Mill Valley · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Mill Valley?
In Mill Valley, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 6 base zones (RM-3.5, RM-B, RM-M, RM-PA, RM-P and 1 more) (Mill Valley use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM-3.5, RM-B, RM-M, RM-PA, RM-P and DR
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Mill Valley 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
Mill Valley's code calls this use “Rental multi-family housing”. 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-3.5 RM-3.5 Multiple Family | Allowed | § 20.24.010 |
| RM-B Bayfront (En. Knolls/Shelter Ridge) | Allowed | § 20.24.030 |
| RM-M Miller Ave Marsh | Allowed | § 20.24.030 |
| RM-PA Miller Ave Passage | Allowed | § 20.24.030 |
| RM-P Miller Ave Parkway | Allowed | § 20.24.030 |
| DR Downtown Residential | Allowed | § 20.26.020 |
What else applies
- 'For-sale multi-family housing': P in RM-B and RM-M, CUP in RM-PA, RM-P and DR (note 1: exempt from the CUP when subject to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance). Commercial zones list 'Multifamily residential — no commercial component' as 'P/-' with a pointer to § 20.40.060; not read, so left out. RM-3.5 density: min 8, max 15 DU/acre.
- 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: C-R (S12: planned unit development list only), C-F (S14: every use needs a CUP except public schools; § 20.55.025 prohibited uses not in packet) and U (S17: all uses need a CUP): no per-use cells used. Chapter 20.24 RM-3.5 prohibitions beyond the lists are not stated.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Mill Valley
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM-3.5 zone in Mill Valley?
Yes. Mill Valley's use table lists it as allowed in RM-3.5 (RM-3.5 Multiple Family) (§ 20.24.010).
General information, not legal advice.
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