San Carlos · Land use · Residential care home (7 or more)
Where is a residential care home for 7 or more people allowed in San Carlos?
In San Carlos, a residential care home for 7 or more people is needs a minor use permit in 6 (RM-20, RM-59, RM-100, MU-D-100, MU-D-120 and 1 more, 2 with a condition) and not allowed in 9 (San Carlos use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: RM-20, RM-59, RM-100, MU-D-100, MU-D-120 and MU-SC-120
- Not allowed: RS-3, RS-6, MU-DC-100, MU-NB-120, MU-SB-100, MU-SB-120, MU-N-40, MU-N-50 and 1 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Carlos Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a residential care home for 7 or more people can go
San Carlos's code calls this use “Residential Care Facilities: General”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RM-20 Residential Multifamily District | Needs a minor use permit | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-59 Residential Multifamily District | Needs a minor use permit | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-100 Residential Multifamily District | Needs a minor use permit | § 18.04.020 |
| MU-D-100 | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note (1): Not allowed on the ground floor along Laurel Street and San Carlos Avenue frontages. Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-D-120 | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note (1): Not allowed on the ground floor along Laurel Street and San Carlos Avenue frontages. Parcels located within an adopted Specific Plan area shall comply with the requirements of the Specific Plan. | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SC-120 | Needs a minor use permit | § 18.05.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 18.23.200, Residential care facilities.
- 'Limited' sub-row (small homes): P in all RS/RM zones and all ten mixed-use zones. 'Senior' sub-row differs; see senior-assisted-living. Standards: Section 18.23.200.
- State law: A licensed care home for six or fewer residents is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1566.3); this page covers larger homes.
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development): S7 18.10.030, uses follow the PD plan or specific plan; Airport District (table has no shelter row). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Carlos
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a residential care home for 7 or more people in the RM-20 zone in San Carlos?
Only with a minor use permit. San Carlos's use table lists it that way in RM-20 (Residential Multifamily District) (§ 18.04.020).
Can I have a residential care home for 7 or more people in the RS-3 zone in San Carlos?
No. San Carlos's use table does not allow it in RS-3 (Residential Single-Family District) (§ 18.04.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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