M2 districts occupy the middle ground between light and heavy industrial areas. They are mapped mainly in the city's older industrial areas along the waterfront, such as Brooklyn's Red Hook and Sunset Park waterfronts.

Required performance standards in all M2 districts are lower than in M1 districts. Except when bordering on a residential district, more noise and vibration are allowed than in an M1 zone, smoke is permitted and industrial activities need not be entirely enclosed.

Parking is a requirement in M2-1 zones. Primarily located in older manufacturing areas, these sites have a maximum FAR of 2.0 and a maximum base heights before setback of 60 ft.