Avalon City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 9
17 Special Needs Housing
§ 9-17.100 Purpose and Intent.
[§ 2, Ord. 1136-15, eff. April 16, 2015]
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to regulate the development and operation of single room occupancy land uses. Single room occupancy (SRO) units provide housing opportunities for lower-income individuals, persons with disabilities, seniors, and formerly homeless individuals.
§ 9-17.101 Occupancy.
[§ 2, Ord. 1136-15, eff. April 16, 2015]
A single room occupancy unit provides living and sleeping space for the exclusive use of up to two occupants.
§ 9-17.102 Residential Zone Land Uses and Permit Requirements.
[§ 2, Ord. 1136-15, eff. April 16, 2015]
Single-room occupancy facilities shall be permitted in the HD Multiple Residential-High Density (Flats) zone and the High Density Residential — Community Housing (HD-R-CH) zone subject to the approval of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission per § 9-8.401.
§ 9-17.103 Standards.
[§ 3, Ord. 1136-15, eff. April 16, 2015]
(a)
Single Room Occupancy Units. The following standards apply to single room occupancy units. In the event of conflict between these standards and the underlying zoning district regulations, the provisions of this section shall apply.
(1)
Unit Size. The minimum size of a unit shall be 190 square feet.
(2)
Bathroom Facilities. An SRO unit is not required to, but may contain partial or full bathroom facilities. A partial bathroom facility shall have at least a toilet and sink; a full facility shall have a toilet, sink, and bathtub, shower, or bathtub/shower combination. If a full bathroom facility is not provided, common bathroom facilities shall be provided with at least one full bathroom on a floor, with at least one bathroom for every three units on a floor. A full bathroom shall be at least 35 square feet.
(3)
Kitchen. An SRO unit is not required to but may contain partial or full kitchen facilities. A full kitchen includes a sink, a refrigerator, and a stove, range top, or oven. A partial kitchen is missing at least one of these appliances. If a full kitchen is not provided, common kitchen facilities shall be provided with at least one full kitchen per floor, or at least one kitchen for every six units on a floor.
(4)
Closet. Each SRO unit shall have a separate closet.
(5)
Code Compliance. All SRO units shall comply with all requirements of the California Building Code.
(b)
Single Room Occupancy Facilities. In addition to the development standards in the underlying zoning district, the following standards apply to single room occupancy facilities. In the event of conflict between these standards and the underlying zoning district regulations, the provisions of this section shall apply.
(1)
Common Area. A single room occupancy facility shall include at least 200 square feet in area of interior common space, excluding janitorial storage, laundry facilities, and common hallways. All common areas shall comply with all applicable ADA accessibility and adaptability requirements.
(2)
Bathroom Facilities. If private bathing facilities are not provided for each unit, shared shower or bathtub facilities shall be provided with at least one full bathroom (including toilets, sinks, and bathing facilities) for every floor, with a minimum of one full bathroom per every three units on a floor. The shared shower or bathtub facility shall be accessible from a common area or hallway. Each shared shower or bathtub facility shall be provided with an interior lockable door. A full bathroom shall be at least 35 square feet.
(3)
Laundry Facilities. Laundry facilities shall be provided in a separate room at the ratio of one washer and dryer for every 10 units, with at least one washer and dryer per floor.
(4)
Cleaning Supply Room. A cleaning supply room or utility closet with a wash tub with hot and cold running water shall be provided on each floor of the SRO facility.
(5)
Management Plan. A management plan shall be submitted with the development application for an SRO facility and shall be approved by the community development director and housing programs manager. The management plan must address management and operation of the facility, rental procedures, safety and security of the residents and building maintenance.
(6)
Facility Management. An SRO facility with 10 or more units shall have an on-site manager. An SRO facility with less than 10 units shall provide a management office on site.
(7)
Off-Street Parking. Off-street parking shall be determined by the Planning Commission.
(8)
Accessibility. All SRO facilities shall comply with all applicable ADA accessibility and adaptability requirements.
(9)
Existing Structures. An existing structure may be converted to an SRO facility, consistent with the provisions of this section.
§ 9-17.104 Construction of Single Room Occupancies.
[Ord. 1162-17, eff. November 2, 2017; amended 1-7-2020 by Ord. No. 1180-20, effective 2-6-2020]
The City requires any single room occupancies to be either constructed as newly constructed units or renovated from existing commercial property. The conversion of any existing residential housing to single room occupancies within the City is prohibited except when the conversion is to meet inclusionary housing obligations.