Skip to content

Marin County · Land use · Emergency shelter

Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Marin County?

In Marin County, an emergency shelter is allowed in 2 base zones (C1 and CP) and not allowed in 2 (Marin County use tables, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Allowed: C1 and CP
  • Not allowed: VCR and RMPC

Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Marin County 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

Marin County's code calls this use “Homeless 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.

ZoneStatusCode
C1 Retail Business
Allowed
§ 22.12.030
CP Planned Commercial
Allowed
§ 22.12.030

Zones where it is not allowed

What else applies

  • 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: Coastal zoning districts (Title 20, Tables 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, Coastal Agricultural, Residential and Commercial districts): only the intro section 20.62.040 is in the packet, the tables are missing.; Section 22.32 standards (22.32.030 animal keeping, 22.32.050 child care, 22.32.085 SRO, 22.32.095 homeless shelters, 22.32.150) and Article VIII definitions are not in the packet.; Combining districts (e.g. PF-RSP, San Geronimo Valley) can change allowed uses.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.

Other uses in Marin County

Who this affects

HomeownersBuyersReal estate agentsSmall developers

Frequently asked questions

Can I have an emergency shelter in the VCR zone in Marin County?

No. Marin County's use table does not allow it in VCR (Village Commercial Residential) (§ 22.12.030).

Can I have an emergency shelter in the C1 zone in Marin County?

Yes. Marin County's use table lists it as allowed in C1 (Retail Business) (§ 22.12.030).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about an emergency shelter at an address in Marin County

Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on Marin County