Colfax Municipal Code Ch. 17.140 Emergency Shelter

This chapter establishes the requirements and standards for the location and operation of an emergency shelter as defined in subsection 17.64.070K.3.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. Emergency shelters are allowed as identified in Article III.

B. An emergency shelter that meets the requirements of Section 17.140.030 is exempt from a conditional use permit when located in the light industrial (I-L) zone. An emergency shelter proposed within any other zone requires approval of a conditional use permit.

C. An emergency shelter within the light industrial (I-L) zone shall not operate prior to approval of a zoning clearance certification in accordance with Chapter 17.28.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

The following development standards are required in addition to the general development standards required under Articles III and IV.

A. Distance Separation Requirements. No emergency shelter shall be located within two hundred fifty (250) feet of any other emergency shelter.

B. Occupancy. An emergency shelter shall not exceed forty (40) residents, excluding staff.

C. Length of Occupancy. Any single resident's stay shall not exceed six consecutive months.

D. Zone Specific Development Standards. An emergency shelter shall comply with all development standards of the applicable zoning district in which it is located.

E. Parking Requirements. Emergency shelters shall provide one parking space for every staff member and one parking space for every ten (10) temporary residents.

F. Management. An emergency shelter must adequately comply with the management standards:

1. There shall be space inside the building so that prospective and current residents are not required to wait on sidewalks or any other public rights-of-way.

2. Security shall be provided on site during hours of operation.

3. On-site management shall be provided by at least one emergency shelter staff member at all times while residents are present at the shelter.

4. Emergency shelter lighting shall be consistent with the City of Colfax's adopted building code.

G. When a Conditional Use Permit is Required. An emergency shelter that does not meet the development and management standards of this section or is located within any other zone shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit.

H. Conditional Use Permit Conditions of Approval and Findings.

1. In review of an application for a conditional use permit for an emergency shelter, the approval authority shall review the requirements of this section and may approve reasonable deviations from the requirements of this section and may approve additional conditions consistent with protecting public health, safety and welfare, provided that such conditions do not render the project infeasible.

2. Notwithstanding subsection 17.40.070A., and consistent with Government Code Section 65589.5, in approving a conditional use permit the approval authority shall only make the specific finding that the application would not have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

If an emergency shelter ceases operation for a period of six consecutive months, any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall automatically lapse and be deemed null and void, unless the permit provides otherwise.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)