Where is a single-family home allowed in Modesto?

Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Modesto 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

Modesto's code calls this use “Single Family Dwelling”. 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 Low Density Residential	Allowed	Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS
R-2 Medium Density Residential	Allowed	Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS
R-3 Medium-High Density Residential	Allowed	Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS

Zones where it is not allowed

MU-P, MU-H, P-O, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-M, M-1, M-2.

What else applies

Standards for this use: 10-3.217 Duplexes in the R-1 Zone (note: 'For Duplexes, see Section 10-3.217').
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: P-D Planned Development zone (uses set by each ordinance, 10-7.103); SP-H Specific Plan-Holding zone (own short use list in 10-7.402/403); Downtown Core zone (referenced in 10-3.203, no table in the text). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.

Other uses in Modesto

Who this affects

HomeownersBuyersReal estate agentsSmall developers

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a single-family home in the MU-P zone in Modesto?

No. Modesto's use table does not allow it in MU-P (Mixed Use Pedestrian Oriented) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).

Can I have a single-family home in the R-1 zone in Modesto?

Yes. Modesto's use table lists it as allowed in R-1 (Low Density Residential) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).

General information, not legal advice.