Oxnard · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Oxnard?
In Oxnard, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 2 base zones (DT-E and DT-E-O), needs a permit in 4 (R-2, R-3, R-4 and C-2, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (Oxnard use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: DT-E and DT-E-O
- Needs a permit: R-2, R-3, R-4 and C-2
- Not allowed: R-1 and MH-PD
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Oxnard 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
Oxnard's code calls this use “Multiple-family residential development (R zones); Multifamily residential uses subject to R-3 zone development standards (C-2); Dwelling, multifamily (downtown)”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| DT-E | Allowed | § 16-148 |
| DT-E-O | Allowed | § 16-148 |
| R-2 | Needs a development design review permit | § 16-22 |
| R-3 | Needs a development design review permit | § 16-22 |
| R-4 | Needs a development design review permit | § 16-22 |
| C-2 | Needs a special use permit — see note Note 3: Except that such facilities shall not be permitted in the airport hazard overlay zone. | § 16-107 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Additive zones: 'Multifamily residential uses up to 30 dwelling units per acre' in the AHP zone is SPR and in the AHD zone is SUP (R-2 to R-4, C-2); see Division 7C (S14). 'Mixed use multifamily ... up to 18 du/ac' is SUP in C-2. DT-G and DT-C show 'P 7' (note not in packet).
- 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: Downtown Table 16-148 key and footnotes 1, 3, 4, 7 (marks 'Uses 1', 'P 7', 'P 3' have no text in the packet); C-R Community Reserve: only a permitted-use list (S12), no matrix; Specific plans, planned developments and the -AHP / -AHD additive zones (S14 text only); Other zones the city may have (PD, R-PD, open space, public) with no use table in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Oxnard
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-2 zone in Oxnard?
Only with a development design review permit. Oxnard's use table lists it that way in R-2 (§ 16-22).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-1 zone in Oxnard?
No. Oxnard's use table does not allow it in R-1 (§ 16-22).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the DT-E zone in Oxnard?
Yes. Oxnard's use table lists it as allowed in DT-E (§ 16-148).
General information, not legal advice.
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