Lancaster Municipal Code Art. V Emergency Shelters and Low Barrier Navigation Centers

The purpose of these regulations is to allow operation of emergency shelters and low barrier navigation centers in the city to help people in need of housing that are temporarily homeless. Reasonable standards have been established to preserve the neighborhood character and quality of life in Lancaster. Low barrier navigation centers may be permitted for the time determined valid under Government Code Sections 65660 through 65668.

(Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A. Emergency shelters are allowed by right within the light industrial (LI) zone subject to the standards in Section 17.41.220. These standards may be applied to an emergency shelter proposed in other zoning district subject to conditional use approval. Emergency shelters which require conditional use permit approval may be subject to conditions of approval with requirements that vary from and supplement these standards.

B. Low barrier navigation centers meeting the requirements of Government Code Section 65662 are allowed by right in areas zoned for mixed use and nonresidential zones permitting multi-family uses, subject to the standards in Section 17.41.220.

(Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

All emergency shelters and low barrier navigation centers shall be subject to the following standards:

A. New structures for emergency shelters or low barrier navigation centers shall be subject only to those objective development standards that would apply to development within the applicable zone, including but not limited to, those standards related to lot size, building placement, setback, building size and massing, open space and landscaping.

B. The emergency shelter or low barrier navigation center shall be operated by a responsible social service provider. For the purposes of this section, a "social service provider" means an agency or organization licensed or supervised by any federal, state or local health/welfare agency that participates in the Federal Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and has demonstrated experience with the homeless population by assisting individuals and families to achieve economic self-sufficiency and self-determination through a comprehensive array of programs and actions.

C. The emergency shelter or low barrier navigation center shall provide at least one qualified on-site supervisor at all times, plus one attendant for each 50 occupants.

D. An emergency shelter or low barrier navigation center shall not be approved when another emergency shelter or low barrier navigation center exists within 300 feet of the proposed site.

E. On-site waiting and intake areas shall be enclosed or screened from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties.

F. Parking to serve all staff working in the emergency shelter shall be supplied at a ratio of one vehicle space per 10 beds, provided that this standard does not require more parking for emergency shelters or low barrier navigation center than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone.

G. The maximum number of beds or persons permitted to be served nightly by the facility shall be as limited to 150 beds.

H. Providers must submit a written management plan prior to beginning operation, including provisions for staff training, and counseling, treatment, and training programs for residents and length of time which clients may be accommodated. The management plan shall also address how the immediate sheltering needs of individuals who may be turned away from the shelter will be handled.

(Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A. Applications shall be processed in accordance with Government Code Section 65664 provides timelines for action; the city must notify the developer within 30 days if the application is complete under Government Code Section 65493 and then must act on the application within 60 days from the date the application has been deemed complete.

(Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)