A. Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to all emergency shelters as defined in Chapter 17. 04. Furthermore, an emergency shelter may operate on a short-term basis provided that an operating schedule is included in the plan of operation.
B. Permits.
1. Emergency shelters are allowed as identified in the Zones Use Matrix included in Table 17.25.030. In accordance with State law, Government Code Section 65583, the zone where emergency shelters are allowed as a permitted use without a conditional use permit is the I-L (Light Industrial) zone. In addition, emergency shelters are a use requiring a conditional use permit in the QP quasi-public zone.
2. All emergency shelters are required to obtain a site plan review permit in accordance with Chapter 17.28 and are subject to the development standards in subsections C. and D. of this section.
C. Site development standards. The following standards are applicable to any permitted by right or conditionally allowed emergency shelter.
1. An emergency shelter may not be located closer than one thousand (1,000) feet to a school (a school is herein defined as an existing or planned public or parochial elementary school, middle school, high school, or licensed day care facility) or another emergency shelter or low barrier navigation center.
2. An emergency shelter may not be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet to the front property line of any existing dwelling unit.
3. An emergency shelter shall incorporate a seven (7) foot height perimeter wall constructed of concrete block, brick or stucco if the shelter is adjacent to any dwelling units. The perimeter wall is only required on sides abutting residential uses.
D. Standards for permitted by-right uses. The standards in this subsection must apply to any emergency shelter that is a use permitted by right. These standards shall be used as guidelines for any emergency shelter that is a use conditionally allowed in other zones, wherein a deviation from any such standard may be requested and considered as part of an application for conditional use permit.
1. Beds. The maximum number of beds for an emergency shelter as a use permitted by right is one hundred (100).
2. Parking. One (1) vehicle parking space shall be provided per ten (10) beds and one (1) parking space shall be provided per employee. Up to five (5) visitor spaces shall be provided for service providers based on the actual need as determined by the city. The City Planner has the authority to require an extra one (1) vehicle parking space per ten (10) beds for emergency shelters established in response to a natural or man-made disaster. A covered and secured area for bicycle parking shall be provided for use by staff and clients. commensurate with demonstrated need, but no less than a minimum of eight (8) bike parking spaces.
3. Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided in all parking, pedestrian paths, and intake areas, and shall be shielded and directed away from adjacent properties.
4. Management/Security. Support staff and/or security must be present during the hours of operation. Facilities must maintain with the City a written plan of operation to be approved by the City Planner in consultation with the Police Department and Neighborhood Preservation Division and to be complied with at all times. The management shall address, at a minimum:
a. Patron access requirements.
b. Hours of operation.
c. Operating schedule if intended to operate as a short-term shelter.
d. Security measures.
e. Litter removal.
f. On-site management.
g. Staff training.
h. Property maintenance.
i. Neighborhood relations and communication.
j. Noise attenuation.
k. Pet occupancy, if applicable.
5. Length of Stay. The maximum length of stay per individual shall be no longer than six (6) months in a consecutive twelve (12) month period. Days of stay need not be consecutive.
6. Pets. If an emergency shelter chooses to allow pets, they may be unleashed inside only if they are inside a private unit or may be outside within cages or in a protected area. No limit shall be placed on the number of pets that can be maintained.
7. Intake/Waiting Areas. On-site waiting and intake areas shall be enclosed or screened from the public right-of-way and adiacent properties. Queuing of clients shall not be permitted outside of approved waiting and intake areas.
8. Outdoor Activity. An emergency shelter shall designate at least five (5) percent of the site to open or outdoor recreational space, located outside of any required front or street side landscape setback area or parking field. Outdoor activity shall be allowed only during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Ord. 2022-06 (part), 2022)