El Cerrito · Land use · Private school
Where is a private school allowed in El Cerrito?
In El Cerrito, a private school is needs a conditional use permit in 6 (RS, RD, RM, CC, TOM and 1 more) and not allowed in 1 (El Cerrito use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: RS, RD, RM, CC, TOM and PS
- Not allowed: CN
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 a private school can go
El Cerrito's code calls this use “Schools, Public or Private”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RS | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.06.020 |
| RD | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.06.020 |
| RM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.06.020 |
| CC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.07.020 |
| TOM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.07.020 |
| PS Public and Semipublic District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.08.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
CN.
What else applies
- 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 a private school in the RS zone in El Cerrito?
Only with a conditional use permit. El Cerrito's use table lists it that way in RS (§ 19.06.020).
Can I have a private school in the CN zone in El Cerrito?
No. El Cerrito's use table does not allow it in CN (§ 19.07.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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