Hayward · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in Hayward?
In Hayward, a live-work unit is allowed in 4 base zones (NG, UN, DT-MS and UC), needs a permitted, or conditional use permit in some circumstances (see notes 2 and 3) in 2 (MB-CN and MB-NN, all with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Hayward use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: NG, UN, DT-MS and UC
- Needs a permit: MB-CN and MB-NN
- Not allowed: MB-CC, MB-CS, NE and UN-L
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Hayward 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 live-work unit can go
Hayward's code calls this use “Live-Work / Live/Work”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| NG | Allowed | § 10-28.2.3.010 |
| UN | Allowed | § 10-28.2.3.010 |
| DT-MS | Allowed | § 10-28.2.3.010 |
| UC | Allowed | § 10-28.2.3.010 |
| MB-CN | Needs a permitted, or conditional use permit in some circumstances (see notes 2 and 3) — see note Note 2: For properties located within Commercial Overlay Zone 1, as shown in the Regulating Plan, commercial uses are required on the ground floor along roadway frontages. Uses associated with the residential use, such as leasing office, community space, amenities, etc., are allowed on the ground floor. Note 3: For properties located within Commercial Overlay Zone 2, as shown in the Regulating Plan, residential units are only allowed along the primary street frontage with a conditional use permit. | § 10-24.2.3.010 |
| MB-NN | Needs a permitted, or conditional use permit in some circumstances (see notes 2 and 3) — see note Note 2: For properties located within Commercial Overlay Zone 1, as shown in the Regulating Plan, commercial uses are required on the ground floor along roadway frontages. Uses associated with the residential use, such as leasing office, community space, amenities, etc., are allowed on the ground floor. Note 3: For properties located within Commercial Overlay Zone 2, as shown in the Regulating Plan, residential units are only allowed along the primary street frontage with a conditional use permit. | § 10-24.2.3.010 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: 3.5.050 (Live/Work use standard, referenced in S42).
- CC-R and CC-P list districts also permit 'Live/Work' (not read as cells).
- Not covered here: Zones whose uses are written as bulleted lists, not tables, and are mostly not used in the cells below: MH, SMU, CC-C, CC-R, CC-P, AT-O/IP/AC/C/R/RM, OS, PF, PD. I used only the A (Agricultural) and FP lists, where the permit class is clear. CC-C/CC-R/CC-P list sections have 'administrative' and 'conditional' sub-lists that the stored text runs together, so I did not read permit levels there.; Definitions (Section 10-1.3500: group home sizes, livestock, educational facility, convalescent facility) and Section 10-1.204 / 10-1.2735 / 10-1.2736 are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Hayward
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a live-work unit in the MB-CN zone in Hayward?
Only with a permitted, or conditional use permit in some circumstances (see notes 2 and 3). Hayward's use table lists it that way in MB-CN (§ 10-24.2.3.010). The code adds a condition: “For properties located within Commercial Overlay Zone 1, as shown in the Regulating Plan, commercial uses are required on the ground floor along roadway frontages. Uses associated with the residential use, such as…”
Can I have a live-work unit in the MB-CC zone in Hayward?
No. Hayward's use table does not allow it in MB-CC (§ 10-24.2.3.010).
Can I have a live-work unit in the NG zone in Hayward?
Yes. Hayward's use table lists it as allowed in NG (§ 10-28.2.3.010).
General information, not legal advice.
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