Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Fresno?

Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Fresno Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.

Fresno'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.

NMX, CMX, CMS, CC, CR, CH, CRC, O, BP, IH, OS, PR.

• Standards for this use: § 15-2729 Emergency Shelters.
• Not listed in B, RS, RM districts (so not permitted there). 'Transitional and Supportive Housing' (§ 15-2762) and 'Domestic Violence Shelter' are separate rows/treatments. Downtown districts vary by Activity Class (A/B/C, map Figure 15-1501) and are left out where classes differ: DTN A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTG A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTC A/B/C: P(1)/P/P.
• 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: Overlay districts and Part II articles other than Articles 8-15 are not in the text; Downtown cells omitted where Activity Class A/B/C differ. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.

• Single-family home
• Duplex
• Apartment building
• Live-work unit
• Senior or assisted living
• Rooming or boarding house
• Residential care home (7 or more)
• Child care center
• Church or place of worship
• Kennel
• Private school