Vernon City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
52 EMERGENCY SHELTER E OVERLAY ZONE
§ 17.52.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the Emergency Shelter (E) Overlay Zone is to comply with Government Code Sections 65582, 65583(a) and 65589.5, which require all California cities to permit emergency (homeless) shelters as a matter of right in at least one zone. The purpose of regulating the siting of emergency shelters is to ensure emergency shelters are developed in a manner which protects the health, safety, and general welfare of nearby residents and businesses while providing for the housing needs of the homeless.
(Prior code § 26.4.8-1)
§ 17.52.020 Permitted uses.
Uses permitted of right in the I Zone are permitted of right in the E Overlay Zone, and all such uses shall be subject to the development standards of Section 17.22.070, "Development and performance standards," and the site planning standards of Section 17.22.080, "Site planning standards." Emergency shelters are permitted of right in the E Overlay Zone. Emergency shelters developed within the E Overlay Zone shall be subject to the development standards of Section 17.52.040, "Development and site planning standards for emergency shelters."
(Prior code § 26.4.8-2; Ord. 1293 § 8, 2023)
§ 17.52.030 Conditional uses.
A.
All uses permitted in the I Zone with a Conditional Use Permit are also permitted in the E Overlay Zone with a Conditional Use Permit and shall be subject to the development standards of Section 17.22.070, "Development and performance standards," and the site planning standards of Section 17.22.080, "Site planning standards."
B.
The City Council may impose as a part of the Conditional Use Permit any other requirements as are necessary to protect nearby owners and occupants from the traffic, air pollutants, noise, odor, dust, vibration, risk of infection or disease, and similar concerns.
(Prior code § 26.4.8-3; Ord. 1293 § 8, 2023)
§ 17.52.040 Development and site planning standards for emergency shelters.
A.
The emergency shelter shall contain a maximum of 10 beds and shall serve no more than 10 homeless persons at any one time.
B.
Occupancy by an individual or family may not exceed 180 consecutive days unless the management plan provides for longer residency by those enrolled and regularly participating in a training or rehabilitation program.
C.
A minimum distance of 300 feet shall be maintained from any other emergency shelter, as measured from the property line.
D.
Adequate external lighting shall be provided for security purposes. The lighting shall be stationary and directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. The intensity shall comply with standard City performance standards for outdoor lighting.
E.
A security and safety plan shall be provided for the review and approval of the Director. The plan may be required to address additional security and safety needs as identified by the Director. The approved security and safety plan shall remain active throughout the life of the facility. The plan shall contain provisions addressing the following topical areas: sleeping areas, loitering control, management of outdoor areas, alcohol and illegal drugs, and current contact information for the operator of the facility during daytime and nighttime hours.
F.
The facility may provide the following services in designated areas separate from sleeping areas: recreation area, counseling center, laundry, kitchen, dining hall, and client storage areas.
(Prior code § 26.4.8-4)
