Chapter 17.74 — EMERGENCY SHELTERS/TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS

The purposes of this chapter are to ensure the development of emergency shelters for the homeless that do not adversely impact adjacent parcels or the surrounding neighborhood, and to ensure they are developed in a manner which protects the health, safety, and general welfare of the nearby residents and businesses, while providing housing for the homeless of the community. (Ord. 009-2015 § 2; Ord. 001-2024, 2/20/2024)

This chapter shall apply only to emergency shelters which shall only permitted within the R-3, R-4, and CH zone districts.

(Ord. 009-2015 § 2; Ord. 001-2024, 2/20/2024)

The only permitted use in the emergency shelter for the homeless overlay is a facility housing the homeless with 16 or fewer beds, which shall serve no more than 16 homeless persons at one time. The cumulative number of beds allowed through this chapter shall be no more than 16 beds, except as authorized by a use permit.

(Ord. 009-2015 § 2; Ord. 001-2024, 2/20/2024)

Conditional uses allowed in the emergency shelter for the homeless overlay, subject to obtaining a use permit, are as follows:

• A. Single facility housing the homeless with more than 16 beds.

• B. Facility housing the homeless that would increase the cumulative total number of beds allowed through this chapter above 16.

• C. Emergency shelters and transitional housing uses are allowed with a CUP within C-1, C-2, C-2A, C-3-1, and I-P-I zones.

• (Ord. 009-2015 § 2; Ord. 001-2024, 2/20/2024)

The emergency shelter for the homeless shall conform to all development regulations of the zoning district in which it is located, except for the off-street parking requirement. A modification to a development regulation of the underlying zoning district may be permitted subject to approval of a use permit by the planning commission.

• A. Off-Street Parking. All required parking spaces and access thereto shall conform to the city parking standards. Parking shall be provided per the requirements and shall not be located in any required yard abutting a street or R district. The community development director may also reduce the parking requirement if the shelter can demonstrate a lower need.

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City of Rio Vista, CA § 17.74.050

RIO VISTA CODE

§ 17.74.070

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----- Start of picture text -----
Type Parking Spaces
Vehicular* One per 5 beds or 1 employee, or as based upon the
demonstrated need
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• A 10% reduction in the overall parking requirement is permitted if the facility is located within one-half mile of a rail station or one-quarter mile of a bus stop that serves at least four buses per hour during the weekday peak periods in the morning (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and afternoon (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

• (Ord. 009-2015 § 2; Ord. 001-2024, 2/20/2024)

The shelter for the homeless shall conform to all performance standards. A modification to a performance standard may be permitted subject to approval of a use permit.

• A. Waiting and Client Intake Areas. Shelters shall provide 10 square feet of on-site, interior waiting and client intake space per bed. In addition, one office or cubicle shall be provided per 10 beds, with at least one office or up to 25% of the offices designed for client privacy. Waiting and intake areas may be used for other purposes as needed during operations of the shelter.

• B. Facility Requirements. Each facility shall include a written management plan that uses best practices to address homeless needs (e.g., quality assurance standards developed) and shall include, at a minimum, the following:

  1. On-Site Management. On-site personnel are required during hours of operation when clients are present. The provider shall have a written management plan that includes procedures for screening residents to ensure compatibility with services provided at the facility.

  2. Hours of Operation. Facilities shall establish and maintain set hours for client intake and discharge. The hours of operation shall be consistent with the services provided and be clearly posted.

  3. Storage. Each facility shall provide secure areas for personal property adequate for the number of clients served on a daily basis.

  4. Coordination. The shelter operator shall establish a liaison staff to coordinate with city, police, school district officials, local businesses, and residents on issues related to the operation of the facility.

• C. Exterior Lighting. Adequate external lighting shall be provided for security purposes. The lighting shall be sufficient to provide illumination and clear visibility to all outdoor areas, with minimal spillover on adjacent properties. The lighting shall be stationary, directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, and of an intensity compatible with the neighborhood.

• D. Security. On-site security shall be provided during the hours of operation when clients are present.

• (Ord. 009-2015 § 2; Ord. 001-2024, 2/20/2024)

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City of Rio Vista, CA

ZONING

§ 17.74.070

§ 17.74.070

Each facility proposed under the emergency shelter for the homeless overlay requires review for compliance with Section 17.74.050 (Development regulations) and Section 17.74.060 (Performance standards) prior to occupancy of the facility, where a use permit is required.

• A. Application. Requests for compliance review shall be made in writing by the owner of the property, lessee, purchaser in escrow, or optionee with the consent of the owners, on a form prescribed by the city. The application shall be accompanied by a fee, set by the city council, plans, and a project description explaining the details of the proposal.

• B. Noticing. A notice shall be mailed to all property owners and building occupants within 300 feet of the exterior boundary of the property involved, using for this purpose the last known name and address of such owners as shown upon the current assessment roll maintained by the city. The notice shall include a description of the proposal, methods for providing comments, and date and time of a public meeting.

• C. Public Meeting. Prior to making a determination of compliance, the planning commission shall conduct a study session. The review by the planning commission shall be advisory and nonbinding and shall be limited to the proposal relative to the development regulations and performance standards.

• (Ord. 009-2015 § 2; Ord. 001-2024, 2/20/2024)

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City of Rio Vista, CA