Title 24

Part 17 — TEMPORARY HOUSING

Santa Cruz Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Santa Cruz

24.12.1600 PURPOSE.

The purpose of these regulations is to provide a definition and development standards for

24-176.26c

(Supp. No. xx – 4/23/2026)

24.12.1610

temporary housing. The regulations contained herein are designed to make such uses compatible with surrounding uses. (Ord. 2026-06 § 3, 2026; Ord. 2012-01 § 1 (part), 2012).

24.12.1610 DEFINITION.

“Temporary housing” is a short-term housing intervention for persons experiencing homelessness that typically includes supportive services and acts as an interim bridge to permanent housing. Temporary housing includes, but is not limited to, an emergency shelter, navigation center, bridge housing, and respite or recuperative care.

  1. Bed Space. The number of beds or persons permitted to be served by the facility will be limited by the standards set forth in this section and other applicable sections of the zoning and building codes.

  2. Parking. The emergency shelter shall provide on-site parking at a rate of one space per staff member at the shift with the greatest number of staff members.

(Ord. 2026-06 § 3, 2026; Ord. 2023-06 § 8, 2023; Ord. 2012-01 § 1 (part), 2012).

(Ord. 2026-06 § 3, 2026; Ord. 2012-01 § 1 (part), 2012).

24.12.1620 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

Temporary housing shall comply with the underlying development standards of the zoning district in which it is located or the development standards of an overlay zone, if applicable. In addition, the following standards shall be met:

  1. Lighting. External lighting shall be provided for security purposes. Lighting shall be consistent with the objective design standards for multifamily development lighting standards described in Section 24.12.185.16.

  2. Security. The temporary housing facility shall have on-site security and/or security cameras during all hours when the facility is in operation. Security cameras, if used, must, at minimum, face all entrances and exits of the building.

  3. On-Site Management. The provider shall have a written management plan including, as applicable, provisions for staff training, good neighbor policies, security, transportation, client supervision, food services, screening of residents to ensure compatibility with services provided at the facility, and for training, counseling, and treatment programs for residents.

24-176.26d

(Supp. No. xx – 4/23/2026)

24.12.1705