47.2 EMERGENCY SHELTERS

47.2.1 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to increase development of emergency shelters and services for people who are experiencing homelessness and to establish development standards. No individual or household may be denied housing and shelter because of inability to pay.

47.2.2 Applicability. These regulations apply to emergency shelters as defined in Section 314-140 and elsewhere in this Code, in all zones where those shelters are permitted.

47.2.3 General Provisions. Emergency shelters that meet all of the following requirements are principally permitted in the C-1, C-2, C-3, ML, R-3, MU1 and MU2 zoning districts. Emergency shelters may only be subject to those development and management standards that apply to residential or commercial development within the same zone except as follows in Section 47.2.4.

47.2.4.1 Lighting. Adequate external lighting must be provided. The lighting must be stationary, and directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

Page 573 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

47.2.4.2 Common Facilities. Common facilities may be provided for cooking and dining, recreation, counseling, child care, and other support services, for use of the residents and staff. Laundry facilities, electricity, Wi-Fi, and pet shelter and exercise areas are recommended in accordance with low barrier practices.

47.2.4.3 Waiting and Intake Area. If client intake occurs on site, an enclosed or screened waiting and intake area must be provided on the property to prevent queuing in the public right-of-way. The area must be at least ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the shelter, and must be located outside of the yard setbacks.

47.2.4.4 Security. The agency or organization operating the shelter (provider) must provide security for residents, visitors and employees during hours that the emergency shelter is in operation.

47.2.4.5 Emergency Shelter Provider. The agency or organization operating the shelter must comply with the following requirements:

47.2.4.5.1 The provider must have a written management plan that specifies the hours of operation and the number of beds up to a maximum of fifty (50) beds.

47.2.4.5.2 Temporary shelter must be available to residents for no more than six (6) months, with review and renewal as specified in the provider’s management plan.

47.2.4.6 Maximum Unit Density. Homeless shelters located in residential districts, when not developed in an individual dwelling unit format, are not subject to the density standard of the General Plan, but the number of beds must be limited to fifty (50). In no case may occupancy of the facility exceed the limit set forth in the adopted Airport Land Use Plan.

47.2.4.7 Proximity to Other Emergency Shelters. Principally permitted emergency shelters may not be located within three hundred (300) feet of each other.

47.2.4.8 Exceptions. Exceptions to each of the development standards in Sections 47.2.4.1 through 47.2.4.7 may be allowed with a special permit.

*** Note:** Section 47.2 was previously codified as Section 47.1, Emergency Shelters, and has been renumbered to be Section 47.2 at the County’s request to accommodate the new Section 47.1, Emergency Housing Under Shelter Crisis Declaration, added by Ord. 2695.