Martinez · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Martinez?
In Martinez, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 5 base zones (R-1.5, R-2.5, R-3.5, PA and DS, 3 with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Martinez use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-1.5, R-2.5, R-3.5, PA and DS
- Not allowed: AV/R-20, AV/R-40, AV/A-5 and C
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Martinez 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
Martinez's code calls this use “Multifamily dwellings”. 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-1.5 | Allowed — see note Note Table 22.12.080B: R-1.5: 24 dwelling units per building (maximum building size) | § 22.12.080 |
| R-2.5 | Allowed — see note Note Table 22.12.080B: R-2.5: 8 dwelling units per building (maximum building size) | § 22.12.080 |
| R-3.5 | Allowed — see note Note Table 22.12.080B: R-3.5: 2 dwelling units per building (maximum building size) | § 22.12.080 |
| PA Professional and Administrative Office | Allowed | § 22.14.030 |
| DS Downtown Shoreline | Allowed | § 22.23.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- CUP for multiple-family structures on sites up to 9,999 sq ft next to existing multifamily (R-1.5/R-2.5/R-3.5, S4 K). The RR districts and other R districts are not named in the multifamily clause. NC, CC, SC, RD allow "Housing development projects that comply with Chapter 22.75" (P) and "Dwelling units located above the ground floor".
- 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: Individual codes of the RR and Agricultural districts and other R districts (R-20, R-40 ... implied by the ECD table) are not named in the packet; Chapter 22.04 (definitions), 22.34.230 (homeless shelters), 22.43 (ADUs), 22.58 (small animals) are not in the packet; ECD districts: only chapter-wide lists; not used. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Martinez
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the AV/R-20 zone in Martinez?
No. Martinez's use table does not allow it in AV/R-20 (Alhambra Valley R-20) (§ 22.29.040).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-1.5 zone in Martinez?
Yes, with a condition. Martinez's use table lists it as allowed in R-1.5 (§ 22.12.080). The code adds a condition: “R-1.5: 24 dwelling units per building (maximum building size)”
General information, not legal advice.
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