Rohnert Park · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Rohnert Park?
In Rohnert Park, an emergency shelter is allowed in 3 base zones (C-O, C-N and C-R) and needs a conditionally permitted by planning commission in 1 (P-I) (Rohnert Park use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-O, C-N and C-R
- Needs a permit: P-I
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Rohnert Park 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
Rohnert Park's code calls this use “Emergency Shelter (Small and Large)”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C-O Professional/Administrative Office | Allowed | Chapter 17.06 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-N Neighborhood Commercial | Allowed | Chapter 17.06 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-R Regional Commercial | Allowed | Chapter 17.06 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| P-I Public/Institutional | Needs a conditionally permitted by planning commission | Chapter 17.06 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 17.08.030 (not in packet).
- Large (7 or more) is also P in C-O, C-N, C-R. M-U/DTM-U: shelter for 6 or less persons P (not used). DDAZ D-N/D-MS/D-C: CUP (overlay).
- 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: P-D Planned Development districts: uses set per approved plan (17.06.220); Commercial overlay "C" (17.06.640) and mobile home overlays: not base; DDAZ downtown zones D-N/D-MS/D-C and Sonoma Mountain Village T-zones have their own use tables (not base); 17.08 use regulations (live/work, SRO, shelters) are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Rohnert Park
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the P-I zone in Rohnert Park?
Only with a conditionally permitted by planning commission. Rohnert Park's use table lists it that way in P-I (Public/Institutional) (Chapter 17.06 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the C-O zone in Rohnert Park?
Yes. Rohnert Park's use table lists it as allowed in C-O (Professional/Administrative Office) (Chapter 17.06 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
General information, not legal advice.
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