The purpose of this chapter is to establish reasonable standards for the safe operation and appropriate siting of supportive housing facilities within the city of Langley, so as to protect public health and safety for both facility residents and the broader community. This section does not include regulations for community residential facilities regulated by Section 18.22.165.
As defined in Section 18.01.040, "supportive housing facilities" includes emergency housing, emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, and transitional housing in permanent structures.
(Ord. 1111 § 2 (Exh. A), 2023)
A. 
General.
1. 
When a site includes more than one type of supportive housing facility, the more restrictive requirements of this section shall apply.
2. 
Specific needs of each facility will be reviewed through the site plan review or certificate of zoning compliance permit process in Chapter 18.27. The decision maker may relax one or more of the standards in this subsection only when the applicant submits a description of the standard to be modified and demonstrates how the modification would result in a safe facility with minimal negative impact to the host community under the specific circumstances of the application. In considering whether the modification should be granted, the decision maker shall first consider the effects on the health and safety of facility residents and the neighboring communities. Modifications will not be granted if the adverse impact on residents of the facility and/or neighboring communities will be greater than without such modification. The burden of proof is on the applicant.
3. 
All supportive housing facilities must comply with the provisions of Title 15, Buildings and Construction.
4. 
Supportive housing facilities in the RS15000 zone shall be either single-family residential or duplex structures.
5. 
Supportive housing facilities in the RS5000 or RS7200 zone shall be either single-family residential or duplex structures. Other housing structure types for supportive housing facilities may be permitted in the RS5000 or RS7200 zone when built in accordance with the standards of Chapter 18.13, Multifamily Infill Form-Based Code Overlay.
6. 
All supportive housing facilities are subject to design review in accordance with Chapter 18.34, except in the following circumstances:
a. 
Supportive housing facilities in the RS5000, RS7200, or RS15000 zone; and
b. 
Supportive housing facilities built in accordance with the standards of Chapter 18.13, Multifamily Infill Form-Based Code Overlay, are not subject to the design review process of Chapter 18.34.
7. 
As a condition of approval, all supportive housing facilities shall participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to support coordinated case management to better serve the homeless population.
B. 
Site and Transit.
1. 
Facilities shall match the bulk and scale of residential uses allowed in the zone where the facility is located. The design, construction, appearance, physical integrity, and maintenance of the facility shall provide an environment that is sustainable, functional, appropriate for the surrounding community, and conducive to tenants' stability.
2. 
If provided, exterior lighting must comply with Section 18.24.030, be directed downward, and glare must be contained within the facility site to limit the impact on neighboring properties.
3. 
The minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for each facility shall be provided in accordance with Section 18.22.130(C)(6).
4. 
A description of transit, pedestrian, and bicycle access from the subject site to services must be provided at time of application by the sponsor and/or managing agency.
C. 
Facility Operations.
1. 
The sponsor or managing agency shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Island County department of health regulations. The sponsor or managing agency shall be subject to inspections by local agencies and/or departments to ensure such compliance and shall implement all directives resulting therefrom within the specified time period.
(Ord. 1111 § 2 (Exh. A), 2023)
In addition to the requirements under Section 18.25A.020, emergency housing and emergency shelters shall comply with the following requirements:
A. 
Facility Standards.
1. 
The occupancy, spacing of beds, and paths of egress for emergency shelters shall be established on a case-by-case basis by the city building official in accordance with the International Building Code requirements for assembly occupancy.
2. 
The occupancy for emergency housing shall be in accordance with the International Building Code for transient residential occupancy (R1).
3. 
The maximum number of residents shall be based on facility size, building occupancy, available utilities, and parking.
B. 
Facility Operations.
1. 
Service providers must exercise reasonable and appropriate on-site supervision of facilities and program participants at all times.
2. 
Rodent-proof trash receptacles must be provided in multiple locations throughout the facility and site. A regular trash patrol in the immediate vicinity of the site must be provided.
3. 
Residents and staff must comply with all Island County health department requirements related to food donations.
4. 
No children under the age of 18 are allowed to stay overnight in the facility, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or unless the facility is licensed to provide services to this population. If a child under the age of 18 without a parent or guardian present attempts to stay in a facility not specifically licensed for providing housing to youth, the sponsor and/or managing agency shall immediately contact Child Protective Services and actively endeavor to find alternative housing for the child.
5. 
No person under court supervision or under sex offender registration requirements can receive services from a provider, unless providing such services is consistent with the laws, regulations, and/or supervisory requirements related to such persons.
6. 
Two large first-aid kits must be kept on site which include emergency eye wash bottles and naloxone (Narcan) kits. Staff must be trained in how to administer the naloxone.
7. 
The possession of any of the weapons described in RCW 9.41.280(1) at an emergency housing or shelter facility or the property occupied by the facility is prohibited.
8. 
Secured area for dry supplies storage (blankets, clothing, food, first-aid) shall be provided.
9. 
ADA-compliant aisles shall be provided between sleeping structures and shall be accessible by emergency services personnel.
10. 
If facility operations result in a significant increase in the need for local law enforcement service, the organization managing and operating the facility will coordinate with the city on ways to address the increased need for services.
11. 
The possession or use of illegal drugs at an emergency housing or shelter facility or the property occupied by the facility is prohibited.
12. 
The sponsor or managing agency must provide an operation plan at the time of application that adequately addresses the following elements:
a. 
A 24-hour emergency contact number maintained by the sponsor or managing agency;
b. 
Roles and responsibilities of key staff;
c. 
Site/facility management, including security policies and an emergency management plan;
d. 
Site/facility maintenance;
e. 
Occupancy policies, including resident responsibilities and a code of conduct that addresses, at a minimum, the use or sale of alcohol and illegal drugs, threatening or unsafe behavior, and weapon possession;
f. 
Provision for human and social services, including staffing plan, credentials or certification, and outcome measures;
g. 
Outreach with surrounding property owners and residents and ongoing good neighbor policy;
h. 
A plan for addressing reported concerns and documenting resolution;
i. 
Criteria for rejection or removal of an individual seeking access to the facility; and
j. 
Procedures for maintaining accurate and complete records.
13. 
Sponsors or managing agencies shall demonstrate applicable experience providing similar services to people experiencing homelessness.
14. 
Sponsors or managing agencies shall demonstrate a stable funding source for the facility and any on-site or off-site human and social services offered as part of the operations plan.
15. 
The organization managing and operating the facility must develop coordination plans with the police and fire departments, including protocols for response to the facility and to facility residents throughout the city.
C. 
Facility Services.
1. 
Residents shall have access to the following services on site; if not provided on site, transportation shall be provided:
a. 
For all facilities, medical services, including mental and behavioral health counseling;
b. 
For emergency housing facilities, access to resources on obtaining permanent housing and access to employment and education assistance; and
c. 
For emergency shelter facilities, substance abuse assistance.
2. 
All functions associated with the facility, including adequate waiting space, must take place within a building.
3. 
The number of toilets and other hygiene facilities required for each facility will be determined by the city building official in accordance with the requirements of the International Building Code.
4. 
Facilities serving more than five residents shall have dedicated spaces for residents to meet with service providers.
D. 
The sponsor or managing agency shall coordinate with the homelessness service providers for referrals to their program and with other providers of facilities and services for people experiencing homelessness to encourage access to all appropriate services for their residents.
(Ord. 1111 § 2 (Exh. A), 2023)
In addition to the requirements under Section 18.25A.020, supportive and transitional housing shall comply with the following requirements:
A. 
Facility Standards.
1. 
The total number of dwelling units for a facility shall be subject to the density standards of residential uses allowed in the zone where the facility is located.
2. 
The multifamily housing performance standards of Chapter 18.25 shall apply to all facilities with more than three dwelling units, except for those facilities built in accordance with the standards of Chapter 18.13, Multifamily Infill Form-Based Code Overlay.
B. 
Facility Services.
1. 
All residents shall have access to appropriate cooking and hygiene facilities.
2. 
Facilities serving more than three dwelling units shall have dedicated spaces for residents to meet with service providers.
3. 
Residents shall have access to the following services on site or shall be provided transportation to such services by the sponsor or managing agency:
a. 
Medical services, including mental and behavioral health counseling.
b. 
Employment and education assistance.
4. 
On-site services such as laundry, hygiene, meals, case management, and social programs are limited to the residents and not available for drop-in use by nonresidents.
(Ord. 1111 § 2 (Exh. A), 2023)