Emergency shelters shall be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards:
(A) Number of residents/beds. Each shelter shall contain a maximum of 50 beds and shall serve no more than 50 homeless persons.
(B) Length of occupancy. Occupancy by an individual or family may not exceed 180 consecutive days unless a management plan provides for longer residency by those enrolled and regularly participating in a training or rehabilitation program.
(C) Hours of operation. To limit outdoor waiting, the facility must be open each day for at least eight of the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(D) Waiting and intake areas. Each shelter shall include indoor waiting and intake areas for guests. Such intake and waiting areas shall be provided at a rate of ten square feet per bed and in any case, shall be at least 200 square feet in area. Waiting and intake areas may be used for other purposes as needed during operation of the shelter.
(E) Common facilities. The development may provide one or more of the following specific common facilities for the exclusive use of the residents:
(1) Laundry facilities.
(2) Central cooking and dining room(s).
(3) Recreation rooms.
(4) Counseling centers.
(5) Child care facilities.
(6) Other support services.
(F) Outdoor activities. All functions associated with the shelter, except for children's play areas, outdoor recreation areas, parking, and outdoor waiting must take place within the building proposed to house the shelter. Outdoor waiting for clients, if any, may not be in the public right-of-way, must be physically separated from the public right-of-way, and must be large enough to accommodate the expected number of clients.
(G) On-site parking. Parking spaces shall be provided according to the standards of Article 17, Parking Requirements.
(H) Lighting. Adequate external lighting shall be provided for security purposes. The lighting shall be stationary, directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, and shall be of an intensity that is comparable to surrounding uses.
(I) On-site security. On-site security must be provided at all times that the emergency shelter is in operation and according to the following standards:
(1) A safety and security plan for each shelter shall be submitted to the Community Development Department. The plan shall include information as specified by the Community Development Director.
(2) Security guards shall be provided at a ratio of at least one guard for every 25 shelter beds.
(3) Security guards shall be employed by a private patrol operator (security company) that is currently licensed with the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The following information shall be provided to the city: the name of the security company; proof of its liability insurance, including a copy of all exceptions; its state license number; and the guard registration numbers for all employed guards.
(4) Digital security cameras shall be installed and capture the activities of the shelter's waiting and intake area, as well as the entrance and exit from the shelter and the shelter parking lot. If the shelter includes a child care area as a common facility, then the child care area shall also be monitored via a digital camera system. Recordings from digital security cameras shall be maintained for no less than 14 days.
(J) Noise. The use must be conducted in conformance with the city's noise regulations pursuant to Article 19, Noise Attenuation Requirements, of this chapter.
(K) Refuse storage areas. A refuse storage area shall be provided consistent with the standards of Article 14, Refuse Storage Area Design Guidelines.
(L) Emergency shelter provider. The agency or organization operating the shelter shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) The operator shall be local provider designated under the applicable requirements of the State Emergency Housing and Assistance Program.
(2) Staff and services shall be provided to assist residents in obtaining permanent shelter and income.
(3) The operator shall not discriminate in any services provided.
(4) The operator shall not require participation by residents in any religious or philosophical ritual, service, meeting or rite as a condition of eligibility.
(5) The operator of the shelter shall submit a management plan for review by the Community Development Director. The plan must address issues identified by the Director, including transportation, client supervision, security, client services, staffing, and good neighbor issues.
(Ord. 2089-C-S, passed 6-24-14)