Modesto · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Modesto?
In Modesto, an emergency shelter is allowed in 1 base zone (C-3), needs a conditional use permit in 5 (C-1, C-2, C-M, M-1 and M-2) and not allowed in 6 (Modesto use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-3
- Needs a permit: C-1, C-2, C-M, M-1 and M-2
- Not allowed: R-1, R-2, R-3, MU-P, MU-H and P-O
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Modesto 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
Modesto'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 |
|---|---|---|
| C-3 Highway Commercial | Allowed | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-1 Neighborhood Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-2 General Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| C-M Commercial-Industrial | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| M-1 Light Industrial | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
| M-2 Heavy Industrial | Needs a conditional use permit | Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: 10-3.205 Emergency and Homeless Shelters.
- 'Low Barrier Navigation Center' is a separate row (P in MU-P to C-3; C in C-M, M-1, M-2; the P in mixed use and commercial zones is repealed on January 1, 2027).
- 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 zone (uses set by each ordinance, 10-7.103); SP-H Specific Plan-Holding zone (own short use list in 10-7.402/403); Downtown Core zone (referenced in 10-3.203, no table in the text). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Modesto
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the C-1 zone in Modesto?
Only with a conditional use permit. Modesto's use table lists it that way in C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the R-1 zone in Modesto?
No. Modesto's use table does not allow it in R-1 (Low Density Residential) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the C-3 zone in Modesto?
Yes. Modesto's use table lists it as allowed in C-3 (Highway Commercial) (Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS).
General information, not legal advice.
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