Morro Bay · Land use · Senior or assisted living
Where is senior housing or assisted living allowed in Morro Bay?
In Morro Bay, senior housing or assisted living is allowed in 1 base zone (TMU), needs a minor use permit in 4 (RM, RH, NC and CC, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Morro Bay use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: TMU
- Needs a permit: RM, RH, NC and CC
- Not allowed: RL, RS, DC and VSC
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Morro Bay 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
Morro Bay's code calls this use “Residential Facility, Assisted Living”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| TMU | Allowed | § 17.08.020 |
| RM | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.07.020 |
| RH | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.07.020 |
| NC | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| CC | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note 3: Not allowed along Morro Bay Boulevard. | § 17.08.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (CC C(3); PF C) is a separate row and not used.
- 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: CF, H, WF (waterfront/harbor districts, S6) list water-related uses only; none of the 16 uses appears there. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Morro Bay
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the RM zone in Morro Bay?
Only with a minor use permit. Morro Bay's use table lists it that way in RM (§ 17.07.020).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the RL zone in Morro Bay?
No. Morro Bay's use table does not allow it in RL (§ 17.07.020).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the TMU zone in Morro Bay?
Yes. Morro Bay's use table lists it as allowed in TMU (§ 17.08.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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