Elk Grove · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Elk Grove?
In Elk Grove, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 5 base zones (RD-7, RD-8/10/12/15/18, RD-20/25/30/40, VCMU and RMU), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (GC, it with a condition) and not allowed in 19 (Elk Grove use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RD-7, RD-8/10/12/15/18, RD-20/25/30/40, VCMU and RMU
- Needs a permit: GC
- Not allowed: AG-80, AG-20, AR-5/10, AR-2, AR-1, RD-1/2/3, RD-4/5/6, LC and 11 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Elk Grove 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
Elk Grove's code calls this use “Dwelling, Multiple Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RD-7 Low Density Residential | Allowed | Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| RD-8/10/12/15/18 Medium and Medium-High Density Residential | Allowed | Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| RD-20/25/30/40 High Density Residential | Allowed | Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| VCMU Village Center Mixed-Use | Allowed | Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| RMU Residential Mixed-Use | Allowed | Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| GC General Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Use permitted only in conjunction with nonresidential development (e.g., mixed-use development). | Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Defined as three or more primary dwelling units on a lot. Multifamily overlay district (MF, 23.42.030) is an overlay and is not covered here.
- 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 (SP) and Special Planning Area (SPA) districts: uses set by each plan; RM-1 mobile home subdivision district (own table, § 23.40.030); Overlay and combining districts (MF, F, MHP, RUC, SM, BCS, EF, EEG, CR-99). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Elk Grove
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the GC zone in Elk Grove?
Only with a conditional use permit. Elk Grove's use table lists it that way in GC (General Commercial) (Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS). The code adds a condition: “Use permitted only in conjunction with nonresidential development (e.g., mixed-use development).”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the AG-80 zone in Elk Grove?
No. Elk Grove's use table does not allow it in AG-80 (Agricultural (80-acre minimum)) (Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RD-7 zone in Elk Grove?
Yes. Elk Grove's use table lists it as allowed in RD-7 (Low Density Residential) (Division III — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS).
General information, not legal advice.
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