Benicia · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Benicia?
In Benicia, an emergency shelter is allowed in 4 base zones (RM, CO, CG and PS, all with a condition) and not allowed in 5 (Benicia use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM, CO, CG and PS
- Not allowed: RS, RH, HZ, CC and CW
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Benicia 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 emergency shelter can go
Benicia's code calls this use “Emergency Shelter”. 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 | Allowed — see note Note B: See BMC § 17.90.060 , Emergency shelter. | § 17.24.020 |
| CO | Allowed — see note Note A: See BMC § 17.90.060 , Emergency shelter. | § 17.28.020 |
| CG | Allowed — see note Note A: See BMC § 17.90.060 , Emergency shelter. | § 17.28.020 |
| PS Public and Semipublic | Allowed — see note Note A: See BMC § 17.90.060 , Emergency shelter. | § 17.40.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards are in BMC 17.90.060, which is not in the packet.
- State law: State law (Gov. Code § 65583, SB 2) requires every city to allow emergency shelters by right in at least one zone.
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development) district has no use table (S6); Zone names for RS, RM, RH, HZ, CC, CO, CG, CW, IL, IG, IW, IP are not stated in the packet text; Housing Opportunity Sites overlay (S10) adds group residential, multifamily, supportive and transitional housing as P. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Benicia
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the RS zone in Benicia?
No. Benicia's use table does not allow it in RS (§ 17.24.020).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the RM zone in Benicia?
Yes, with a condition. Benicia's use table lists it as allowed in RM (§ 17.24.020). The code adds a condition: “See BMC § 17.90.060 , Emergency shelter.”
General information, not legal advice.
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