Albany · Land use · Church or place of worship
Where is a church or other place of worship allowed in Albany?
In Albany, a church or other place of worship is needs an use permit (major) in 5 (R-1, R-2, R-3, SC and SPC) and not allowed in 5 (Albany use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-1, R-2, R-3, SC and SPC
- Not allowed: R-4, RHD, CMX, PF and WF
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Albany Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a church or other place of worship can go
Albany's code calls this use “Religious institutions”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 Residential Single Family | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| R-2 Residential Medium Density | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| R-3 Residential High Density | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| SC Solano Commercial | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| SPC San Pablo Commercial | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Community assembly: R-1 -, R-2 UP, R-3 UP, R-4 -, RHD -, SC UP, SPC UP, CMX -, PF UP, WF -.
- State law: Federal law (RLUIPA) bars zoning rules that treat religious assembly worse than other assembly uses.
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Albany
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the R-1 zone in Albany?
Only with an use permit (major). Albany's use table lists it that way in R-1 (Residential Single Family) (§ 20.12).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the R-4 zone in Albany?
No. Albany's use table does not allow it in R-4 (Residential Towers) (§ 20.12).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a church or other place of worship at an address in Albany
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
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