El Cajon · Land use · Bed and breakfast
Where is a bed and breakfast allowed in El Cajon?
In El Cajon, a bed and breakfast is needs an administrative zoning permit in 10 (RS-40, RS-20, RS-14, RS-9, RS-6 and 5 more, all with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (El Cajon use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: RS-40, RS-20, RS-14, RS-9, RS-6, RM-6000, RM-4300, RM-2500 and 2 more
- Not allowed: PRD and RM-HR
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the El Cajon 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 bed and breakfast can go
El Cajon's code calls this use “Bed and breakfast”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RS-40 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RS-20 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RS-14 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RS-9 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RS-6 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-6000 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-4300 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-2500 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-2200 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
| RM-1450 | Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note Note 6: Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments). | § 17.140.210 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Not covered here: Specific plan zones (SP 182, SP 462, SP 32 etc.); M-U overlay adds residential to underlying zones (S3/S4). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in El Cajon
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the RS-40 zone in El Cajon?
Only with an administrative zoning permit. El Cajon's use table lists it that way in RS-40 (§ 17.140.210). The code adds a condition: “Subject to the provision of section 17.225.020 (bed and breakfast establishments).”
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the PRD zone in El Cajon?
No. El Cajon's use table does not allow it in PRD (§ 17.140.210).
General information, not legal advice.
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