(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow operation of low barrier navigation centers to help people in need of housing that are temporarily homeless and to implement the provisions of Government Code Section 65660 et seq. relating to low barrier navigation centers.
(B) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply, as defined by Government Code Section 65660, which may be updated from time to time:
COORDINATED ENTRY SYSTEM. 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. Best practices to reduce barriers to entry, and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) 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.
(b) Pets.
(c) The storage of possessions.
(d) 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. 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.
(C) Allowed zones. Low barrier navigation center uses shall be allowed by right in nonresidential and mixed-use zoning districts that allow multiple-family dwellings, as shown in Table 9-5.3803 Table of Land Use Regulations, requirements of division (D), below.
(D) Requirements. A low barrier navigation center shall meet the following requirements:
(1) It offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a services plan that identifies services staffing.
(2) 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.
(3) It complies with Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(4) 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.
(E) Application procedure and review.
(1) The city shall notify an applicant whether their application for a low barrier navigation center development, is complete, pursuant to Government Code Section 65943, within 30 days of receipt of an application.
(2) The city shall act within 60 days of receipt of a completed application.
(F) Effective date. This chapter shall remain in effect until January 1, 2027, and as of that date, is repealed, unless extended by the California Legislature.
(Ord. 2224-C-S, passed 2-14-23)