Fowler Municipal Code Ch. 9.216 Emergency Shelters

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish regulations for emergency shelters.

(Ord. No. 2024-06, § 3, 1-7-2025)

The requirements contained in this Chapter apply to all emergency shelters.

(Ord. No. 2024-06, § 3, 1-7-2025)

The following development standards apply to all emergency shelters:

A. Waiting and Client Intake Areas. Outdoor waiting areas may not be located in the public right-of-way, must be physically separated from the public right-of-way, and must be large enough to accommodate the expected number of clients. An indoor waiting area must be provided.

B. Separation Requirements. Emergency shelters shall be located no closer than three hundred (300) feet from another emergency shelter.

C. On-Site Management. Continuous on-site supervision during hours of operation shall be provided. Specifically, there shall be a minimum of one staff person per eight clients during daytime hours, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and a minimum of two (2) staff people at the facility during nighttime hours, 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

D. Maximum Length of Stay. Occupancy for an individual in an emergency shelter is limited to no more than six (6) months. The operator of the emergency shelter shall maintain adequate documentation to demonstrate compliance with this provision.

E. Security. The facility shall have on-site security personnel during all hours when the shelter is in operation, and at all times when shelter clients are present on site.

(Ord. No. 2024-06, § 3, 1-7-2025)