Chapter 18.52 — EMERGENCY SHELTERS

It is the purpose of this section to facilitate and encourage the provision of emergency shelter for homeless persons and households by allowing permanent yearround emergency shelters without a conditional use permit or other discretionary action in the C-1 (retail business) zone, subject only to the same development standards that apply to the other permitted uses in these zones, except for the following requirements unique to emergency shelters, as authorized by Government Code § 65583(a)(4):

• (1) The beds or persons to be served nightly by an emergency shelter shall not exceed 35.

• (2) Off-street parking shall accommodate all staff working in the emergency shelter provided that parking for an emergency shelter shall not be more than that required for other residential or commercial uses permitted in the retail business (C-1) zone.

• (3) Appropriately sized and located exterior and interior on-site waiting and intake areas shall be provided.

• (4) Appropriate exterior lighting shall be provided.

• (5) On-site management shall be provided.

• (6) Security shall be provided during the hours that the emergency shelter is in operation.

• (7) The maximum length of stay by a homeless person in an emergency shelter shall be six months.

• (8) An emergency shelter shall not be required to be more than 300 feet of another emergency shelter.

• (9) No individual or household shall be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.010, 11-12-2019; Ord. No. 2025-1, § 2 (Exh. B), 1-13-2025)

In addition to the standards set forth in here and below, emergency shelters shall also be required to comply with the state building code and state fire code in effect at the time of building permit application.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.020, 11-12-2019)

Sec. 18.52.030. - Health and safety standards.

In addition to the standards set forth in here and below, emergency shelters shall also be required to comply with the state housing code in effect at the time of building permit application.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.030, 11-12-2019)

Prior to commencing operation, the emergency shelter provider must have a written management plan, which shall be approved by town staff. The management plan must include, but shall not be limited to, provisions for staff training, resident identification process, policies regarding pets, the timing and placement of outdoor activities, temporary storage of residents' personal belongings, safety and security.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.040, 11-12-2019; Ord. No. 2025-1, § 2 (Exh. B), 1-13-2025)

Sec. 18.52.050. - Occupancy load and bathroom facilities.

Each resident shall be provided a minimum of 50 gross square feet of personal living space per person, not including space for common areas. In no case shall occupancy exceed 35 residents at any one time. Bathing facilities shall be provided in quantity and location as required in the California Plumbing Code (title 24, part 5) and shall comply with the accessibility requirements of the California Building Code (title 24, part 2).

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.050, 11-12-2019)

The emergency shelter facility may provide one or more specific facilities and services, including, but not limited to, commercial kitchen facilities designed and operated in compliance with the California Retail Food Code, dining area, laundry area, recreation room, support services such as training and counseling, and childcare facilities.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.060, 11-12-2019)

Sec. 18.52.070. - Lighting.

Adequate external lighting shall be provided for security purposes. The lighting shall be stationary, full cut-off downward facing hooded lighting and directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, and of intensity compatible with the neighborhood.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.070, 11-12-2019)

Outdoor activities, such as recreation, eating, and staging for drop-off, intake, and pick-up, may be conducted at the facility. Conducting such activities either at a back entrance or inner courtyard is encouraged. For the purposes of noise abatement in residential districts, outdoor activities may only be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.080, 11-12-2019)

Sec. 18.52.090. - Shelter location, and concentration of uses.

Emergency shelters must be sited within the C-1 (retail business) zone.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.090, 11-12-2019; Ord. No. 2025-1, § 2 (Exh. B), 1-13-2025)

Sec. 18.52.100. - Design standards.

To ensure that new and renovated buildings are compatible with the existing character and scale of the surrounding commercial environment, new and infill buildings must be consistent with the architectural design guidelines.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.100, 11-12-2019)

Sec. 18.52.110. - Shelter provider.

The agency or organization operating the shelter shall comply with the following requirements:

• (1) Temporary shelter shall be available to residents for no more than 60 days. Extensions up to a total stay of 180 days may be provided if no alternative housing is available.

(2)

Staff and services shall be provided to assist residents to obtain permanent shelter and income. Such services shall be available at no cost to all residents of a provider's shelter.

• (3) The provider shall not discriminate in any services provided.

• (4) The provider shall not require participation by residents in any religious or philosophical ritual, service, meeting or rite as a condition of eligibility.

(Ord. No. 2019-1, § 18.46.110, 11-12-2019)