone?
10,000 sq ft (a number after a dash in the lot's zoning symbol sets its minimum in thousands of sq ft) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.72.060.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Cupertino's ML zone?
40% — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.72.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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