Chapter 17.36 — RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES

This chapter establishes standards for residential care facilities. These standards are intended to:

• A. Recognize residential care facilities as a special land use associated with the needs of elderly, abused, substance abuse recovery, dependent or neglected children, or other underprivileged/underserved persons.

• B. Ensure the establishment and conduct of residential care facilities is properly regulated and designed for intended capacity.

• C. Ensure that residential care facilities are sited with appropriate land uses and protect residential character.

This chapter shall apply to all large residential care facilities (7 residents or more), as defined in Part 7 (Definitions). Small residential care facilities (six residents or fewer) are subject to the same regulations as apply to single-family homes.

• A. The review and decision-making authority for residential care facility development shall depend on the permit required by the zone in which the facility is proposed. Refer to Part 2 (Zoning Districts, Land Uses, and Development Standard) of the Zoning Ordinance for land use regulations for each zoning district. Refer to Part 5 (Land Use and Development Approval Procedure) of the Zoning Ordinance for permit application procedures.

• B. The review authority shall be guided by the provisions of this chapter when reviewing a residential care facility application, in addition to the standards of the zone in which the facility is proposed. In the event of any inconsistency between regulations in this chapter and those outside of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.

• A. Residential care facilities are permitted or conditionally permitted in the specified zoning districts as provided in Part 2 (Zoning Districts, Land Uses, and Development Standards) of the Zoning Ordinance.

• B. All residential care facilities shall be licensed or deemed exempt from licensure by the State of California.

• A. A residential care facility shall provide a minimum of 100 square feet of common space per resident and live-in caregiver. Indoor common areas and amenities that serve program activities may be counted toward this requirement, up to a maximum of 75 percent of the total open space required.

• B. The building design and site layout shall define semi-public, semi-private, and private spaces; ensure a sense of protection and community identity; and minimize barriers to handicapped or elderly persons.

• C. Each structure shall be compatible in style, color, materials, height, and scale with the general character of the neighborhood.

• D. Outdoor stairwells to second floors on single-family residential dwellings shall be prohibited.

• E. Outdoor areas shall be designed to provide facilities of a size and scale consistent with the number of residents. The facilities shall provide amenities and areas that allow active recreation, including walkways, outdoor seating, and gardens.

• F. Where additional stories restrict easy access to open space areas on the ground floor, open roof decks, balconies, or lanais shall be provided in an amount, dimension, area, and location as determined adequate by the Development Services Director.

• G. Residential care facilities with persons over 60 years in age or with a physical handicap shall be designed and adapted to include safety features, including bars and rails in bedrooms and bathrooms, ramps, intercom systems, emergency signals, and other provisions required by state law or federal regulations.

• H. A residential care facility shall provide 24-hour supervision for individuals who are program participants but do not require medical care between routine health checks and medication monitoring. An operator registered with the City shall reside at the residence.

• I. Design of common areas will minimize noise and lighting impacts on surrounding land uses, and not materially reduce the privacy or use otherwise enjoyed by the adjoining properties.

• J. No signs advertising the facility as a residential care facility shall be permitted for display in a manner visible to residences within sight of facility and the general public.

• K. The residential care facility shall be designed to provide maximum security for all occupants.

• L. If the project is along a bus route, a bus turnout and shelter shall be dedicated along the street frontage, as determined by the Development Services Director.

• M. A residential care facility may be permitted to vary from the standards of the underlying zone, at the discretion of the Development Services Director, provided the intent of softening the impacts of mass and bulk is met.

• N. A residential care facility may be permitted to exceed the density, floor area ratio, and height standards of the underlying zone pursuant to Chapter 17.17 (Density Bonus Program).

• O. Any other conditions imposed by the Development Services Director deemed necessary to satisfy the requirements of necessary findings.