Multiple Family Residential

Development Standards
All development standards for the multiple family residential zones have now been incorporated into the Municipal Code available for download on this web site.  Please follow the links below to view the Code.

» Multifamily development standards

Inclusionary Housing and Density Bonus Standards
On March 21, 2006, the City Council approved an inclusionary housing ordinance that requires residential developers to provide units in their projects for families of low and moderate income.  The Council also approved a density bonus ordinance to implement the state density bonus law.

» Ordinance No. 3693: Density Bonus
» Ordinance No. 3694: Inclusionary Housing
» Resolution No. 27,202: Inclusionary Housing Fees

The implementing regulations for both the inclusionary housing and density bonus ordinances are available below.

» Inclusionary housing regulations
» Density bonus regulations

Application Forms
Application forms for all projects in multiple family residential zones are available on the applications and fees page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units can I build on my property?
Each of the multiple family residential zones allows a specific density of development.  The higher the permitted density, the more units you can build.  The permitted density is also determined by the size of the lot.  If your lot meets certain minimum size requirements, you may be able to build more units.

Can I add apartment units behind my single family home?
In some cases, yes.  If your property is in a multiple family zone but contains only a single family dwelling, you may be able to keep the existing building while adding additional units at the rear of the property.  However, all of the multiple family development standards will still be applied to the property, including parking and open space requirements.  In some cases, these strict requirements make it impossible to accommodate additional units on the property without demolishing the existing building.

Does it matter if my property is near a single family area?
Yes.  Development standards in multiple family zones, including the number of stories that can be built and the area of your lot that can be covered by buildings, are limited if your property is located within 500 feet of a single family residential zone.  Please contact the Planning office with your property's address to determine whether or not these additional restrictions apply to your property.

How do I apply to build a new apartment building?
All multiple family projects, whether new projects or additions of units to an existing project, must go through the development review process.  This process involves a review of your proposed project by all City departments to ensure that it meets all applicable code standards and will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.  Please contact the Planning Division for more information.

How do I apply to build condominiums?
All new condominium projects must go through the development review process, and a tentative tract map application must also be filed.  Condominium conversions of existing apartment buildings require an administrative use permit application in addition to a tentative tract map application.  Please note that new and conversion condominium projects have special development standards that must be satisfied in addition to the typical multiple family standards.