Sec. 26-118. - Emergency shelters.

This section sets forth a uniform set of standards for emergency shelters to provide temporary housing for people who are not securely housed.

(a)

Standards and regulations. Emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness shall be subject to and comply with the following standards and regulations.

(1)

A single emergency shelter for thirty (30) occupants, or a combination of multiple shelters with a combined capacity not to exceed thirty (30) occupants, shall be allowed as a permitted use per article II division 2, consistent with California Government Code section 65583(a)(4)(A). All emergency shelters, regardless of the number of occupants, shall meet the minimum standards contained herein below. Any emergency shelter with a capacity greater than thirty (30) occupants shall also be subject to the approval of a conditional use permit, as set forth in article VI division 4.

(2)

The maximum stay at the facility shall not exceed one hundred eighty (180) days in a three hundred sixtyfive (365) day period.

(3)

A minimum distance of three hundred (300) feet shall be maintained from any other emergency shelter, as measured from the property line.

(4)

A minimum of one (1) staff member per fifteen (15) beds shall be awake and on duty when the facility is open. Facility staff shall be trained in operating procedures, safety plans, and assisting clients. The facility shall not employ staff who have been convicted of a felony or who are required to register as a sex registrant under Penal Code 290.

(5)

Parking shall be provided at the facility as indicated in section 26-91.

(6)

Exterior lighting shall be provided for the entire outdoor and parking area of the property per the lighting standards of the parking lot design and lighting standards.

(7)

A waiting area shall be provided which contains a minimum of ten (10) square feet per bed provided at the facility. Said waiting area shall be in a location not adjacent to the public right-of-way, shall be visually separated from public view by a minimum six (6) foot tall visually screening decorative wall or fence and shall provide consideration for shade/rain provisions.

(b)

Operational plan. An operational plan shall be provided. The approved operational plan shall remain active throughout the life of the facility. At a minimum, the plan shall contain provisions addressing the topical areas outlined below.

(1)

Security and safety. Addressing both on and off-site needs shall include the following rules and procedures:

a.

The facility shall establish and enforce a strict code of conduct including the prohibition of weapons and their use.

b.

The facility shall establish procedures for client intake and shall maintain a client roster. The roster shall be made available to the City upon request.

(2)

Loitering control. With specific measures regarding off-site controls to minimize the congregation of clients in the vicinity of the facility during hours that clients are not allowed on-site.

(3)

Management of outdoor areas. Including a system for daily admittance and discharge procedures and monitoring of waiting areas.

(4)

Hiring procedures. Describe procedures for ensuring that staff are not convicted felons or are required to register as a sex registrant.

(5)

Staff training. With objective to provide adequate knowledge and skills to assist clients in obtaining permanent shelter and income.

(6)

Communication and outreach. With objective to maintain good communication and response to operational issues which may arise from the neighborhood, City staff, or the public.

(7)

Screening. Provide criteria to screen clients for admittance eligibility, with objective to provide first service to individuals with connections to West Covina.

(8)

Counseling. To provide counseling programs with referrals to outside assistance agencies and provide an annual report on this activity to the City.

(9)

Litter control. With an objective to provide for the timely removal of litter attributable to clients within the vicinity of the facility every twenty-four (24) hour period.

(10)

Contact information. The operator shall provide the City with the most current contact information for the operator of the facility during the normal daytime office business hours, and the nighttime contact information for the "person on duty" when the emergency shelter is operating.

(11)

State law compliance. The operator shall ensure proper compliance with all state laws pertaining to client residency and occupancy.

(12)

Emergency response. The operator shall establish standards for responding to emergencies and incidents by expelling clients from the facility. Re-admittance policies for clients who have previously been expelled from the facility shall also be established.

(c)

Required services. The facility shall provide the following services in a designated area separate from sleeping areas:

(1)

A recreation area inside the shelter or in an outdoor area visually separated from [public] view by a minimum six (6) foot tall visually screening decorative wall or fence.

(2)

A counseling center for job placement, educational, health care, legal services, or mental health services.

(3)

Laundry facilities to serve the number of clients at the shelter.

(4)

Kitchen and dining area.

(5)

Client storage area.

(6)

Similar types of facilities to address the needs of homeless clients, as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee.

(d)

Parking. An emergency shelter facility shall provide parking as indicated in article III, division 6.

(e)

The facility shall comply with all other laws, rules, and regulations that apply including, but not limited to, building and fire codes. The facility shall be subject to City inspections prior to the commencement of operation. In addition, the City may inspect the facility at any time for compliance with the facility's operational plan and other applicable laws and standards.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 32, 3-18-25)