Lancaster · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Lancaster?
In Lancaster, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 3 base zones (MU-N, MU-C and MU-E), needs a permit in 5 (MDR, HDR, C, CPD and OP, 3 with a condition) and not allowed in 8 (Lancaster use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MU-N, MU-C and MU-E
- Needs a permit: MDR, HDR, C, CPD and OP
- Not allowed: RR-2.5, RR-1, SRR, R-15,000, R-10,000, R-7,000, LI and HI
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Lancaster 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
Lancaster's code calls this use “Multi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| MU-N | Allowed | § 17.10.050 |
| MU-C | Allowed | § 17.10.050 |
| MU-E | Allowed | § 17.10.050 |
| MDR | Needs a site plan review — see note Note *: Site plan review (SPR) required (legend of the residential Uses Matrix). | § 17.08.050 |
| HDR | Needs a site plan review — see note Note *: Site plan review (SPR) required (legend of the residential Uses Matrix). | § 17.08.050 |
| C | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.12.040 |
| CPD | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.12.040 |
| OP Office Professional (OP) Zone | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note *: This category may be permitted in the OP zone only in conjunction with a permitted use in which not less than 50% of such residential units shall be above the ground floor. | § 17.12.040 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- In C and CPD the category covers a separate multiple-family project (HDR-1 standards) or apartments attached to commercial buildings (17.12.230).
- 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: H (Hospital), P, S, O, Pk, Ce, SP, MHP zones (their use lists are not matrices of these uses); In residential matrix the cell covers a group of zones: RR-2.5/RR-1/SRR, R-15,000/R-10,000/R-7,000, MDR/HDR; each zone in the group gets that cell. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Lancaster
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the MDR zone in Lancaster?
Only with a site plan review. Lancaster's use table lists it that way in MDR (§ 17.08.050). The code adds a condition: “Site plan review (SPR) required (legend of the residential Uses Matrix).”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RR-2.5 zone in Lancaster?
No. Lancaster's use table does not allow it in RR-2.5 (§ 17.08.050).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the MU-N zone in Lancaster?
Yes. Lancaster's use table lists it as allowed in MU-N (§ 17.10.050).
General information, not legal advice.
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