Placer County · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Placer County?
In Placer County, an emergency shelter is allowed in 2 base zones (RM and RM30) and needs a permit in 6 (CPD, C2, HS, MU, C1 and 1 more) (Placer County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM and RM30
- Needs a permit: CPD, C2, HS, MU, C1 and RES
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Placer 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
Placer County's code calls this use “Emergency shelter, 60 or fewer clients”. 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 Residential multifamily | Allowed | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
| RM30 Residential Multifamily 30 | Allowed | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
| CPD Commercial planned development | Needs a conditional use permit | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
| C2 General commercial | Needs a conditional use permit | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
| HS Highway services | Needs a minor use permit | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
| MU Mixed use community | Needs a minor use permit | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
| C1 Neighborhood commercial | Needs a minor use permit | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
| RES Resort | Needs a minor use permit | Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land |
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 17.56.295 Emergency shelters.
- Emergency shelter, 61 or more clients: CPD CUP, C2 CUP, HS MUP, MU MUP, C1 MUP, RES MUP, RM MUP, RM30 MUP (differs from the main row only in RM and RM30, where 60 or fewer is zoning clearance).
- 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: SPL specific plan areas (use rules are in each specific plan); Combining districts (17.52) can change permits; -UP requires a minor or conditional use permit for all uses in the base zone. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Placer County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the CPD zone in Placer County?
Only with a conditional use permit. Placer County's use table lists it that way in CPD (Commercial planned development) (Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the RM zone in Placer County?
Yes. Placer County's use table lists it as allowed in RM (Residential multifamily) (Zone Districts and Allowable Uses of Land).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an emergency shelter at an address in Placer County
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
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