San Carlos · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in San Carlos?
In San Carlos, an emergency shelter is allowed in 3 base zones (MU-NB-120, MU-SB-100 and MU-SB-120), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (P) and not allowed in 9 (San Carlos use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MU-NB-120, MU-SB-100 and MU-SB-120
- Needs a permit: P
- Not allowed: MU-DC-100, MU-D-100, MU-D-120, MU-SC-120, MU-N-40, MU-N-50, MU-N-120, PK and 1 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Carlos 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
San Carlos's code calls this use “Emergency Shelter”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| MU-NB-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SB-100 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SB-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| P | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.08.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 18.23.110, Emergency shelters (text not in packet).
- S2 intro: parcels inside an adopted Specific Plan area follow the Specific Plan's land use rules, not this table.
- 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: PD (Planned Development): S7 18.10.030, uses follow the PD plan or specific plan; Airport District (table has no shelter row). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Carlos
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the P zone in San Carlos?
Only with a conditional use permit. San Carlos's use table lists it that way in P (§ 18.08.020).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the MU-DC-100 zone in San Carlos?
No. San Carlos's use table does not allow it in MU-DC-100 (§ 18.05.020).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the MU-NB-120 zone in San Carlos?
Yes. San Carlos's use table lists it as allowed in MU-NB-120 (§ 18.05.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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