In order to protect the public safety, health and welfare within the City of Long Beach, this Chapter provides a temporary suspension of rules related to Title 21 of the Long Beach Municipal Code for the duration of a proclaimed local emergency caused by a dramatic increase in homelessness, a dramatic increase in the number of deaths of persons experiencing homelessness, an incredible and unprecedented strain on the City's ability to provide appropriate shelter and housing and public safety concerns due to violence and severe mental and physical health issues.

(ORD-23-001(Emerg.) § 2, 2023)

A.

Suspend provisions of Title 21 that pertain to construction of emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, affordable housing, and any other physical improvements to address the City's proclaimed local emergency caused by homelessness, in any location, as reviewed and approved by the Directors of Development Services and Health and Human Services, and subject to any conditions imposed by these departments. All project reviews shall be completed within 60 days from the filing of project application.

B.

Suspend provisions of Title 21 that pertain to the construction of social service facilities, social service facilities with food distribution, personal storage facilities and related uses that facilitate services to address the City's proclaimed local emergency caused by homelessness, in any location, as reviewed and approved by the Directors of Development Services and Health and Human Services, and subject to any conditions imposed by these departments. All project reviews shall be completed within 60 days from the filing of project application.

C.

Suspend provisions of Title 21 that pertain to the construction and operation of safe parking sites, Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking, and other temporary or semi-temporary uses of space for services to address the City's proclaimed local emergency caused by homelessness, in any location, as reviewed and approved by the Directors of Development Services and Health and Human Services, and subject to any conditions imposed by these departments. All project reviews shall be completed within 60 days from the filing of the project application.

D.

Suspend provisions of Title 21 that pertain to the construction and operation of mental health care facilities, hospitals, clinics, offices and otherwise, in any location, as reviewed and approved by the Directors of Development Services and Health and Human Services, and subject to any conditions imposed by these departments. All project reviews shall occur during a 60-day period from filing.

E.

Suspend provisions of Title 21 that pertain to the construction and operation of substance abuse facilities, hospitals, clinics, offices and otherwise, in any location, as reviewed and approved by the Directors of Development Services and Health and Human Services, and subject to any conditions imposed by these departments. All project reviews shall be completed within 60 days from the filing of project application.

F.

Suspend provisions of Title 21 that pertain to the construction of fencing, including fencing that deviates from the height and material requirements of the municipal code, to secure buildings, lots and facilities to prevent trespassing or encampment, in any location, as reviewed and approved by the Directors of Development Services and Health and Human Services, and subject to any conditions imposed by these departments.

G.

Suspend rules within Title 21 that pertain to Accessory Dwelling Units in the limited circumstances of an existing unpermitted unit occupied by tenant(s). Upon receipt of an application, and subject to discretion of the Director of Development Services, allow for the legalization of any existing structure occupied by tenant(s), as an Accessory Dwelling Unit, despite conflicting provisions of other local laws.

(ORD-23-001(Emerg.) § 2, 2023)

Improvements approved under a local emergency proclamation and during the local emergency period are intended to be permanent and shall be permanent and will not require new approvals at the expiration of the emergency. The City intends all improvements approved under this Title during the local emergency to be constructed immediately. Notwithstanding the approvals made during the local emergency, Section 21.21.406 titled Expiration shall remain in full force and effect.

(ORD-23-001(Emerg.) § 2, 2023)

This Chapter 21.69 shall expire One Hundred Eighty (180) days after its effective date, unless further extended by the City Council in its discretion by an amendment to this Chapter.

(ORD-23-001(Emerg.) § 2, 2023)