Chapter 17.62 — EMERGENCY SHELTERS

The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations governing the erection, operation, and occupancy of emergency shelters to allow for the adequate requirement of emergency housing services for vulnerable members of the community while protecting and upholding the general public health, safety, and welfare.

• (Ord. 2016-04 § 7 (part), 2016: Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

A. Permit Requirements. Emergency shelters are conditionally allowed or allowed by right as established in Article II. (Zoning Districts, Allowed Uses, and Development Standards). In addition to satisfying the requirements listed below, emergency shelters shall comply with all federal and California licensing requirements and all applicable Uniform Building and Fire Codes, including maximum occupancy restrictions.

• B. Exceptions to Permit Requirements.

1. Emergency Shelters may exceed the maximum thirty (30)-bed limitation below through a conditional use permit subject to approval by the designated approving authority, in accordance with Government Code Section 65589.5(d).

• (Ord. 2016-04 § 7 (part), 2016: Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

A. Location and Separation. Emergency shelters of more than ten (10) persons shall be situated more than three hundred (300) feet from any other emergency shelter.

• B. Physical Characteristics.

1. The maximum number of beds for emergency shelters shall be thirty (30) unless a conditional use permit is applied for and approved. The maximum number of beds does not apply in situations of city- or statewide designated disasters or catastrophic conditions.

2. Smoke detectors, approved by the Fire Department, shall be provided in all sleeping and food preparation areas for emergency shelters.

3. The size of an emergency shelter shall be in character with the surrounding neighborhood.

4. The emergency shelter shall have an interior, onsite waiting and client intake area that is a minimum of two-hundred (200) square feet. The emergency shelter shall include a landscaped exterior waiting area that is a minimum of one hundred (100) square feet, so that clients waiting for services are not required to use the public sidewalk for queuing.

5. The emergency shelter shall have on-site parking provided at the rate of:

• a. One (1) space per three (3) beds plus;

• b. One (1) space per employee;

• c. Off-street parking may only be required based on demonstrated need, provided that the same requirements applied are those for residential or commercial uses within the same zone.

6. The emergency shelter shall have exterior lighting consistent with Chapter 17.46 (Lighting).

(Ord. 2016-04 § 7 (part), 2016: Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

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

• B. Emergency shelters shall have on-site security during the hours that the emergency shelter is in operation.

• (Ord. 2016-04 § 7 (part), 2016: Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)