54.1 LOW BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS

54.1.1 Purpose. These regulations are intended to facilitate development of low barrier navigation centers as set forth in California Government Code Sections 65660 to 65663. A low barrier navigation center is a Housing First, service-enriched shelter that provides temporary living facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness, where case managers connect clients to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing with the intent to move people toward permanent housing. Low barrier navigation centers must be operated by a government agency, religious institution, or nonprofit organization. “Low barrier” means using best practices to reduce barriers to entry, including but not limited to the following:

54.1.1.1 The presence of partners if it is not a population-specific site, such as for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, women, or youth.

54.1.1.2 Pets.

54.1.1.3 The storage of possessions.

54.1.1.4 Privacy, such as partitions around beds in a dormitory setting or in larger rooms containing more than two (2) beds, or private rooms.

54.1.2 Applicability. A low barrier navigation center as defined in this Code is principally permitted in C-1, C-2, C-3, ML, R-3, MU1 and MU2 zoning districts; provided, that it meets the following requirements:

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

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54.1.2.1 It offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a provider’s services plan that identifies services staffing.

54.1.2.2 It is linked to a coordinated entry system, so that staff in the center or staff who co-locate in the center may conduct assessments and provide services to connect people to permanent housing.

“Coordinated entry system” means a centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to Section 576.400(d) or 578.7(a)(8), as applicable, of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as those sections read on January 1, 2020, and any related requirements, designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and referrals.

54.1.2.3 It complies with Housing First, Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

54.1.2.4 It has a system for entering information regarding client stays, client demographics, client income, and exit destination through the local Homeless Management Information System as defined by Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

54.1.2.5 No individual or household shall be denied housing and shelter because of inability to pay.

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

54.1.3.2 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 Housing First practices.

54.1.3.3 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.

54.1.3.4 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.

54.1.3.5 Service Provider. The agency or organization operating the navigation center 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.

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

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

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54.1.3.7 Proximity to Other Shelters. Principally permitted low barrier navigation centers may not be located within three hundred (300) feet of each other, or within three hundred (300) feet of any emergency shelter.

54.1.3.8 Exceptions. Exceptions to each of the development standards in Sections 54.1.3.1 through 54.1.3.7 may be allowed with a special permit. (Ord. 2719, § 4, 7/11/2023)

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