El Cajon · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in El Cajon?
In El Cajon, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 5 base zones (RM-4300, RM-2500, RM-2200, RM-1450 and RM-HR, all with a condition) and not allowed in 6 (El Cajon use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM-4300, RM-2500, RM-2200, RM-1450 and RM-HR
- Not allowed: RS-40, RS-20, RS-14, RS-9, RS-6 and RM-6000
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the El Cajon 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
El Cajon's code calls this use “Dwellings; multi-family, attached or detached, including common interest developments”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RM-4300 | Allowed — see note Note 2: Subject to section 17.125.110 common interests developments. See Chapter 17.165 for PRD requirements. See Chapter 17.60 for PUD requirements. | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-2500 | Allowed — see note Note 2: Subject to section 17.125.110 common interests developments. See Chapter 17.165 for PRD requirements. See Chapter 17.60 for PUD requirements. | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-2200 | Allowed — see note Note 2: Subject to section 17.125.110 common interests developments. See Chapter 17.165 for PRD requirements. See Chapter 17.60 for PUD requirements. | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-1450 | Allowed — see note Note 2: Subject to section 17.125.110 common interests developments. See Chapter 17.165 for PRD requirements. See Chapter 17.60 for PUD requirements. | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-HR | Allowed — see note Note 2: Subject to section 17.125.110 common interests developments. See Chapter 17.165 for PRD requirements. See Chapter 17.60 for PUD requirements. | § 17.140.210 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- RM-4300 note 1 (not on this row in the table, from the notes list): "Legally created lots in the RM-4300 zone are entitled to at least two units, regardless of lot area." Row shared in practice with duplex (no duplex row exists).
- 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: Specific plan zones (SP 182, SP 462, SP 32 etc.); M-U overlay adds residential to underlying zones (S3/S4). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in El Cajon
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RS-40 zone in El Cajon?
No. El Cajon's use table does not allow it in RS-40 (§ 17.140.210).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM-4300 zone in El Cajon?
Yes, with a condition. El Cajon's use table lists it as allowed in RM-4300 (§ 17.140.210). The code adds a condition: “Subject to section 17.125.110 common interests developments. See Chapter 17.165 for PRD requirements. See Chapter 17.60 for PUD requirements.”
General information, not legal advice.
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