How to Zone Your Home for Assisted Living Success

assisted living business regulations assisted living business setup assisted living property zoning assisted living zoning laws city zoning for care homes how to start an assisted living facility legal requirements for assisted living permits for assisted living homes rezoning for assisted living zoning for residential care homes Apr 07, 2025

Starting an assisted living business is exciting—but it can also be tricky! One of the biggest puzzles?
Zoning.

Zoning rules decide what kind of business can go where. And if your home isn’t zoned right, guess what?
You can’t open your assisted living home.

But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it, step by step!

Check out the video, too:

Why Zoning Matters for Assisted Living

Zoning laws are like the city’s rulebook.
They say what buildings can be used for—like homes, schools, stores, or… assisted living!

If your property isn’t zoned for assisted living, you could:

  • Get shut down πŸ‘Ž

  • Miss out on licensing ❌

  • Lose time and money πŸ’Έ

That’s why checking zoning FIRST is a smart move. 🧠

Where to Start with Zoning

First, call your city or county zoning office.
You’ll want to talk to a city planner or zoning officer.

But here’s the secret: don’t say "assisted living"!
That makes them think of big buildings, not cozy homes. 🏒

Try these questions instead:

  • “Can I run a care home here?”

  • “How many unrelated people can live in this home?”

  • “What’s the zoning for this property? And what are the permitted uses?”

These questions keep things simple and help you get the information you really need. βœ…

 

What If the Property Isn’t Zoned for Assisted Living?

Uh-oh! Found the perfect property—but it’s not zoned for care?
You might need to ask for rezoning. Here’s what that could look like:

πŸ“„ Apply – Fill out a form and submit it to the city.
πŸ“’ Public Comment – Neighbors might get a letter and be allowed to share their thoughts.
πŸ›οΈ City Council Meeting – You might need to speak and explain your plan.
🚫 Denied? – You can appeal, change your request, or find a new home.

It’s not always fast… but it’s possible! Just be patient and keep going. πŸ’ͺ

Permits and Other Considerations

Even if the zoning is right, you might still need a few extra things:

πŸͺͺ Business License – Some cities require this even for unlicensed homes.
🧱 Renovation Permits – Planning to add ramps, widen doors, or update bathrooms? You’ll likely need a permit.

Call your city office and ask, “Do I need any permits to open a care home here?”

What Happens If Zoning Changes?

Let’s say the city changes the rules after you open… 
The good news: You’ll probably be “grandfathered in.” That means:

βœ… You can keep operating under the old rules.
❗ But if you close or change the home, the new rules might kick in.

So, always stay up to date and protect your facility!

Tips for Talking to Zoining Officials

City workers can be super helpful—but only if you give them clear information. Here’s how:

πŸ“ Be Specific – Tell them the address, what you want to do, and the number of people you’ll care for.
❓ Ask, Don’t Assume – They may not know how assisted living works, so explain it kindly.
πŸ“ Get It in Writing – Always ask for emails or letters to confirm what they say!

Final Thoughts

Zoning might sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be!
Here’s your simple game plan:

βœ… Talk to your city or county early
βœ… Ask the right questions
βœ… Get your answers in writing
βœ… Be ready to apply for rezoning or permits if needed

With the right approach, zoning won’t slow you down—it’ll set you up for success! πŸš€

Grab your FREE Business Plan Checklist to guide your assisted living journey from day one.

And if you’re serious about starting strong, apply to the Assisted Living Investing Mastermind.
We’ll show you how to build, fund, and launch your home in the next 12 months—without the guesswork. πŸ’ΌπŸ”₯

Let’s build something amazing together! πŸ™Œ

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