San Carlos · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in San Carlos?
In San Carlos, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 13 base zones (RM-20, RM-59, RM-100, MU-DC-100, MU-D-100 and 8 more, 8 with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (San Carlos use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM-20, RM-59, RM-100, MU-DC-100, MU-D-100, MU-D-120, MU-SC-120, MU-NB-120 and 5 more
- Not allowed: RS-3 and RS-6
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Carlos 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
San Carlos's code calls this use “Multi-Unit Residential”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RM-20 Residential Multifamily District | Allowed | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-59 Residential Multifamily District | Allowed | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-100 Residential Multifamily District | Allowed | § 18.04.020 |
| MU-DC-100 | Allowed — see note Note (1): Not allowed on the ground floor along Laurel Street and San Carlos Avenue frontages. Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-D-100 | Allowed — see note Note (1): Not allowed on the ground floor along Laurel Street and San Carlos Avenue frontages. Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-D-120 | Allowed — see note Note (2): Residential-only development is subject to active ground floor use requirement, pursuant to Section 18.05.030(H). Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SC-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-NB-120 | Allowed — see note Note (2): Residential-only development is subject to active ground floor use requirement, pursuant to Section 18.05.030(H). Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SB-100 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SB-120 | Allowed — see note Note (2): Residential-only development is subject to active ground floor use requirement, pursuant to Section 18.05.030(H). Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-N-40 | Allowed — see note Note (3): Not allowed on the ground floor along Old County Road. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-N-50 | Allowed — see note Note (2): Residential-only development is subject to active ground floor use requirement, pursuant to Section 18.05.030(H). Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-N-120 | Allowed — see note Note (2): Residential-only development is subject to active ground floor use requirement, pursuant to Section 18.05.030(H). Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
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.
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development): S7 18.10.030, uses follow the PD plan or specific plan; Airport District (table has no shelter row). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Carlos
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RS-3 zone in San Carlos?
No. San Carlos's use table does not allow it in RS-3 (Residential Single-Family District) (§ 18.04.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM-20 zone in San Carlos?
Yes. San Carlos's use table lists it as allowed in RM-20 (Residential Multifamily District) (§ 18.04.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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