Chapter 21.58 — LOW-BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS

These regulations are intended to facilitate the development of low-barrier navigation centers (LBNC) as set forth in California Government Code Section 65660 to 65663. A low-barrier navigation center provides essential housing-first, low-barrier, service-enriched shelters that are designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness transition into permanent housing. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025).

A low barrier navigation center that complies with the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted within the R-3 and R-4 zones, as well as the MUO and ESO overlays. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025).

The operation of low barrier navigation center must adhere to the following:

(a) Connected services. It offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a services plan that identifies services staffing.

(b) Coordinated entry system. It is linked to a coordinated entry system, so that staff in the interim facility or staff who co-locate in the facility may conduct assessments and provide services to connect people to permanent housing. (c) Homeless management information system. 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 as may be amended from time to time.

(d) A clear and enforceable code of conduct must be established for residents to ensure a safe and respectful living environment.

(e) Daily operations. Must operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide continuous support to residents. (f) Code compliant. It complies with Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code as may be amended from time to time.(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025).

(a) Annual report. Each approved low barrier navigation center shall be subject to annual review by the city, including a review of management services. The permit grantee shall be responsible for filing an annual report to the city which includes the number of individuals served, outcome related to permanent housing placements, compliance with operation standards, and services provided at the facility.

(b) Inspections. The city reserves the right to conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance with this chapter and applicable health and safety regulations. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025).

An application for a zoning clearance for a low barrier navigation center permit shall be filed pursuant to Chapter 21.96 . The Director shall approve an application that meets the development standards set forth in this chapter

without discretionary review or a public hearing, no more than 60 days after the application has been deemed complete. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025).

This chapter shall only remain in effect until January 1, 2027 and on that date is repealed, unless the Legislature of the State of California extends Article 12 of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code to a later date. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025).