Arroyo Grande · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Arroyo Grande?
In Arroyo Grande, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 1 base zone (MFVH), needs a permit in 7 (MF, MFA, TMU, VMU, FOMU and 2 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 10 (Arroyo Grande use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MFVH
- Needs a permit: MF, MFA, TMU, VMU, FOMU, OMU and HMU
- Not allowed: RE, RH, RR, RS, SF, VR, MHP, IMU and 2 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Arroyo Grande 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
Arroyo Grande's code calls this use “5. Multiple-family attached (2 - 4 units) / Multi-family housing not located within a mixed use project”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| MFVH | Allowed | § 16.32.040 |
| MF | Needs a minor use permit | § 16.32.040 |
| MFA | Needs a minor use permit | § 16.32.040 |
| TMU Traffic Way Mixed Use District | Needs a minor use permit | § 16.36.030 |
| VMU Village Mixed Use District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 16.36.030 |
| FOMU Fair Oaks Mixed Use District | Needs a minor use permit | § 16.36.030 |
| OMU Office Mixed Use District | Needs a minor use permit | § 16.36.030 |
| HMU Highway Mixed Use District | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note cell text: on lots > 20,000 sf | § 16.36.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- S2 row 6 'Multiple-family attached (5 or more units)': MF C, MFA C, MFVH MUP, all other residential zones NP. S3 'Multi-family housing in a mixed use project': IMU CUP, TMU CUP, VCD NP, VMU CUP, GMU CUP, FOMU CUP, HMU MUP, OMU CUP, RC CUP. GMU cell of the main S3 row is 'MUP 4' and note 4 does not exist in the text, so GMU is left out.
- 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: PD 1.1 and PD 1.2 planned development districts; other districts (industrial, public, parks) not in the supplied text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Arroyo Grande
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the MF zone in Arroyo Grande?
Only with a minor use permit. Arroyo Grande's use table lists it that way in MF (§ 16.32.040).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RE zone in Arroyo Grande?
No. Arroyo Grande's use table does not allow it in RE (Residential Estate) (§ 16.32.040).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the MFVH zone in Arroyo Grande?
Yes. Arroyo Grande's use table lists it as allowed in MFVH (§ 16.32.040).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an apartment building (multifamily housing) at an address in Arroyo Grande
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question