Chapter 18.83 — LOW BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS

§ 18.83.010. Purpose. ¶

The purpose of this chapter is to implement the provisions of Government Code Section 65660 et seq. relating to low barrier navigation centers. (Ord. 25-01, 2/18/2025)

§ 18.83.020. Definitions. ¶

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

"Coordinated entry system" means a centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations as specified in Government

Code Section 65662 , and any related requirements, designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and referrals.

"Low barrier" means best practices to reduce barriers to entry, and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

The presence of partners if it is not a population-specific site, such as for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, women, or youth;
Pets;
The storage of possessions; or
Privacy, such as partitions around beds in a dormitory setting or in larger rooms containing more than two beds, or private rooms.

"Low barrier navigation center" means a Housing First, low barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing.

(Ord. 25-01, 2/18/2025)

§ 18.83.030. Designation of Areas Where Low Barrier Navigation Centers Are Permitted. ¶

Low barrier navigation centers shall be allowed as a permitted use in zoning districts that permit mixed-uses, including nonresidential zones where multifamily residential uses are permitted, provided they meet the following criteria:

A. It offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a services plan that identifies services staffing.
B. It is linked to a coordinated entry system, so that staff in the interim facility or staff who collocate in the facility may conduct assessments and provide services to connect people to permanent housing.
C. It complies with Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255 ) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
D. It has a system for entering information regarding client stays, client demographics, client income, and exit destination through the local Homeless Management Information System as defined by Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(Ord. 25-01, 2/18/2025)

§ 18.83.040. Application Process and Timing. ¶

Application for and approval of a low barrier navigation center shall be as follows.

A. Application Process. Prior to the establishment of low barrier navigation center, an application for a "zoning compliance statement" shall be completed and submitted to the City's Planning Department for review in compliance with this chapter. Low barrier navigation centers shall be allowed by ministerial approval of a zoning compliance statement issued by the City Planner, without discretionary review or hearing, in all areas of Sand City that are designated for their use as specified in Section 18.83.030 , provided the requirements outlined in this chapter are met in each application.
B. Timing. A zoning compliance statement shall be issued within 60 days from the date the City receives a completed application for a low barrier navigation center provided all of the applicable requirements of this chapter are satisfied. If the applicant for a low barrier navigation center makes a request for a delay, the 60 day time period for a zoning compliance statement shall be tolled for the period of the requested delay.
(Ord. 25-01, 2/18/2025)

§ 18.83.050. Fees. ¶

Fees for low barrier navigation centers shall apply as follows.

A. Impact Fees.
B. Plan Review and Permit Fees. Standard City fees pertaining to plan check review and building permit issuance, as adopted by City Council resolution, shall apply to all low barrier navigation centers.
(Ord. 25-01, 2/18/2025)