Division 17.56 — EMERGENCY SHELTERS

Sections:

17.56.010 Purpose and intent 17.56.020 Applicability 17.56.030 Emergency Shelter Permit; Application and Issuance 17.56.040 Standards for Emergency Shelters 17.56.050 Appeal Process

The purpose and intent of this division is to establish standards for emergency shelters that ensure compatibility of shelter activities with surrounding uses and provide a safe place for individuals and families to obtain temporary shelters, in compliance with state housing law, including Government Code section 65583.

This division applies to all emergency shelters established as permitted uses in Zones A and B.

A. An application for an emergency shelter permit shall be filed with the Planning and Building Department on a form approved by the City together with a fee fixed by resolution of the City Council. The Director shall approve an application that meets the objective development standards set forth in section 17.56.040 without discretionary review or a public hearing. In the event of disapproval, the Director shall set forth in writing the standards to which the application did not comply. A decision by the Director shall be made as soon as practicable, and in no event more than 30 days after the application has been deemed complete.

B. Pursuant to section 17.64.020 of the Piedmont City Code, any approval granted pursuant to section 17.56.030 shall expire one year from the approval date unless a building permit has been issued for the project. The Director may also grant an extension pursuant to section 17.64.020.B.

• A. The following standards and regulations apply to emergency shelters.

  1. Each operator of an emergency shelter shall have a written management plan that uses best practices to address the housing needs of those using the shelter. The written management plan shall address the standards in this section. The operator shall also establish a liaison to coordinate with City staff, school district officials, local businesses, and residents on issues related to the operation of the facility.

  2. Emergency shelters shall provide on-site personnel during hours of operation when individuals who are utilizing the emergency shelter are present. The management plan shall include procedures for screening residents to ensure compatibility with services provided at the facility.

  3. The maximum number of beds or persons permitted to be served nightly is 15.

  4. No emergency shelter facility shall be located within 300 feet of another emergency shelter, measured from the property line.

17- 94

Planning & Land Use

5. When abutting a residence, all waiting and intake areas shall be located indoors. A minimum of 100 square feet of waiting area must be provided to ensure that the public sidewalks or private walkways are not used as queuing or waiting areas. The onsite client intake area must be equal to one-quarter of the area provided for client beds. This may be a multi-use area.

6. Any outdoor storage, including, but not limited to, items brought on site by clients for overnight stays, shall be screened from public view by a minimum six-foot-tall decorative wall or fence on a non-street facing yard.

7. Facility improvements shall comply with the development standards specified in sections 17.20.040 and 17.22.040 of the Piedmont City Code, applicable building and safety codes, and State and Federal laws.

8. The facility shall comply with the parking standards outlined in section 17.30.010.B. of the Piedmont City Code.

9. The facility shall include other amenities as may be required by State of California’s provisions for emergency shelters.

10. Lighting shall be provided in all exterior areas, including pathways, parking areas, courtyards, rear yard areas, and spaces between structures. Lighting shall be directed in a manner that does not cast light onto neighboring properties.

11. Service providers will ensure that the maximum stay at the facility shall not exceed 120 days in a 365-day period.

12. The facility shall comply with all other laws, rules, and regulations that apply including, but not limited to, building and fire codes. The facility shall be subject to City inspections prior to the commencement of operation. In addition, the City may inspect the facility at any time for compliance with applicable laws and standards.

13. Emergency shelter operator shall obtain a City of Piedmont business license.

Any interested parties may appeal any decision to approve or deny an emergency shelter permit application pursuant to division 17.78 of the Piedmont City Code. (Ord. 774 N.S., 09/2024)

17- 95

Planning & Land Use