Arcadia · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Arcadia?
In Arcadia, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 4 base zones (R-2, R-3, R-3-R and C-G, 1 with a condition), needs a minor use permit in 3 (CBD, MU and DMU, all with a condition) and not allowed in 7 (Arcadia use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-2, R-3, R-3-R and C-G
- Needs a permit: CBD, MU and DMU
- Not allowed: R-M, R-0, R-1, C-O, C-R, M-1 and CM
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Arcadia Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where an apartment building (multifamily housing) can go
Arcadia's code calls this use “Multifamily Dwelling”. 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-2 Medium Density Residential | Allowed | Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards |
| R-3 High Density Residential | Allowed | Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards |
| R-3-R Restricted High Density Residential | Allowed | Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards |
| C-G General Commercial | Allowed — see note Note 1: Residential Uses Only Permitted if affordable units provided per the City's Density Bonus requirements (Section 9103.15). | Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards |
| CBD Commercial Business District | Needs a minor use permit — see note Code row: “Multifamily Dwelling (2)” Note 2: Residential uses are permitted by-right when 20% or more affordable units are provided for lower-income households. By-right development will not require a MUP, planned unit development permit, or other discretionary review or approval except for the City's Subdivision requirements and Objective Development Standards. | Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards |
| MU Mixed Use | Needs a minor use permit — see note Code row: “Multifamily Dwelling (2)” Note 2: Residential uses are permitted by-right when 20% or more affordable units are provided for lower-income households. By-right development will not require a MUP, planned unit development permit, or other discretionary review or approval except for the City's Subdivision requirements and Objective Development Standards. | Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards |
| DMU Downtown Mixed Use | Needs a minor use permit — see note Code row: “Multifamily Dwelling (2)” Note 2: Residential uses are permitted by-right when 20% or more affordable units are provided for lower-income households. By-right development will not require a MUP, planned unit development permit, or other discretionary review or approval except for the City's Subdivision requirements and Objective Development Standards. | Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Table 2-10 row is 'Multifamily Dwelling (2)': 'Permitted only in conjunction with a commercial use ... Standalone residential uses are permitted if affordable housing units are provided'. 9102.01.020.E: by-right with 20% affordable units in R-2, R-3, R-3-R, MU, DMU.
- State law: State laws such as AB 2011, SB 6 and the density bonus law can allow homes on some commercial sites, or more units than this table shows.
- Not covered here: Overlay zones (D Architectural Design, RF Residential Flex, DMU overlay on C-M parcels); Specific plans. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Arcadia
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the CBD zone in Arcadia?
Only with a minor use permit. Arcadia's use table lists it that way in CBD (Commercial Business District) (Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards). The code adds a condition: “Residential uses are permitted by-right when 20% or more affordable units are provided for lower-income households. By-right development will not require a MUP, planned unit development permit, or other discretionary…”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-M zone in Arcadia?
No. Arcadia's use table does not allow it in R-M (Residential Mountainous) (Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-2 zone in Arcadia?
Yes. Arcadia's use table lists it as allowed in R-2 (Medium Density Residential) (Division 2 — Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards).
General information, not legal advice.
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