Seal Beach · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Seal Beach?
In Seal Beach, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 5 base zones (RMD, RHD, LC/RMD, MCH-RHD and MSSP, 1 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (RG, it with a condition) and not allowed in 5 (Seal Beach use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RMD, RHD, LC/RMD, MCH-RHD and MSSP
- Needs a permit: RG
- Not allowed: RLD, PO, SC, GC and PS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Seal Beach 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
Seal Beach's code calls this use “Multiple-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 |
|---|---|---|
| RMD | Allowed | § 11.2.05.010 |
| RHD | Allowed | § 11.2.05.010 |
| LC/RMD | Allowed | § 11.2.10.010 |
| MCH-RHD | Allowed | § 11.2.10.010 |
| MSSP | Allowed — see note Note L-8: Permitted on the second floor or above only. Ground floor residences are permitted if existing, but new ground floor residences are prohibited. See Chapter 11.4.40 : Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots. | § 11.2.10.010 |
| RG | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Additional Regulations: See Chapter 11.2.05 and Section 11.4.05.110 and only in conjunction with a golf course | § 11.2.20.010 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 11.4.05.110 (cited in the table; section not in packet).
- In RG only in conjunction with a golf course.
- 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: Zone names are not stated in the packet; SPR (Specific Plan Regulation) zone has no use table (S7); Cells for zones whose table does not list the use are left out. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Seal Beach
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RG zone in Seal Beach?
Only with a conditional use permit. Seal Beach's use table lists it that way in RG (§ 11.2.20.010). The code adds a condition: “See Chapter 11.2.05 and Section 11.4.05.110 and only in conjunction with a golf course”
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RLD zone in Seal Beach?
No. Seal Beach's use table does not allow it in RLD (§ 11.2.05.010).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RMD zone in Seal Beach?
Yes. Seal Beach's use table lists it as allowed in RMD (§ 11.2.05.010).
General information, not legal advice.
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