Division 9 — OTHER USES
El Centro Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · El Centro
Sec. 29-271. - Emergency shelters. ¶
Emergency shelters shall be permitted in accordance with state law and development standards for the zone in which they are located, as well as the following requirements:
(a)
Location. No emergency shelter shall be located within three hundred (300) feet of another emergency shelter.
(b)
Size.
(1)
An emergency shelter shall include no more than fifty (50) beds, serving no more than fifty (50) people.
(2)
At least one hundred fifty (150) square feet of sleeping area shall be provided for each bed.
(c)
Length of stay.
(1)
The maximum length of stay at any one (1) time for any person shall be six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period.
(d)
Off-street parking.
(1)
Two (2) spaces per facility plus one (1) space for each employee, provided that no more parking is required than for other residential or commercial uses in the same zone. Emergency shelters must also provide adequate provisions for loading and unloading or pick-up and drop-off zones.
(2)
Non-operational and non-registered vehicles shall not be kept on the site.
(e)
Client intake areas.
(1)
Emergency shelters shall include an interior client waiting and intake area that is at least two hundred fifty (250) square feet or large enough to accommodate up to twenty-five (25) percent of the maximum number of shelter residents.
(2)
Any exterior waiting areas shall be screened and covered and shall not obstruct the public right-of-way.
(f)
Safety and security.
(1)
Adequate lighting shall be provided in all parking and exterior waiting areas.
(2)
No one shall be allowed to camp or sleep outside emergency shelters, including in vehicles parked.
(3)
Nighttime security staff, or electronic cameras with video monitors that can be viewed by nighttime staff, shall monitor the exterior of emergency shelters, including parking and exterior waiting areas.
(4)
Emergency shelters that accommodate more than one (1) gender shall provide separate sleeping and bathroom areas for each gender, and separate lounge areas for each gender when provided. When possible, separate areas should also be provided to accommodate families.
(g)
On-site management.
(1)
Emergency shelters shall be operated by a government agency, private, or nonprofit organization that is authorized to provide emergency shelter services.
(2)
When required by state law, emergency shelters shall be registered and licensed.
(3)
Emergency shelter operators shall maintain a written facility management plan that includes:
i.
Services offered at the site.
ii.
Maximum capacity at the site.
iii.
Number and qualifications of staff required for day and night shifts.
iv.
Behavior guidelines for residents and staff.
v.
Facility maintenance standards.
vi.
Site safety and security measures.
vii.
Emergency plan.
(h)
Amenities. Emergency shelters may also provide one (1) or more of the following amenities for residents:
(1)
Central cooking, dining, and lounge areas.
(2)
Laundry facilities.
(3)
Indoor and/or outdoor recreation areas.
(4)
Counseling and other supportive services.
(5)
Secure storage areas for personal possessions.
(6)
Pet accommodations.
(Ord. No. 24-03, § 2, 9-17-24)