Los Alamitos · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Los Alamitos?
In Los Alamitos, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 3 base zones (R-2, R-3 and R-4), needs an administrative use permit in 1 (TCMU, it with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (Los Alamitos use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-2, R-3 and R-4
- Needs a permit: TCMU
- Not allowed: R-1 and M-H
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Los Alamitos 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
Los Alamitos's code calls this use “Multiple-Family Dwelling (TCMU row: Multi-Family Dwelling)”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| R-2 Limited Multi-Family Residential Zone | Allowed | Division II — Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations |
| R-3 Multi-Family Residential Zone | Allowed | Division II — Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations |
| R-4 Multi-Family Residential Zone | Allowed | Division II — Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations |
| TCMU Town Center Mixed Use Zone | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note Additional Regulations: Required to be integrated into a project as either horizontal or vertical mixed use, but not permitted as a stand-alone use | Division II — Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 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) areas: no use table in the text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Los Alamitos
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the TCMU zone in Los Alamitos?
Only with an administrative use permit. Los Alamitos's use table lists it that way in TCMU (Town Center Mixed Use Zone) (Division II — Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations). The code adds a condition: “Required to be integrated into a project as either horizontal or vertical mixed use, but not permitted as a stand-alone use”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-1 zone in Los Alamitos?
No. Los Alamitos's use table does not allow it in R-1 (Single-Family Residential Zone) (Division II — Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-2 zone in Los Alamitos?
Yes. Los Alamitos's use table lists it as allowed in R-2 (Limited Multi-Family Residential Zone) (Division II — Zones, Allowable uses, and Development Regulations).
General information, not legal advice.
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