Chapter 17.76 — EMERGENCY SHELTERS

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish regulations governing the provision of emergency housing for vulnerable members of the community while protecting and upholding the general public health, safety, and welfare. (Ord. 1501 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1558 § 3, 2015)

The regulations and standards contained in this Chapter shall apply to the establishment and operation of emergency shelters, as defined by Chapter 17.24 (Allowed Use Definitions), in the City. (Ord. 1501 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1558 § 3, 2015)

Emergency shelters regulated by this Chapter shall only be permitted in accordance with Article II (Zoning Districts, Allowed Uses, and Development Standards) and subject to the special regulations outlined in Section 17.76.040 (Special Standards) of this Chapter. These requirements are in addition to any other development standards and regulations contained elsewhere in this Zoning Ordinance and any other permits or certificates required by law. (Ord. 1501 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1558 § 3, 2015)

Prior to the establishment of an emergency shelter, the following requirements shall be met:

• A. Outdoor Activities. All functions associated with the shelter, except for children's play areas, outdoor recreation areas, parking, and outdoor waiting, must take place within the building(s) proposed to house the shelter. Adequate facilities shall be provided for any clients waiting outdoors, if any. Such facilities shall include, but are not limited to, benches or other shaded seating areas. Such areas shall not be 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.

• B. Physical Characteristics.

  1. The maximum number of beds for emergency housing shall be 100 unless a Conditional Use Permit is applied for and approved.

  2. The maximum number of beds does not apply in situations of City-designated or statewide designated disasters or catastrophic conditions.

  3. Smoke detectors, approved by the Fire Department, must be provided in all sleeping and food preparation areas.

  4. The facility shall have adequate private living space, shower and toilet facilities, and secure storage areas for its intended residents.

  5. The size of an emergency facility shall be in character with the surrounding neighborhood.

  6. The facility shall have at least one bedroom that has 120 square feet of floor area. Other habitable rooms shall have an area not less than 70 square feet. When more than two persons occupy a room used for sleeping purposes, the required floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet for each occupant in excess of two.

• C. Operational Standards

  1. Emergency shelter facilities shall comply with all federal and state licensing requirements.

  2. Emergency shelter facilities shall comply with all applicable Uniform Building and Fire Codes, including maximum occupancy restrictions.

  3. If the facility is proposed for location in an area developed as a residential area, all intake and screening shall be conducted off-site.

  4. If a program includes a drug or alcohol abuse counseling component, appropriate state and/or federal licensing shall be required.

  5. The program shall provide accommodations appropriate for a minimum stay of 28 days and a maximum of 180 days per client/family.

  6. The program shall identify a transportation system that will provide its clients with a reasonable level of mobility including, but not limited to, access to social services, housing, and employment opportunities.

  7. Emergency shelters shall provide specific mechanisms for residents to contact social services.

  8. The program shall include clear and acceptable arrangements for facility residents, such as on-site meal preparation or food provision or disbursement.

  9. The program, where applicable, shall provide child-care services and ensure that school-aged children are enrolled in school during their stay at the facility.

10. The emergency shelter provider shall have a written management plan including, as applicable, provisions for staff training, neighborhood outreach, security, screening of residents to ensure compatibility with services provided at the facility, and for training, counseling, and treatment programs for residents.

11. Shelters may establish written expectations of residents—behavioral, medical, and religious, etc. Expectations of residents will be available to each resident at entry to the shelter and to the public (upon request).

12. Shelters shall have infection control policies in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control covering, but not necessarily limited to, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.

13. Domestic violence shelters shall maintain a record of clients and visitors at all times. Clients will have immediate 24-hour access to shelter staff, and no walk-in services shall be provided at any time in the safe house itself.

14. Emergency shelters shall provide on-site management and support staff at all times during shelter use.

15. A management plan shall be submitted for approval by the Community Development Director. Such plan shall address all issues identified by the Community Development Director including, but not limited to, the following:

• a. On-site circulation;

• b. Program for client supervision and staffing procedures;

• c. Security provisions;

• d. Client services offered on-site; and

e. Measures to address compatibility with surrounding uses. (Ord. 1501 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1558 § 3, 2015)