Modesto · Land use · Senior or assisted living
Where is senior housing or assisted living allowed in Modesto?
In Modesto, senior housing or assisted living is allowed in 7 base zones (R-3, MU-P, MU-H, P-O, C-1 and 2 more), needs a conditional use permit in 2 (R-1 and R-2) and not allowed in 3 (Modesto use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-3, MU-P, MU-H, P-O, C-1, C-2 and C-3
- Needs a permit: R-1 and R-2
- Not allowed: C-M, M-1 and M-2
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Modesto Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where senior housing or assisted living can go
Modesto's code calls this use “Assisted Living Facility”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| R-3 Medium-High Density Residential | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| MU-P Mixed Use Pedestrian Oriented | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| MU-H Mixed Use Highway Oriented | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| P-O Professional Office | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-1 Neighborhood Commercial | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-2 General Commercial | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-3 Highway Commercial | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| R-1 Low Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| R-2 Medium Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Convalescent and Other Care Facility' (commercial facility) is a separate row; not used.
- State law: A licensed care home for six or fewer residents is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1566.3) and is allowed wherever homes are.
- Not covered here: P-D Planned Development zone (uses set by each ordinance, 10-7.103); SP-H Specific Plan-Holding zone (own short use list in 10-7.402/403); Downtown Core zone (referenced in 10-3.203, no table in the text). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Modesto
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the R-1 zone in Modesto?
Only with a conditional use permit. Modesto's use table lists it that way in R-1 (Low Density Residential) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the C-M zone in Modesto?
No. Modesto's use table does not allow it in C-M (Commercial-Industrial) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the R-3 zone in Modesto?
Yes. Modesto's use table lists it as allowed in R-3 (Medium-High Density Residential) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
General information, not legal advice.
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