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Division 9 — OTHER USES

El Centro Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 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)

Secs. 29-272—29-274. - Reserved.

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Contents — El Centro Zoning Code
El Centro Zoning Code
  1. Article I — BASIC PROVISIONS
  2. Article I — BASIC PROVISIONS
  3. Division 1 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
  4. Division 2 — DEFINITIONS
  5. Division 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  6. Division 2 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
  7. Division 3 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
  8. Division 4 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
  9. Division 5 — CIVIC CENTER ZONE
  10. Division 6 — LIMITED USE ZONE
  11. Division 7 — SINGLE-FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD OVERLAY ZONE
  12. Division 8 — MIXED-USE ZONE
  13. Division 9 — MEDICAL OFFICE OVERLAY ZONE
  14. Division 10 — MIXED-USE 2 OVERLAY ZONE
  15. Division 1 — LOT SIZE REGULATIONS
  16. Division 2 — DENSITY REGULATIONS
  17. Division 3 — SETBACK REGULATIONS
  18. Division 4 — HEIGHT REGULATIONS
  19. Division 5 — PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
  20. Division 6 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING, SCREENING, AND FENCI…
  21. Division 7 — LIGHTING REGULATIONS
  22. Division 8 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
  23. Division 9 — ACCESSORY USE REGULATIONS
  24. Division 10 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
  25. Division 11 — ANIMAL KEEPING REGULATIONS
  26. Division 1 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
  27. Division 2 — MANUFACTURED HOME REGULATIONS
  28. Division 3 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS
  29. Division 4 — DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM
  30. Division 5 — TEMPORARY USES
  31. Division 6 — NONCONFORMING LOTS, BUILDINGS, AND USES
  32. Division 7 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  33. Division 8 — COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
  34. Division 9 — OTHER USES
  35. Division 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  36. Division 2 — PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES
  37. Division 3 — ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
  38. Division 4 — SITE PLAN REVIEW
  39. Division 5 — VARIANCE
  40. Division 6 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
  41. Division 7 — ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT OR ZONE CHANGE
  42. Division 8 — SPECIFIC PLAN
  43. Division 9 — PERMITS IN GENERAL
  44. Division 10 — APPEALS
  45. Division 11 — ENFORCEMENT

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