Paso Robles · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Paso Robles?
In Paso Robles, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 4 base zones (R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (OP) and not allowed in 15 (Paso Robles use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5
- Needs a permit: OP
- Not allowed: R-A, R-1, CP, C-1, C-2, C-3, RC, RL and 7 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Paso Robles 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
Paso Robles's code calls this use “Multi-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-2 Low Density Multi-Family Residential | Allowed | Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-3 Medium Density Multi-Family Residential | Allowed | Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-4 Medium High Density Multi-Family Residential | Allowed | Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-5 High Density Multi-Unit Family Residential | Allowed | Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| OP Office Professional | Needs a conditional use permit | Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 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.
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Paso Robles
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the OP zone in Paso Robles?
Only with a conditional use permit. Paso Robles's use table lists it that way in OP (Office Professional) (Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-A zone in Paso Robles?
No. Paso Robles's use table does not allow it in R-A (Residential Agriculture) (Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-2 zone in Paso Robles?
Yes. Paso Robles's use table lists it as allowed in R-2 (Low Density Multi-Family Residential) (Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS).
General information, not legal advice.
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