Walnut Creek · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Walnut Creek?
In Walnut Creek, a single-family home is allowed in 3 base zones (R, D-3 and SFH-PD1), needs a permit in 2 (M and H-P-D, all with a condition) and not allowed in 13 (Walnut Creek use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R, D-3 and SFH-PD1
- Needs a permit: M and H-P-D
- Not allowed: M-H-D, P-R, C-R, O-C, AS-CM, S-C, B-P, C-C and 5 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Walnut Creek Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Walnut Creek's code calls this use “Single-Family 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 |
|---|---|---|
| R Single-Family Residential District (subdistricts R-8, R-8.5, R-10, R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40) | Allowed | § 10-2.2.102 |
| D-3 Duplex Residential District | Allowed | § 10-2.2.202 |
| SFH-PD1 Single-Family High-Planned Development District 1 | Allowed | § 10-2.2.2002 |
| M Multiple Family Residential Districts (subdistricts M-0.75, M-1.0, M-1.5, M-2.0, M-2.5, M-3) | Needs a conditional use permit (m-3 subdistrict only; not permitted in m-0.75 to m-2.5) — see note Note L(2): Permitted in the M-3 zoning district upon approval of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. Not permitted in the M-2.5, M-2.0, M-1.5, M-1.0, and M-0.75 zoning districts. The maximum density for single family residential development in the M-3 zoning district shall be determined by the Planning Commission in the approval of the Use Permit. | § 10-2.2.302 |
| H-P-D Hillside Planned Development District | Needs a planned development permit — see note Note PD: No use shall be permitted in the Hillside Planned Development District except in accord with a valid Planned Development Permit. | § 10-2.2.506 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- O-S-R: L(1) "Single Family Residential uses shall be permitted for caretakers, docents, park rangers and watchmen." (not a general residential use, cell left out). Two single-family dwellings or a duplex on qualified SB 9 properties are permitted notwithstanding the base district (§ 10-2.3.1504, S23).
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: M-U (Mixed Use Planned Development, S10) has no use table.; Overlay and specific-plan districts are not in the packet.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Walnut Creek
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the M zone in Walnut Creek?
Only with a conditional use permit (m-3 subdistrict only; not permitted in m-0.75 to m-2.5). Walnut Creek's use table lists it that way in M (Multiple Family Residential Districts (subdistricts M-0.75, M-1.0, M-1.5, M-2.0, M-2.5, M-3)) (§ 10-2.2.302). The code adds a condition: “Permitted in the M-3 zoning district upon approval of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. Not permitted in the M-2.5, M-2.0, M-1.5, M-1.0, and M-0.75 zoning districts. The maximum density for single…”
Can I have a single-family home in the M-H-D zone in Walnut Creek?
No. Walnut Creek's use table does not allow it in M-H-D (High Density Residential Planned Development District) (§ 10-2.2.402).
Can I have a single-family home in the R zone in Walnut Creek?
Yes. Walnut Creek's use table lists it as allowed in R (Single-Family Residential District (subdistricts R-8, R-8.5, R-10, R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40)) (§ 10-2.2.102).
General information, not legal advice.
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