Porterville · Land use · Senior or assisted living
Where is senior housing or assisted living allowed in Porterville?
In Porterville, senior housing or assisted living is allowed in 5 base zones (RM-3, DRM-2, DRM-3, D-PO and PO), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (RM-2) and not allowed in 12 (Porterville use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM-3, DRM-2, DRM-3, D-PO and PO
- Needs a permit: RM-2
- Not allowed: RS-1, RS-2, RM-1, DR-N, DR-S, DR-D, D-MX, D-GC and 4 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Porterville 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
Porterville'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.
The code defines “Elderly And Long Term Care”: “Establishments that provide twenty four (24) hour medical, convalescent or chronic care to individuals who, by reason of advanced age, chronic illness or infirmity, are unable to care for themselves, and is licensed as a skilled nursing facility, by” (§ 701.02)
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Residential care facilities, general' is a separate row (S2 RM-1..RM-3 C; S3 DRM-2/3 C; S4 CMX C; S5 PO C).
- 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 district (S7); Chapter 701 use-classification definitions (not in packet); Section 301.03/301.04 Animal Keeping, 301.15, 301.18 not in packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Porterville
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the RM-2 zone in Porterville?
Only with a conditional use permit. Porterville's use table lists it that way in RM-2 (§ 201.02).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the RS-1 zone in Porterville?
No. Porterville's use table does not allow it in RS-1 (§ 201.02).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the RM-3 zone in Porterville?
Yes. Porterville's use table lists it as allowed in RM-3 (§ 201.02).
General information, not legal advice.
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