The purpose of this chapter is to provide locations, procedures and standards to facilitate the establishment of homeless shelters within the SF service facilities overlay district area.
The further purpose of this chapter is to comply with the requirements of Senate Bill 02 (2007) codified in California Government Code Sections 65582, 65583 and 65589.5.
(Ord. 2061 § 2, 2013)
The SF service facilities overlay district shall include the area designated on the map in Exhibit A at the end of this chapter.
(Ord. 2061 § 2, 2013)
Within the SF service facilities overlay district all homeless shelters as defined in this title and that conform to the standards specified in this chapter, shall be a permitted use without a conditional use permit or other discretionary permit. Otherwise, all regulations of the underlying base district shall apply. For properties within the SF overlay district that have an approved PUD development plan, the uses and standards of the PUD shall apply, except that homeless shelters shall be a permitted use without a conditional use permit, or other discretionary permit.
(Ord. 2061 § 2, 2013)
A. 
Permitted Use. Within the SF overlay district a homeless shelter that meets all of the standards provided in subsection B shall be approved ministerially with a zoning certificate, without discretionary review or a public hearing.
1. 
The application for a zoning certificate for a homeless shelter shall be submitted to the planning division and shall include:
a. 
Plot plan (drawn to scale) showing the dimensions of the lot on which the homeless shelter will be located; the location and dimension of setbacks of all existing and proposed structures on the proposed site; all easements; building envelopes; and parking for the project site; and
b. 
Floor plans of the entire structure or structures with each room dimensioned, the resulting floor area calculated for each room, and calculation of the total floor area. The use of each room shall be identified; and
c. 
A homeless shelter management plan as required in subsection B of this section; and
d. 
Any additional drawings or statements demonstrating compliance with the standards required by subsection B of this section.
2. 
The zoning certificate shall document compliance of the homeless shelter with this chapter and shall be kept on file in the community development department for the duration of the operation of the homeless shelter.
B. 
Required Standards for Homeless Shelters.
1. 
Basic Development Standards. A homeless shelter shall conform to all property development standards of the zoning district in which it is located, except as modified by this section.
2. 
Maximum Number of Beds. A homeless shelter shall contain a maximum of 50 beds to provide overnight accommodation for a maximum of 50 persons. In addition a homeless shelter shall not exceed a ratio of one bed for each 400 square feet of lot area.
3. 
Off-Street Parking. A homeless shelter shall provide one parking space for each employee. Otherwise off-street parking shall comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 18.88 of this title.
4. 
Length of Stay. No individual or family shall reside in a homeless shelter for more than 90 consecutive days. Extensions up to a total stay of 180 days may be provided if no alternative housing is available.
5. 
Concentration of Use. A proposed shelter must be at least 250 feet from any other homeless shelter, however the maximum distance required between shelters may not exceed 300 feet.
6. 
Exterior and Interior Client Areas and Facilities.
a. 
The following facilities are required:
i. 
A waiting and client intake area of not less than 10 square feet per bed;
ii. 
A lockable storage facility for each resident;
iii. 
Separate toilets and bathing facilities for men and women, unless shelter is limited to only one sex;
iv. 
Central kitchen and dining room.
b. 
The development may provide one or more of the following specific common facilities for the exclusive use of residents and staff:
i. 
Recreation room;
ii. 
Counseling center;
iii. 
Childcare facilities;
iv. 
Other support services;
v. 
Administrative office for staff;
vi. 
If outdoor designated smoking area is provided it must be compliant with city smoking regulations pursuant to Chapter 9.24 and not visible from a public street;
vii. 
Outdoor activity areas, provided they are separate from any designated smoking area and not visible from a public street.
7. 
Trash and Recycling Storage Area. All trash and refuse shall be contained completely within a trash enclosure and screened from view. The trash enclosure shall be sized to accommodate both trash and recycling containers.
8. 
Provision of On-Site Management and Security. On-site management and on-site security shall be provided during the hours when the homeless shelter is in operation. The operator shall provide to the city (on an ongoing basis) a name and 24-hour contact telephone number for the person responsible for the facility.
9. 
Noise. The use shall be conducted in compliance with the city noise regulations pursuant to Chapter 9.04.
10. 
Lighting. For security purposes the use shall comply with the minimum lighting requirements for commercial buildings as provided in Chapter 20.36, and to the provisions of Section 18.44.070(D).
11. 
Homeless Shelter Management Plan. The operator of a homeless shelter shall prepare a management plan that includes, as applicable, the following: staff training to meet the needs of shelter residents; community outreach; adequate security measures to protect shelter residents and surrounding uses; services provided to assist residents with obtaining permanent shelter and income; active participation with the Alameda County Continuum of Care or equivalent; and screening of residents to ensure compatibility with services provided at or through the shelter.
12. 
Food Service. All food service must comply with the requirements of the Alameda County department of environmental health, food safety division.
(Ord. 2061 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2155 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2277, 5/7/2024)