San Rafael · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 4 base zones (MR, HR, O and R/O), needs a permit in 7 (PD, GC, NC, C/O, FBWC and 2 more, 6 with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (San Rafael use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MR, HR, O and R/O
- Needs a permit: PD, GC, NC, C/O, FBWC, M and P/QP
- Not allowed: R and DR
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Rafael 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
San Rafael'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.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| MR | Allowed | § 14.04.020 |
| HR | Allowed | § 14.04.020 |
| O | Allowed | § 14.05.020 |
| R/O | Allowed | § 14.05.020 |
| PD Planned Development | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note PD: No use other than an existing use or a temporary use is permitted in a PD district except in accord with a valid development plan (14.07.020 A). | § 14.04.020 |
| GC | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note 3: See Section 14.17.100 (Residential uses in commercial districts). | § 14.05.020 |
| NC | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note 3: See Section 14.17.100 (Residential uses in commercial districts). | § 14.05.020 |
| C/O | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note 3: See Section 14.17.100 (Residential uses in commercial districts). | § 14.05.020 |
| FBWC Francisco Boulevard West Commercial | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note 3: See Section 14.17.100 (Residential uses in commercial districts). Note *: New development and redevelopment within the Francisco Boulevard West commercial district shall be subject to initial use permit review by the planning commission (14.05.020 A.1). | § 14.05.020 |
| M Marine | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note -: Allowed on the second floor or above in a mixed-use project. | § 14.08.020 |
| P/QP Public/Quasi-Public | Needs a conditional use permit | § 14.09.020 |
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: DMU (Downtown Mixed Use): S3 says all land use regulations are in the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code, not in the packet.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Rafael
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the PD zone in San Rafael?
Only with a conditional use permit. San Rafael's use table lists it that way in PD (Planned Development) (§ 14.04.020). The code adds a condition: “No use other than an existing use or a temporary use is permitted in a PD district except in accord with a valid development plan (14.07.020 A).”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R zone in San Rafael?
No. San Rafael's use table does not allow it in R (§ 14.04.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the MR zone in San Rafael?
Yes. San Rafael's use table lists it as allowed in MR (§ 14.04.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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