Chapter 84.33 — EMERGENCY SHELTERS

The State Legislature has enacted laws to provide for the siting of emergency shelters. In 2007, the State Legislature adopted Senate Bill No. 2 which, among other things, provided that all jurisdictions require no more than building permits for the siting of emergency shelters within selected land use zoning districts within that jurisdiction. The purpose of this Chapter is to provide development standards for these shelters so that they can be located without a formal land use approval.

(Ord. 4251, passed - -2014)

The standards in this Chapter apply to emergency shelters where allowed in compliance with Division 2 (Land Use Zoning Districts and Allowed Land Uses) of Title 8 and subject to the provisions of this Chapter. (Ord. 4251, passed - -2014)

In order to ensure that emergency shelters are operated in a manner that is consistent with State and Federal law and established industry standards, the criteria listed below shall apply:

(a) The maximum resident density shall be one resident per 150 square feet, up to a maximum of 60 residents with one bed provided for each resident;

• (b) The maximum length of stay shall be six months;

• (c) The waiting area for potential residents and/or intake areas shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) The interior waiting/intake area for a facility with 14 or fewer beds shall be no less than 125 square feet and for a facility with 15 or more beds shall be no less than 200 square feet.

(2) The exterior waiting/intake area shall be no less than 450 square feet for facilities with 14 beds or fewer. The exterior waiting/intake area shall be no less than 900 square feet for facilities with 15 beds or more. Exterior

waiting/intake areas shall be screened from view from surrounding properties by solid fencing of not less than six feet in height. Fencing shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 83.06.

(d) Exterior lighting conforming to the development standards of Chapter 83.07 shall be required to ensure the security of site residents;

(e) Segregated sleeping, lavatory, and bathing areas shall be provided if the emergency shelter accommodates both men and women in the same building. Reasonable accommodation shall be made to provide segregated sleeping, lavatory and bathing areas for families;

(f) Each facility shall have at least one manager present on-site 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Any individual who does not utilize the homeless beds and/or services of the shelter and who maintains his or her own residence off-site may be eligible as an on-site manager. If the emergency shelter accommodates both men and women in the same building, the facility shall have at least one staff member of each sex present during all hours of operation;

(g) The site shall be located no more than one-half mile from a public transit line;

(h) No emergency shelter shall be located within 300 feet, as measured in a straight line from the property line of the parcel on which the facility is proposed to be located to the closest property line of any other emergency shelter;

(i) Any new or existing structure proposed for use as an emergency shelter shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of this Chapter, meet current California Building Code requirements as adopted and incorporated by the County;

(j) A security and management plan shall be required to demonstrate adequate plans and capability to operate the emergency shelter in a safe and effective manner, including complete descriptions of the following:

(1) Fencing, lighting, video cameras, and any other physical improvements intended to provide or enhance security for residents and staff;

(2) Staffing plans, including the qualifications and responsibilities of all staff members and the number and positions of staff members on each shift;

(3) Procedures and policies for screening of potential residents to identify individuals who should be referred to medical facilities, social care facilities, other service agencies or law enforcement;

(k) Adequate sewer and water infrastructure, as determined by the appropriate sewer or water agency, shall be available to the site for the planned facility;

(l) An emergency shelter shall be constructed to and operated in compliance with the development standards contained in this Development Code. No variances will be considered unless filed concurrently with a Conditional Use Permit.

(Ord. 4251, passed - -2014)