The purpose of this article is to ensure that the development of emergency shelters do not adversely impact adjacent parcels or surrounding neighborhood and that they are developed in a manner which protects the health, safety, and general welfare of the nearby residents and businesses, while providing for the housing needs of the community.
(§ 5, Ord. 845-NS, eff. January 7, 2010, as amended by § 5, Ord. 2023-02, eff. December 7, 2023)
Emergency shelters are allowed in compliance with Table IV-5 and Table IV-8 (Allowed Land Uses). A Development Permit is required prior to establishment of any emergency shelter. The permit shall be a ministerial action without discretionary review or a hearing.
A. 
Location. An "emergency shelter" may be established in the C-G (General Commercial) and the MPD (Manufactured Planning Development) Zone provided that the property boundaries are located more than 300 feet from any other shelter from the nearest point of any property.
B. 
Length of Stay. Temporary shelter shall be available to residents for no more than 180 days in any 12 month period.
C. 
Hours of Operation. Emergency shelters shall establish and maintain set hours for client intake/discharge, which must be prominently posted on-site.
D. 
Required Amenities. Emergency shelters shall provide the following facilities:
1. 
Indoor client intake/waiting area of at least 100 square feet if client intake is to occur on-site. If an exterior waiting area is provided, it shall be enclosed or screened and designed to prevent queuing in the public right-of-way;
2. 
Secure areas for personal property;
3. 
Interior and/or exterior common space for clients to congregate shall be provided on the property at a ratio of not less than 15 square feet per client, with a minimum overall area of 100 square feet. Common spaces do not include intake areas.
F. 
Optional Facilities/Services. Emergency shelters may provide one or more of the following types of common facilities for the exclusive use of the residents:
1. 
Central cooking and dining room(s);
2. 
Recreation room;
3. 
Counseling center;
4. 
Child-care facilities;
5. 
Other support services;
6. 
Laundry facilities adequate for the number of residents;
7. 
Telephone(s) for use by clients.
G. 
Management. At least one facility manager shall be on site at all hours that the facility is open. Additional support staff shall be provided, as necessary, to ensure that at least one staff member is provided in all segregated sleeping areas, as appropriate.
H. 
Operation Plan. An Operational Plan (Plan) shall be provided for the review and approval of the Director. The approved Plan shall remain active throughout the life of the facility, and all operational requirements covered by the Plan shall be complied with at all times. At a minimum, said Plan shall contain provisions addressing the areas outlined below:
1. 
Security and Safety. Addressing both on-site and off-site needs, including provisions to ensure the security and separation of male and female sleeping areas, as well as any family areas within the facility.
2. 
Loitering/Noise Control. With specific measures regarding operational controls to minimize the congregation of clients in the vicinity of the facility during hours that clients are not allowed on site and/or services are not provided. Outdoor activities may only be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
3. 
Management of Outdoor Areas. Including a system for daily admittance and discharge procedures and monitoring of waiting areas with a goal to minimize negative impacts to adjacent property.
4. 
Staff Training Programs. To provide adequate knowledge and skills to assist clients in obtaining permanent shelter.
5. 
Communication and Outreach. With objectives to maintain effective, ongoing communication and response to operational issues which may arise within the neighborhood as may be identified by the general public or City staff.
6. 
Adequate and Effective Screening. With the objective of determining admittance eligibility of clients.
7. 
Litter Control. With the objective of providing for the regular daily removal of litter attributable to clients with-in the vicinity of the facility.
I. 
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.
J. 
Landscaping. On-site landscaping shall be installed and maintained pursuant to the standards outlined in Title 9, Chapter 3, Article 4, Landscaping Standards.
(§ 5, Ord. 845-NS, eff. January 7, 2010, as amended by § 5, Ord. 2023-02, eff. December 7, 2023)