El Cerrito · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in El Cerrito?
In El Cerrito, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 4 base zones (RM, CN, CC and TOM, 3 with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (El Cerrito use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM, CN, CC and TOM
- Not allowed: RS and RD
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the El Cerrito 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 Cerrito's code calls this use “Multiple Family Residential”. 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 | Allowed | § 19.06.020 |
| CN | Allowed — see note Note L-2: Not allowed on the ground floor along San Pablo, Stockton and Fairmount Avenues without a conditional use permit. | § 19.07.020 |
| CC | Allowed — see note Note L-2: Not allowed on the ground floor along San Pablo, Stockton and Fairmount Avenues without a conditional use permit. Note L-6: Residential or mixed use projects with 25 residential units or more require a conditional use permit. | § 19.07.020 |
| TOM | Allowed — see note Note L-2: Not allowed on the ground floor along San Pablo, Stockton and Fairmount Avenues without a conditional use permit. | § 19.07.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 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: San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan uses (SPASPD). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in El Cerrito
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RS zone in El Cerrito?
No. El Cerrito's use table does not allow it in RS (§ 19.06.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM zone in El Cerrito?
Yes. El Cerrito's use table lists it as allowed in RM (§ 19.06.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an apartment building (multifamily housing) at an address in El Cerrito
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