Sonoma · Land use · Senior or assisted living
Where is senior housing or assisted living allowed in Sonoma?
In Sonoma, senior housing or assisted living is needs an use permit in 1 (R-M) and not allowed in 7 (Sonoma use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-M
- Not allowed: R-HS, R-R, R-L, R-S, R-H, R-O and R-P
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Sonoma 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
Sonoma's code calls this use “Senior Residential Care Facilities”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| R-M Residential – Medium Density | Needs an use permit | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Medical Services – Extended Care' (R-S UP, R-M UP) is a separate medical row and is 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.
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Sonoma
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the R-M zone in Sonoma?
Only with an use permit. Sonoma's use table lists it that way in R-M (Residential – Medium Density) (Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1).
Can I have senior housing or assisted living in the R-HS zone in Sonoma?
No. Sonoma's use table does not allow it in R-HS (Residential – Hillside) (Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about senior housing or assisted living at an address in Sonoma
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
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