Morro Bay · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Morro Bay?
In Morro Bay, a single-family home is allowed in 4 base zones (AG, RL, RS and RM), needs a minor use permit in 2 (RH and NC, all with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Morro Bay use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: AG, RL, RS and RM
- Needs a permit: RH and NC
- Not allowed: CC, DC, VSC and TMU
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Morro Bay 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 single-family home can go
Morro Bay's code calls this use “Single-Unit Dwelling, Detached”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| AG Agriculture District | Allowed | § 17.06.020 |
| RL | Allowed | § 17.07.020 |
| RS | Allowed | § 17.07.020 |
| RM | Allowed | § 17.07.020 |
| RH | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note 1: Allowed only where site characteristics, such as size or topography, preclude multi-unit development. | § 17.07.020 |
| NC | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note 1: Must be located above and behind commercial uses except within the Mixed-Use Residential Overlay. Within the Mixed-Use Residential Overlay, residential uses in any configuration, including as stand-alone residential development, is allowed subject to Minor Use Permit approval. | § 17.08.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Single-Unit Dwelling, Attached is a separate row and not used. Industrial table: IG residential "Permitted if existing. New units not allowed."
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: CF, H, WF (waterfront/harbor districts, S6) list water-related uses only; none of the 16 uses appears there. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Morro Bay
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the RH zone in Morro Bay?
Only with a minor use permit. Morro Bay's use table lists it that way in RH (§ 17.07.020). The code adds a condition: “Allowed only where site characteristics, such as size or topography, preclude multi-unit development.”
Can I have a single-family home in the CC zone in Morro Bay?
No. Morro Bay's use table does not allow it in CC (§ 17.08.020).
Can I have a single-family home in the AG zone in Morro Bay?
Yes. Morro Bay's use table lists it as allowed in AG (Agriculture District) (§ 17.06.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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