Middle Housing Zoning

Zoning rules covering most areas in Berkeley will make it easier to build smaller multi-unit residential buildings. Under these rules, two- to six-unit “middle housing” projects that meet development standards can get approval from the City in 30 days. 

Middle housing allowed in most residential areas

The Middle Housing zoning rules apply to all parts of Berkeley which are primarily zoned for residential uses. These rules do not apply to the high fire hazard areas in the Berkeley Hills.   

Middle Housing is permitted in areas zoned R-1, R-2, R-2A, and MU-R shown on the map below. 

To see if a specific location falls under the Middle Housing regulations, search for the address in our GIS portal.

Submit a middle housing application

Property owners can submit a Middle Housing Application to build or remodel housing. Projects can include: 

• Build small-scale multi-family housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, courtyard apartments
• Remodel existing homes to add new units or extra bedrooms 

To qualify for a Middle Housing zoning certificate, projects must meet a checklist of development standards in the application. Such standards include: 

• A maximum height of 35-feet, which cannot be changed or exceeded with any additional permit
• A maximum lot coverage standard of 60%
• Front and rear setbacks must total at least 20 feet, with a minimum of five feet in the front and five feet in the rear 

Simple and consistent rules for faster approval

If you apply for a new housing development, your application can be approved and processed within 30 days under the new zoning rules. Applications for housing development in these new areas can be approved as a “ministerial” zoning approval with a simple “Middle Housing zoning certificate.”  

Approved applications cannot be appealed to the Zoning Adjustments Board or the City Council, which previously added considerable time delays and added costs to the applicant.

get more information on middle housing

To learn more, contact Planning and Development Department staff at planning@berkeleyca.gov or (510) 981-7410.

middle housing rules support affordable housing and climate goals

The “Middle Housing” rules, effective November 1, 2025, are meant to encourage new buildings of different sizes in Berkeley neighborhoods mainly consisting of single-family homes, or one house per lot. “Middle Housing” homes include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, courtyard apartments, and other small-scale multi-family housing types.  

By encouraging more diversity in new residential buildings, the City aims to help grow the housing supply in Berkeley, especially in high-resource neighborhoods close to jobs, public transit, schools, parks, grocery stores, or other amenities. More housing availability in turn will help the City reduce its greenhouse gas emissions – the largest source of which comes from transportation, namely cars – and meet its climate goals. 

The zoning rules, adopted by the City Council in July 2025, also make it easier for current homeowners to get permits to add more living space, such as an additional bedroom.