Orinda · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Orinda?
In Orinda, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 4 base zones (RM, RH, DCOR-30 and DCOR-55) and not allowed in 2 (Orinda use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM, RH, DCOR-30 and DCOR-55
- Not allowed: RVL and RL
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Orinda 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
Orinda's code calls this use “Multifamily 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.
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 17.8.4 Downtown Commercial: multifamily allowed with a general use permit, mixed-use only, max 10 units/acre. 17.8.15 Downtown General: multifamily by right, 20-25 units/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: Downtown Commercial, Downtown Office, Downtown General and all commercial, office, public and other districts: no use table in the packet (only prose for 17.8.4, 17.8.12, 17.8.15).. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Orinda
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RVL zone in Orinda?
No. Orinda's use table does not allow it in RVL (§ 17.3.3).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM zone in Orinda?
Yes. Orinda's use table lists it as allowed in RM (§ 17.3.3).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an apartment building (multifamily housing) at an address in Orinda
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question