Laguna Hills · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Laguna Hills?
In Laguna Hills, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 2 base zones (PCR and NMU, 1 with a condition) and needs a permit in 5 (MLDR, MDR, HDR, MXU and C/PI) (Laguna Hills use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: PCR and NMU
- Needs a permit: MLDR, MDR, HDR, MXU and C/PI
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Laguna Hills 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
Laguna Hills's code calls this use “Dwelling, multiple-family”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| PCR Planned Community Residential | Allowed | § 9-21.020 |
| NMU Neighborhood Mixed Use | Allowed — see note Note Reference column: Allowed only in conjunction with a mixed use project | § 9-29.020 |
| MLDR Medium Low Density Residential | Needs a site development permit | § 9-16.020 |
| MDR Medium Density Residential | Needs a site development permit | § 9-18.020 |
| HDR High Density Residential | Needs a site development permit | § 9-20.020 |
| MXU Mixed Use | Needs a conditional use permit | § 9-30.020 |
| C/PI Community/Private Institution | Needs a conditional use permit | § 9-32.020 |
What else applies
- C/PI row is named "Dwelling unit, multiple-family" (C). NMU: reference column says allowed only in conjunction with a mixed use project.
- 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: Chapter 9-10 (zoning districts established) is not in the packet except 9-10.060, so any district not listed here (overlay or planned-development districts) is not covered; Each district has its own table; a use with no row in a district table is prohibited there. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Laguna Hills
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the MLDR zone in Laguna Hills?
Only with a site development permit. Laguna Hills's use table lists it that way in MLDR (Medium Low Density Residential) (§ 9-16.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the PCR zone in Laguna Hills?
Yes. Laguna Hills's use table lists it as allowed in PCR (Planned Community Residential) (§ 9-21.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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