Vacaville · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Vacaville?
In Vacaville, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 7 base zones (RL, RLM, RM, RMH, RH and 2 more, 2 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 4 (CN, CG, CO and BP, all with a condition) and not allowed in 6 (Vacaville use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RL, RLM, RM, RMH, RH, RHL and MX
- Needs a permit: CN, CG, CO and BP
- Not allowed: RR, RE, MHP, CH, IS and IP
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Vacaville 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
Vacaville's code calls this use “Multi-Unit 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RL | Allowed — see note Note 2: Only multi-unit residential buildings that are required pursuant to Section 14.09.060.040.E are permitted. The overall maximum density shall not be exceeded. | § 14.09.060.020 |
| RLM | Allowed | § 14.09.060.020 |
| RM | Allowed | § 14.09.060.020 |
| RMH | Allowed | § 14.09.060.020 |
| RH | Allowed | § 14.09.060.020 |
| RHL | Allowed | § 14.09.060.020 |
| MX | Allowed — see note Note 2: Residential uses are subject to intensity limits set by the Nut Tree Airport environs overlay district if located in the Nut Tree Airport compatibility zone. Note 1: Developments within the MX zoning district shall contain a minimum of two different types of uses, one of which shall be residential. | § 14.09.070.020 |
| CN | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Residential uses are subject to intensity limits set by the Nut Tree Airport environs overlay district if located in the Nut Tree Airport compatibility zone. | § 14.09.070.020 |
| CG | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Residential uses are subject to intensity limits set by the Nut Tree Airport environs overlay district if located in the Nut Tree Airport compatibility zone. | § 14.09.070.020 |
| CO | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Residential uses are subject to intensity limits set by the Nut Tree Airport environs overlay district if located in the Nut Tree Airport compatibility zone. | § 14.09.070.020 |
| BP | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Residential uses are subject to intensity limits set by the Nut Tree Airport environs overlay district if located in the Nut Tree Airport compatibility zone. | § 14.09.080.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 14.09.270.160 (Residential Uses in Commercial and Employment Districts).
- S2 note 2 (RL): only multi-unit buildings required under Section 14.09.060.040.E are permitted. Header 'Residential Uses 2' in S3/S4 adds the Nut Tree Airport intensity note. Standards: Section 14.09.270.160 (Residential Uses in Commercial and Employment Districts). Overlay districts (AB, RSS, PD, Northeast Growth Area) and the DCSP / DRSP columns are not base districts; blank cells (RHL column rows from Community Assembly down, DCSP, DRSP) are left out. S3 header mark 1 on MX: developments in MX must contain two different types of uses, one residential.
- 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: Use classification definitions (Chapter 14.02.060) and Section 14.09.270.xxx standards, including Animal Keeping (14.09.270.070), are not in the packet; Specific plan districts DCSP and DRSP: use cells blank; Overlay districts AB, RSS, PD, NGA. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Vacaville
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the CN zone in Vacaville?
Only with a conditional use permit. Vacaville's use table lists it that way in CN (§ 14.09.070.020). The code adds a condition: “Residential uses are subject to intensity limits set by the Nut Tree Airport environs overlay district if located in the Nut Tree Airport compatibility zone.”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RR zone in Vacaville?
No. Vacaville's use table does not allow it in RR (§ 14.09.060.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RL zone in Vacaville?
Yes, with a condition. Vacaville's use table lists it as allowed in RL (§ 14.09.060.020). The code adds a condition: “Only multi-unit residential buildings that are required pursuant to Section 14.09.060.040.E are permitted. The overall maximum density shall not be exceeded.”
General information, not legal advice.
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