Fresno · Land use · Residential care home (7 or more)
Where is a residential care home for 7 or more people allowed in Fresno?
In Fresno, a residential care home for 7 or more people is allowed in 2 base zones (RM-2 and RM-3), needs a conditional use permit in 7 (RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RS-5 and 2 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 7 (Fresno use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM-2 and RM-3
- Needs a permit: RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RM-1 and CMS
- Not allowed: RE, RM-MH, CC, CR, CG, CH and CRC
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Fresno Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a residential care home for 7 or more people can go
Fresno's code calls this use “Residential Care, General”. 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-2 Residential Multi-Unit District | Allowed | § 15-1002 |
| RM-3 Residential Multi-Unit District | Allowed | § 15-1002 |
| RS-1 Residential Single-Unit 1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-902 |
| RS-2 Residential Single-Unit 2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-902 |
| RS-3 Residential Single-Unit 3 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-902 |
| RS-4 Residential Single-Unit 4 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-902 |
| RS-5 Residential Single-Unit 5 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-902 |
| RM-1 Residential Multi-Unit District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-1002 |
| CMS | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 1: Not allowed on the ground floor. | § 15-1202 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Residential Care, Limited' is P in RE-RS-5, RM-1/2/3, B, NMX/CMX/RMX P(1), CMS P(1), CR P(2). 'Residential Care, General' is not listed in B or mixed-use districts (so not permitted there). Downtown districts vary by Activity Class (A/B/C, map Figure 15-1501) and are left out where classes differ: DTN A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTG A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTC A/B/C: P(1)/P/P.
- State law: A licensed care home for six or fewer residents is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1566.3); this page covers larger homes.
- Not covered here: Overlay districts and Part II articles other than Articles 8-15 are not in the text; Downtown cells omitted where Activity Class A/B/C differ. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Fresno
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a residential care home for 7 or more people in the RS-1 zone in Fresno?
Only with a conditional use permit. Fresno's use table lists it that way in RS-1 (Residential Single-Unit 1) (§ 15-902).
Can I have a residential care home for 7 or more people in the RE zone in Fresno?
No. Fresno's use table does not allow it in RE (Residential Estate) (§ 15-902).
Can I have a residential care home for 7 or more people in the RM-2 zone in Fresno?
Yes. Fresno's use table lists it as allowed in RM-2 (Residential Multi-Unit District) (§ 15-1002).
General information, not legal advice.
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