Mill Valley · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Mill Valley?
In Mill Valley, a single-family home is allowed in 5 base zones (RS, R-P, Planned Residential, RM-3.5 and DR, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Mill Valley use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RS, R-P, Planned Residential, RM-3.5 and DR
- Not allowed: RM-B, RM-M, RM-PA and RM-P
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Mill Valley 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 single-family home can go
Mill Valley's code calls this use “One single family dwelling / Single family 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RS RS Districts (single family) | Allowed | § 20.16.020 |
| R-P R-P Districts | Allowed | § 20.18.040 |
| Planned Residential Planned Residential (RSP, RMP) | Allowed | § 20.20.040 |
| RM-3.5 RM-3.5 Multiple Family | Allowed | § 20.24.010 |
| DR Downtown Residential | Allowed — see note Note 2: In the Downtown Residential Zones, single family residences are permitted on all vacant lots and lots containing existing single family residences at the time of the adoption of these regulations. Consolidation of existing multi-family units to form new single family uses is not permitted. | § 20.26.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- RM-B, RM-M, RM-PA, RM-P: new single family dwellings not permitted; 'Existing single family dwellings' CUP (note 2). Planned Residential (S6) also lists detached dwellings with planned development approval. RS, R-P, Planned Residential, RM-3.5 are list-based (no table).
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: C-R (S12: planned unit development list only), C-F (S14: every use needs a CUP except public schools; § 20.55.025 prohibited uses not in packet) and U (S17: all uses need a CUP): no per-use cells used. Chapter 20.24 RM-3.5 prohibitions beyond the lists are not stated.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Mill Valley
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the RM-B zone in Mill Valley?
No. Mill Valley's use table does not allow it in RM-B (Bayfront (En. Knolls/Shelter Ridge)) (§ 20.24.030).
Can I have a single-family home in the RS zone in Mill Valley?
Yes. Mill Valley's use table lists it as allowed in RS (RS Districts (single family)) (§ 20.16.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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