Chapter 23.902 — Emergency Shelters

The General Plan housing element identifies the city's need to provide equal access to housing for people with special needs, including encouraging the development of emergency housing. It is the intent of this chapter to provide for adequate development and operational standards to ensure appropriate housing and services for special needs populations are met. (Ord. 8-2021 § 3 (Exh. A))

Terms unique to this chapter are listed in RCMC § 23.1104.040 . (Ord. 8-2021 § 3 (Exh. A))

Emergency shelter facilities are permitted pursuant to this chapter. Additionally:

• A. Emergency shelter facilities shall comply with all federal and California state licensing requirements.

• B. Emergency shelter facilities shall comply with all applicable California building and fire codes, including maximum occupancy restrictions.

• (Ord. 8-2021 § 3 (Exh. A))

Emergency shelter shall comply with all standards provided by this chapter.

• A. Development Standards.

  1. Location and Separation. All emergency shelter programs must be situated more than 300 feet from any other emergency shelter or day program serving primarily homeless individuals or households.

  2. Physical Characteristics.

     • a. No more than 75 beds shall be provided in any single emergency shelter, except:

       • i. In response to a disaster; or

       • ii. As authorized by a use permit approved by the council.

     • b. Emergency shelter facilities shall comply with all current provisions of the California building and fire codes, beginning with those listed in Appendix O, Emergency Housing, of the California Building Code.

• B. Operational Standards.

  1. There shall be space inside the building so that prospective and current residents are not required to wait on sidewalks or any other public rights-of-way.

  2. The emergency shelter shall provide accommodations appropriate for a maximum stay of 180 days per client/family.

  3. The emergency shelter shall provide security on site during hours of operation.

  4. Emergency shelters shall provide on-site management and support staff at all times during shelter use. The manager's area shall be located near the entry to the facility.

  5. Parking standards: one space per staff and one space per 10 beds.

• (Ord. 8-2021 § 3 (Exh. A))