El Dorado County · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in El Dorado County?
In El Dorado County, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 3 base zones (RM, MAP-1 (Center) and MAP-3 (Res/T), 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 9 (El Dorado County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM, MAP-1 (Center) and MAP-3 (Res/T)
- Not allowed: R1, R20K, R1A, R2A, R3A, RE, MAP-2 (Ind), MAP-4 (Rec) and 1 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the El Dorado County 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 Dorado County's code calls this use “Dwelling: Multi-unit”. 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 Multi-unit Residential | Allowed | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWED USES, AND ZONING STANDARDS |
| MAP-1 (Center) | Allowed — see note Note 6: These uses are not allowed within the portion of the ground floor of a structure that faces the primary entry point for projects adjacent to US 50. This restriction may be waived if the Meyers Advisory Council and the Planning Commission find that the use is otherwise consistent with the intent of the Meyers Area Plan. | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWED USES, AND ZONING STANDARDS |
| MAP-3 (Res/T) | Allowed | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWED USES, AND ZONING STANDARDS |
Zones where it is not allowed
R1, R20K, R1A, R2A, R3A, RE, MAP-2 (Ind), MAP-4 (Rec), MAP-5 (River).
What else applies
- MAP table row is 'Multiple Family Dwelling'. 'Mixed Use Development' (RM P note 2) and commercial 'Dwelling (as Part of a Mixed Use Development)' are not counted.
- 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: Cell tables for uses not listed in a zone's table are absent by design (unlisted = not allowed). Home occupation, wineries, ranch marketing, WECS and mineral tables are cross-references, not read.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in El Dorado County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R1 zone in El Dorado County?
No. El Dorado County's use table does not allow it in R1 (Single-unit Residential) (Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWED USES, AND ZONING STANDARDS).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM zone in El Dorado County?
Yes. El Dorado County's use table lists it as allowed in RM (Multi-unit Residential) (Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWED USES, AND ZONING STANDARDS).
General information, not legal advice.
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