Calimesa · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Calimesa?
In Calimesa, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 4 base zones (R-M, R-H, R-MU and DVC, 2 with a condition) and not allowed in 7 (Calimesa use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-M, R-H, R-MU and DVC
- Not allowed: O-S-R, R-E, R-R, R-L, R-L-M, DNC and DVS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Calimesa 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
Calimesa's code calls this use “Multifamily dwellings (apartments) d”. 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-M | Allowed — see note Note d: In all cases, supportive housing and transitional housing are and shall be treated as residential uses, subject only to the permitting requirements that apply to residential uses of the same housing type location in the same zone. | § 18.20.030 |
| R-H | Allowed — see note Note d: In all cases, supportive housing and transitional housing are and shall be treated as residential uses, subject only to the permitting requirements that apply to residential uses of the same housing type location in the same zone. | § 18.20.030 |
| R-MU | Allowed | § 18.28.040 |
| DVC Downtown Village Commercial | Allowed | § 18.39.045 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 18.39.080 Development standards applicable to residential uses (downtown).
- S3 C-MU/O-MU: "Multifamily dwellings" P vs "Apartments/flats" X (conflict, left out). S7 row is named "Apartments/flats", not multifamily.
- 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: Residential uses in downtown business zones DVC/DNC/DVS: no single-family or duplex row (S7); Industrial L-I/B-P: tables hold no dwelling, day care, school or shelter rows; Text of overlay RIPAOZ Areas 1-2 not in packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Calimesa
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the O-S-R zone in Calimesa?
No. Calimesa's use table does not allow it in O-S-R (§ 18.20.030).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-M zone in Calimesa?
Yes, with a condition. Calimesa's use table lists it as allowed in R-M (§ 18.20.030). The code adds a condition: “In all cases, supportive housing and transitional housing are and shall be treated as residential uses, subject only to the permitting requirements that apply to residential uses of the same housing type location in…”
General information, not legal advice.
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