Goleta · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Goleta?
In Goleta, an emergency shelter is allowed in 4 base zones (CG, BP, OI and IG), needs a major conditional use permit in 1 (CR) and not allowed in 5 (Goleta use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: CG, BP, OI and IG
- Needs a permit: CR
- Not allowed: CC, OT, VS, CI and IS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Goleta 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
Goleta'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 |
|---|---|---|
| CG General Commercial | Allowed | Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses |
| BP Business Park | Allowed | Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses |
| OI Office Institutional | Allowed | Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses |
| IG General Industrial | Allowed | Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses |
| CR Regional Commercial | Needs a major conditional use permit | Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 17.41.130 Emergency Shelters.
- Row is named "Emergency Shelter" in the commercial and industrial tables and "Emergency Shelters" in the office table. Residential, PQ and OS/AG tables do not list it.
- State law: State law (Gov. Code § 65583, SB 2) requires every city to allow emergency shelters by right in at least one zone.
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Goleta
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the CR zone in Goleta?
Only with a major conditional use permit. Goleta's use table lists it that way in CR (Regional Commercial) (Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the CC zone in Goleta?
No. Goleta's use table does not allow it in CC (Community Commercial) (Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the CG zone in Goleta?
Yes. Goleta's use table lists it as allowed in CG (General Commercial) (Part II — Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses).
General information, not legal advice.
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