Milpitas C2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

C2 is a zoning district in Milpitas. Every value below was read from the Milpitas 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 C2

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	35 ft Applies: 30 ft within 500 ft of R1/R2 zones; up to 75 ft with Site Development Permit; floors 4 and up step back 8 ft § B.6.030 · code text Table row “Primary Building Height, max.”, column “C2”: 35 ft; 3 stories 2, 3, 4
Maximum number of stories	3 stories Applies: 2.5 stories within 500 ft of R1/R2 zones; up to 6 stories with Site Development Permit; floors 4 and up step back 8 ft § B.6.030 · code text Table row “Primary Building Height, max.”, column “C2”: 35 ft; 3 stories 2, 3, 4
Minimum front setback	0 ft § B.6.030 · code text Table row “Front”, column “C2”: 0
Minimum side setback	0 ft Applies: 15 ft when abutting a residential zone § B.6.030 · code text Table row “Interior side”, column “C2”: 0; 15 when abutting a residential zone
Minimum rear setback	0 ft Applies: 15 ft when abutting a residential zone § B.6.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “C2”: 0; 15 when abutting a residential zone
Minimum lot size	10,000 sf § B.6.030 · code text Table row “Lot Area, min.”, column “C2”: 10,000 sf
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.5 § B.6.030 · code text Table row “FAR, max.”, column “C2”: 0.5

Uses in C2

Uses the code's use tables allow in C2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Child care center — Needs a minor conditional use permit (zoning administrator)
Church or place of worship — Allowed
Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
Emergency shelter — Allowed

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C2:

Minimum side setback: 15 ft — When abutting a residential zone § B.6.030
Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — When abutting a residential zone § B.6.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general lot coverage, density limit for C2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Milpitas Municipal Code.

Other Milpitas zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Milpitas's C2 zone?

35 ft (30 ft within 500 ft of R1/R2 zones; up to 75 ft with Site Development Permit; floors 4 and up step back 8 ft) — Milpitas Municipal Code § B.6.030.

What is the maximum number of stories in Milpitas's C2 zone?

3 stories (2.5 stories within 500 ft of R1/R2 zones; up to 6 stories with Site Development Permit; floors 4 and up step back 8 ft) — Milpitas Municipal Code § B.6.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Milpitas's C2 zone?

0 ft — Milpitas Municipal Code § B.6.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Milpitas's C2 zone?

0 ft (15 ft when abutting a residential zone) — Milpitas Municipal Code § B.6.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Milpitas's C2 zone?

0 ft (15 ft when abutting a residential zone) — Milpitas Municipal Code § B.6.030.

General information, not legal advice.