City of Milpitas
Guidelines for Temporary Outdoor Businesses
(Personal Services, Gyms and Fitness Facilities, Public Gatherings)
Dear Milpitas Business Owners and Managers,

Effective July 29, 2020, the State of California issued new industry guidance to allow certain local businesses to re-open with outdoor operations only. To assist local businesses in setting up outdoor operations on a temporary basis, the City of Milpitas has established specific Guidelines for Temporary Outdoor Personal Services (hair and nail salons), Gyms and Fitness Facilities, and Public Gatherings. The Planning Department is now accepting and reviewing electronic applications, free of charge. Links to the Guidelines and Registration Form are available on the Planning Department website at: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/planningdepartment.

In general, outdoor business operations may be located on sidewalks or patio areas adjacent to the front or sides of the existing business. Parking spaces may also be used for outdoor services, provided that temporary barriers such as low decorative walls or fencing, modular concrete or plastic barriers, hay bales, or landscape planters are installed to ensure the safety of patrons. All areas used for outdoor operations must comply with all safety and accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and local fire safety regulations. In addition, all businesses must complete and submit a Social Distancing Protocol to the County and comply with requirements from the County Health Officer designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Prior to setting up outdoor operations, business owners must submit an application to the City of Milpitas Planning Department and receive confirmation of registration. No fee will be charged for registration, and same-day confirmation is expected for most applications. Submit complete applications to outdoor.business@ci.milpitas.ca.gov, and City staff will contact the applicant if additional information or modifications are needed. To assist your marketing efforts, the City of Milpitas will be encouraging residents and returning workforce to patronize local businesses through the City’s social media and other outlets. We support local businesses in all efforts to reopen our local economy.

Best regards,
Ned

Ned Thomas 
Planning Director
Phone: (408) 586-3273
455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas CA 95035