Chapter V — Homeless Shelters — San Ramon Zoning Code

Contents:

D4-55 – Purpose

D4-56 – Permit Requirements

D4-57 – Homeless Shelter Standards D4-58 – Post Approval Procedures D4-59 through D4-65 – Reserved

D4-55 – Purpose

The intent of these regulations is to establish a non-discretionary process for homeless shelters that will be permitted within a zone district to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 2 enacted on October 13, 2007.

D4-56 – Permit Requirements

A. Permit required. Prior to operating a homeless shelter, a non-discretionary homeless shelter permit shall be obtained and all other applicable local, State and federal laws, regulations and codes shall be met. The approval shall be specific to a location and shall not be transferable to any other location. The application shall be on a form prescribed for that purpose, and shall include the written consent of the property owner on which the shelter is to be located.
B. Permit Review and Approval. Once an application has been accepted as complete, the Zoning Administrator shall take action within thirty (30) days. The application shall meet all standards as identified in D4-57 (Homeless Shelter Standards), below.

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C. Contents of application. An application for a non-discretionary homeless shelter shall contain the information as outlined by the Zoning Administrator with the General Submittal Requirement List.

D4-57 – Homeless Shelter Standards

All homeless shelters shall comply with all applicable State standards and requirements for homeless shelters. In addition, all homeless shelters shall comply with the following standards:

A. Shelter Occupancy.

No more than 6 clients may be sheltered on the premises at any one time.
The maximum length of stay shall be no longer than that established by the California Health and Safety Code for homeless shelters.

B. Parking. Adequate parking shall be provided for employees and clients of the homeless shelter in accordance with the following standards:
1. One off-street parking space shall be provided per employee (by shift).
C. Site Design. The site shall be designed in accordance with the following standards:
1. The shelter shall conform to all property development standards of the subject zone.
2. New construction or exterior alterations shall be reviewed under the provisions of Division D6-22 (Architectural Review).
3. The shelter shall provide at least 10 square feet per bed of public or communal gathering space, not including hallways.
4. The entrance of the shelter shall be designed to discourage clients from loitering or congregating in front of the building.
D. On-site Management. On-site management shall be present during shelter operating hours.
E. Overconcentration. A shelter shall be a minimum of 300 feet from any other legally established shelter. The 300 foot minimum distance shall be measured from the subject site property lines to the property lines of any other legally established homeless shelter.
F. Noise. The applicant shall address noise impacts on neighboring properties consistent with the noise standards of the City.

G. Security and Lighting Plan.

Prior to operation of the shelter, a security and lighting plan must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for review and approval. The security plan shall include, but is not limited to: hours of operation and intake period; must provide at least one employee/volunteer of same sex as clients; alcohol, weapons, or illegal substances shall not be allowed; and the operator must notify the Police Department of any crimes that are a threat to the safety of others or to themselves.
The shelter shall provide outdoor lighting sufficient to provide illumination and clear visibility to all outdoor areas, with minimal shadows or light leaving the property. The lighting shall be stationary, directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, and of intensity compatible with the neighborhood.
If shelter client is disruptive or is responsible for creating any type of nuisance to the neighborhood or facility, the operator must discharge the client.

(Ord. No. 534, § 1 (Exh. A-3), 10/14/2025)

Effective on: 11/13/2025

D4-58 – Post Approval Procedures

A. Appeals. Decisions of the Zoning Administrator may be appealed to the Planning Commission in accord with Division D7, Chapter II (Appeals and Calls for Review).

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B. Revocations/Modifications. A homeless shelter permit may be subject to revocation or modification pursuant to Division D7 (Zoning Ordinance Administration).