Fountain Valley · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Fountain Valley?
In Fountain Valley, an emergency shelter is allowed in 1 base zone (C2, it with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (C1) and not allowed in 5 (Fountain Valley use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C2
- Needs a permit: C1
- Not allowed: CP, CM, M1, MU-1 and MU-2
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Fountain Valley 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
Fountain Valley's code calls this use “Emergency shelters”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | Allowed — see note Note 2: Emergency shelters are limited to no more than 30 occupants per site as a permitted use. Emergency shelters with more than 30 occupants per site are permitted subject to the approval of a CUP. | § 21.10.030 |
| C1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.10.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Not listed in the residential or special purpose tables.
- 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: Zone names not stated in the packet text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Fountain Valley
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the C1 zone in Fountain Valley?
Only with a conditional use permit. Fountain Valley's use table lists it that way in C1 (§ 21.10.030).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the CP zone in Fountain Valley?
No. Fountain Valley's use table does not allow it in CP (§ 21.10.030).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the C2 zone in Fountain Valley?
Yes, with a condition. Fountain Valley's use table lists it as allowed in C2 (§ 21.10.030). The code adds a condition: “Emergency shelters are limited to no more than 30 occupants per site as a permitted use. Emergency shelters with more than 30 occupants per site are permitted subject to the approval of a CUP.”
General information, not legal advice.
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