Part 8 — Emergency Shelters and Low-Barrier Navigation Centers

Consistent with Government Code Sections 65582, 65583(a) and 65589.5, all California cities are required to identify a zone in which to permit emergency shelters by right. The purpose of regulating the siting of emergency shelters is to ensure the development of emergency shelters to provide housing and services for homeless persons while not adversely impacting adjacent parcels or the surrounding neighborhood. Such shelters shall be developed in a manner which protects the health, safety, and general welfare of the shelter residents and of nearby residents and businesses. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).

A. Occupancy. A maximum of 15 beds or persons may be served nightly, with associated support service not open to the public. Any emergency shelter or low-barrier navigation center for homeless with greater than 15 beds shall be subject to approval of a conditional use permit consistent with Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 5.

B. Hours of Operation. Emergency shelters and low-barrier navigation centers for homeless persons providing fewer than 15 beds are not required to be open 24 hours a day, but may be open 24 hours. Clients of emergency shelters or low-barrier navigation centers shall be given a specified check-out time as detailed in the management and operation plan, but may remain on the premises to utilize on-site services offered.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

Page 120 of 293

Title 20 Zoning | Cudahy Municipal Code

C. Length of Stay. The length of stay of an individual client shall not exceed six months within a 12-month period; days of stay need not be consecutive.

D. Management and Operation Plan. The applicant or operator shall submit a management and operation plan for the emergency shelter or low-barrier navigation center through the over-the-counter approval process for review and feedback by the director of community development or designee in consultation with law enforcement at the time the project is proposed, and prior to issuance of permits. If the site plan review process applies to the proposed application, then the management and operational plan should be submitted and reviewed concurrently with that application. The plan shall remain active throughout the life of the facility, with any changes subject to review and approval by the director of community development or designee in consultation with the chief of police. The plan should be based on “best practices” and include, but not be limited to, a security plan, operational procedures, listing of services provided, staff training, “good neighbor” communication plan, client transportation and active transportation plan, ratio of staff to clients, client eligibility and intake and check-out process, detailed hours of operation, and an ongoing outreach plan to the local homeless population. The city may inspect the facility at any time for compliance with the facility’s operational plan and other applicable laws and standards.

E. Applicable Laws. The facility shall comply with all other laws, rules, and regulations that apply, including building and fire codes, and shall be subject to city inspections prior to operational plan approval. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).

A. Parking. In order to accommodate the parking needs of staff only, each emergency shelter or low-barrier navigation center shall provide that amount which is no greater than necessary to accommodate staff but no less than a minimum of two parking spaces. A covered and secured area for bicycle parking shall be provided for use by staff and clients, commensurate with demonstrated need but no less than a minimum of eight bike parking spaces.

B. Waiting and Intake Area. A client waiting and intake area shall be provided and contain a minimum of 10 square feet per bed provided at the facility. The client waiting and intake area shall be screened from the public right-of-way by a solid wall of at least six feet in height, and shall be sufficient in size to accommodate all persons waiting to enter the facility.

C. Support Services. Emergency shelters and low-barrier navigation centers may also provide the following support services:

1. Food preparation and dining areas;

2. Laundry facilities;

3. Restrooms and showers;

4. Areas to secure and store client belongings;

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

Page 121 of 293

Title 20 Zoning | Cudahy Municipal Code

5. Indoor and/or outdoor recreational facilities and/or open space;

6. Accommodations for client pets;

7. A private area providing referral services to assist shelter clients in entering programs aimed at obtaining permanent shelter, income, and support services. Referral services refers to the initial assessment of a homeless client to identify the areas in which assistance is needed, and connecting clients with appropriate off-site programs and services depending on their need.

D. Restrooms. The number of toilets and showers shall comply with applicable building codes and plumbing codes.

E. Trash Enclosure and Loading Zone. Each facility shall have a trash enclosure and loading zone as provided in Chapters 20.20 and 20.28 CMC. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).