Alhambra · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Alhambra?
In Alhambra, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 5 base zones (RM, RH, CBD, EMC and CMU), needs a conditional use permit in 2 (PO and I, all with a condition) and not allowed in 1 (Alhambra use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM, RH, CBD, EMC and CMU
- Needs a permit: PO and I
- Not allowed: AC
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Alhambra 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
Alhambra'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 |
|---|---|---|
| RM | Allowed | § 23.04.020 |
| RH | Allowed | § 23.04.020 |
| CBD | Allowed | § 23.05.020 |
| EMC | Allowed | § 23.05.020 |
| CMU | Allowed | § 23.05.020 |
| PO | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 3: Multi-unit dwellings shall be subject to the following requirements: a. Those projects that are "by-right" under governing statutes, including but not limited to projects that are 20% affordable on up-zoned sites, 20% affordable on prior Housing Element Sites Inventory sites, or SB 35 projects, are exempt from the CUP requirement. b. Projects subject to the Housing Accountability Act or other statutes that limit discretion to objective standards and criteria are subject only to objective findings in § 23.34.060, and so long as the requirement for a CUP does not otherwise conflict with state law. | § 23.06.020 |
| I | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 3: Multi-unit dwellings shall be subject to the following requirements: a. Those projects that are "by-right" under governing statutes, including but not limited to projects that are 20% affordable on up-zoned sites, 20% affordable on prior Housing Element Sites Inventory sites, or SB 35 projects, are exempt from the CUP requirement. b. Projects subject to the Housing Accountability Act or other statutes that limit discretion to objective standards and criteria are subject only to objective findings in § 23.34.060, and so long as the requirement for a CUP does not otherwise conflict with state law. | § 23.06.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
AC.
What else applies
- RL: P(1) with note 1 "Multi-unit dwelling residential development not exceeding 2-units and which meets the requirements of Cal. Gov't Code § 65852.21 (SB 9) shall be a permitted use." Condominium projects need at least six units. Single-unit dwelling, attached is a separate row.
- 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: Zone names are not stated in the packet text; -PD overlay (23.11) has no table. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Alhambra
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the PO zone in Alhambra?
Only with a conditional use permit. Alhambra's use table lists it that way in PO (§ 23.06.020). The code adds a condition: “Multi-unit dwellings shall be subject to the following requirements: a. Those projects that are "by-right" under governing statutes, including but not limited to projects that are 20% affordable on up-zoned sites,…”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the AC zone in Alhambra?
No. Alhambra's use table does not allow it in AC (§ 23.05.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM zone in Alhambra?
Yes. Alhambra's use table lists it as allowed in RM (§ 23.04.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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