Del Norte County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

The intent of the Emergency Shelter Combining District is to provide for the placement of emergency homeless shelters; to address the special needs and characteristics of emergency shelters; to ensure housing provided by emergency shelters will meet building, health, safety and access standards; to provide sufficient space, parking and circulation to meet the needs of the emergency shelter; to provide compatibility with other uses allowed within the zoning districts in which emergency shelters are located; and to provide a safe environment for emergency shelter residents.

(Ord. 2011-001, 2011)

In a district which is combined with an Emergency Shelter Combining District, the regulations setforth in the subject chapter apply in addition to the respective regulations specified for such district.

(Ord. 2011-001, 2011)

As used in this ordinance, "Emergency Homeless Shelter" means a building, structure or group of structures under single management that provide temporary, short-term emergency housing for individuals or families. An Emergency Homeless Shelter is typically managed by a non-profit or group of non-profits, a church or group of churches, by other agencies, by volunteers or by a combination thereof. Beds in an emergency shelter are generally provided dormitory- style, and any meals are typically served and eaten as a group.

The following performance standards shall apply to Emergency Homeless Shelters:

1. Property Development Standards. The shelter for the homeless shall conform to all property development standards of the base Zone District except as modified by these performance standards.
2. The lodgers shall retain a right of access to and control of the premises and offer all the services provided for in California Civil Code section 1940(b)(2) so that the transient occupants do not become "tenants" with the rights afforded tenants under the California Civil Code.
3. The lodgers shall adopt and use good faith efforts to enforce its rules and screening processes to assist in the minimization of sexual predation and physical danger to the ether homeless in the Emergency Homeless Shelter:
4. Maximum Number of Persons/Beds. The entire facility shall accommodate no more than 60 transient emergency shelter occupants per night.
5. Lighting. Adequate external lighting shall be provided for security purposes. The lighting shall be in compliance with Section 20.48.050 which requires that lighting be directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, and of an intensity compatible with the neighborhood.
6. Laundry Facilities. The development shall provide laundry facilities adequate for the number of residents.
7. Common Facilities. The development may provide one or more of the following specific common facilities for the exclusive use of the residents: a. Central cooking and dining room(s). b. Recreation room.
8. Security. Parking facilities shall be designed to provide security for residents, visitors, and employees.
9. Off Street Parking. Off-street parking for homeless shelters shall be subject to requirements set forth in Section 20.46.020.T.
10. Outdoor Activity. For the purposes of noise abatement, outdoor activities may only be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
11. Concentration of Uses. No more than one shelter for the homeless shall be permitted within a radius of 300 feet from another such shelter.
12. Refuse. The proposed Emergency Homeless Shelter shall provide a refuse storage area that is completely enclosed with masonry walls not less than five (5) feet high with a solid-gated opening that is large enough to accommodate a standard-sized trash bin adequate for the parcel.
13. Shelter Provider. The lodger operating the shelter shall comply with the following requirements: 1. Staff and services shall be provided to assist residents to obtain permanent shelter and income. 2. The lodger shall not unlawfully discriminate in any services provided. 3. The lodger shall not require participation by residents in any religious or philosophical ritual, service, meeting or rite as a condition of eligibility. 4. All conditions requiring permits or approval from a regulatory agency (e.g. building permit, sign off from County Environmental Health Dept., sign off from Fire Chief of the Crescent Fire Protection District etc.) shall be completed prior to use of the facility as an Emergency Homeless Shelter. Any use of the facility as an emergency shelter prior to satisfaction of the conditions will result in enforcement of the County Zoning Ordinance by the County's Code Enforcement Division, 5. Prior to any Emergency Homeless Shelter operations, the lodger shall submit a separate plan check submittal to the Crescent Fire Protection District for their review and approval. Any items required to comply with the California Fire Code must be completed to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief prior to transient occupancy of the facility, 6. All bedding and overnight sleeping accommodations shall be continuously provided to emergency shelter clients to the satisfaction of the Building Inspection Division and the Environmental Health Department, 7. A minimum floor area allowance per occupant shall be 50 gross square feet as defined in the 2007 California Building Code for the dormitories function of space (Table 1004.1.1); 8. Exit signs with battery backup which must be installed at each exit; 9. Smoke alarms must be installed and maintained on the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity and in each room used for sleeping purposes; 10. Individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces must be separated from each other and public or common areas by at least 1-hour fire partitions; 11. Draft stopping shall be provided in attics, mansards, overhangs or other concealed roof spaces; 12. No loud noises shall be permitted on the subject site any time. The lodger shall prevent loitering, disruptive behavior and loud noises on the Emergency Homeless Shelter and the public rights-of-way abutting the subject site. 13. The Emergency Homeless Shelter shall be maintained in a neat, quiet, and orderly condition and operated in a manner so as not to be detrimental to adjacent properties and occupants. This shall encompass the maintenance of exterior facades of the building, designated parking areas serving the shelter and the perimeter of the site. Any new signage would require a sign and/or building permit reviewed and approved by the County Building Inspection and Planning Divisions; 14. The lodger shall allow periodic re-inspections, at the discretion of the County agencies regulating the project and the Fire Chief of the Crescent Fire Protection District, to verify compliance. At a minimum, the County shall inspect the facility on an annual basis or whenever a complaint is received. If violations are found to exist, the applicant/operation shall be given a set period of time as requested by the appropriate regulatory agency to bring the facility into full compliance. 15. The applicant shall submit a Security Plan for the review and approval of the County Sheriff prior operation of the emergency homeless shelter. The Plan shall include the following items as requested by the Sheriff: i. Staff shall be present at the site to monitor the operation of the shelter; ii. Staff shall be mandated reporters for cases of abuse both physical and sexual; iii. Access to the County for public safety inspections or investigations by law enforcement must be made available; and iv. No unlawful conduct involving alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia shall be allowed.

(Ord. 2023-007 § 51, 2023; Ord. 2011-001, 2011)