Fresno · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Fresno?
In Fresno, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 10 base zones (RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, NMX, CMX and 5 more, 7 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (RS-5) and not allowed in 16 (Fresno use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, NMX, CMX, RMX, CMS, CR and 2 more
- Needs a permit: RS-5
- Not allowed: RE, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RM-MH, CC, CG and 8 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Fresno 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
Fresno's code calls this use “Multi-Unit 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-1 Residential Multi-Unit District | Allowed | § 15-1002 |
| RM-2 Residential Multi-Unit District | Allowed | § 15-1002 |
| RM-3 Residential Multi-Unit District | Allowed | § 15-1002 |
| NMX | Allowed — see note Note 1: Not allowed on the ground floor within 200 feet of an intersection (measured from the lot line) of two or more major streets with the exception of main building entrances and active community spaces. Other high-activity uses may be approved at the discretion of the Review Authority. Projects with frontage on more than one major street may be excepted from this restriction on one of the major streets at the discretion of the Review Authority. | § 15-1102 |
| CMX | Allowed — see note Note 1: Not allowed on the ground floor within 200 feet of an intersection (measured from the lot line) of two or more major streets with the exception of main building entrances and active community spaces. Other high-activity uses may be approved at the discretion of the Review Authority. Projects with frontage on more than one major street may be excepted from this restriction on one of the major streets at the discretion of the Review Authority. | § 15-1102 |
| RMX | Allowed — see note Note 1: Not allowed on the ground floor within 200 feet of an intersection (measured from the lot line) of two or more major streets with the exception of main building entrances and active community spaces. Other high-activity uses may be approved at the discretion of the Review Authority. Projects with frontage on more than one major street may be excepted from this restriction on one of the major streets at the discretion of the Review Authority. | § 15-1102 |
| CMS | Allowed — see note Note 2: Not allowed on the ground floor along arterials or collectors. Note 16: Housing projects shall meet the requirements of § 15-1104 , § 15-1106 , and Table 15-1203-1. | § 15-1202 |
| CR | Allowed — see note Note 2: Not allowed on the ground floor along arterials or collectors. Note 16: Housing projects shall meet the requirements of § 15-1104 , § 15-1106 , and Table 15-1203-1. | § 15-1202 |
| O | Allowed — see note Note 17: Permitted in conversions of existing office building(s). Note 18: Permitted for the construction of new residential uses on vacant or underutilized parcels. Housing projects shall meet the requirements of the RM-1, RM-2 or RM-3 District, § 15-1003 . Note 19: New residential development is prohibited on vacant or underutilized parcels located in the Office Zone District within 500 feet of a school. Note 20: New residential development building height shall be limited to 45 feet unless the project is located within a half mile of the intersection of two Major Transit Stops as defined in Appendix M of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. | § 15-1302 |
| PI | Allowed — see note Note 8: Limited to on-campus housing operated by an accredited school. | § 15-1402 |
| RS-5 Residential Single-Unit 5 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-902 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 15-906 Duplex and Multi-Unit Residential Standards.
- Downtown districts vary by Activity Class (A/B/C, map Figure 15-1501) and are left out where classes differ: DTN A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTG A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTC A/B/C: P(1)/P/P.
- 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: Overlay districts and Part II articles other than Articles 8-15 are not in the text; Downtown cells omitted where Activity Class A/B/C differ. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Fresno
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RS-5 zone in Fresno?
Only with a conditional use permit. Fresno's use table lists it that way in RS-5 (Residential Single-Unit 5) (§ 15-902).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RE zone in Fresno?
No. Fresno's use table does not allow it in RE (Residential Estate) (§ 15-902).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM-1 zone in Fresno?
Yes. Fresno's use table lists it as allowed in RM-1 (Residential Multi-Unit District) (§ 15-1002).
General information, not legal advice.
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