San Carlos · Land use · Senior or assisted living
Where is senior housing or assisted living allowed in San Carlos?
In San Carlos, senior housing or assisted living is needs a conditional use permit in 3 (RM-59, RM-100 and MU-SC-120) and not allowed in 12 (San Carlos use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: RM-59, RM-100 and MU-SC-120
- Not allowed: RS-3, RS-6, RM-20, MU-DC-100, MU-D-100, MU-D-120, MU-NB-120, MU-SB-100 and 4 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 senior housing or assisted living can go
San Carlos's code calls this use “Elderly and Long-Term Care”. 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-59 Residential Multifamily District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-100 Residential Multifamily District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.04.020 |
| MU-SC-120 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 18.05.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Sub-row 'Residential Care Facilities: Senior' is a separate row with different statuses (S1: M in RM-20, RM-59, RM-100; S2: M(1) in MU-D-100 and MU-D-120, M in MU-SC-120). Standards: Section 18.23.200, Residential care facilities.
- 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: 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 senior housing or assisted living in the RM-59 zone in San Carlos?
Only with a conditional use permit. San Carlos's use table lists it that way in RM-59 (Residential Multifamily District) (§ 18.04.020).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the RS-3 zone in San Carlos?
No. San Carlos's use table does not allow it in RS-3 (Residential Single-Family District) (§ 18.04.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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