Chapter 18.98
EMERGENCY SHELTERS

Sections:

18.98.010    Purpose.

18.98.020    Location of emergency shelters.

18.98.030    Standards for emergency shelters.

18.98.040    Waiting and intake area.

18.98.050    Common facilities and services.

18.98.070    Lighting.

18.98.080    Outdoor activities.

18.98.090    Shelter location, and concentration of uses.

18.98.100    Design standards.

18.98.110    Shelter provider.

18.98.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for emergency shelters in order to comply with the requirements of State law under Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65582 and 65583 in order to provide for the housing needs of people in need of shelter. (Ord. CCO-23-10, 2023; Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010)

18.98.020 Location of emergency shelters.

Emergency shelters shall be a use permitted in the high density residential (R-3), downtown commercial (C-1), and general commercial (C-2) zones without a conditional use or other discretionary permit and subject only to development and management standards that apply to residential or commercial development in the same zone. (Ord. CCO-23-10, 2023)

18.98.030 Standards for emergency shelters.

In addition to the development standards in the underlying zoning district, emergency shelters shall comply with the standards set forth in this section. In the event of conflict between these standards and the underlying zoning district regulations, the provisions of this section shall apply.

(A) Physical Characteristics.

(1) Compliance with applicable California and local Uniform Housing Code and Building Code, and California Fire Code requirements in effect at the time of the building permit application.

(2) Facilities shall provide exterior lighting on pedestrian pathways and parking lot areas on the property. Lighting shall be stationary, full cut-off downward facing hooded lighting and directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.

(3) Facilities shall provide secure areas for residents’ personal property. Outdoor storage facilities for residents’ personal property shall not create a fire-life-safety hazard, be located outside yard setbacks, and shall be screened from public view by a decorative wall or fence.

(4) Separation. An emergency shelter may be located no closer than 300 feet from another emergency shelter.

(5) Maximum Number of Beds Per Shelter. The maximum number of beds in an emergency shelter shall not exceed the occupant load as determined by the City’s Building Official, and in no case an emergency shelter shall have more than 60 beds per shelter.

(B) Limited Terms of Stay. The maximum term of staying at an emergency shelter is six months. Shelter operators may apply to the City of Mt. Shasta for extended stays of up to one year. The granting of any extension of stay is at the sole discretion of the City Manager or their designee.

(C) The agency or organization operating the emergency shelters shall provide on-site security for residents, visitors, and employees during all hours when the shelter is in operation. Security provisions shall include the installation of security cameras for the security of the building, residents, and staff.

(D) Emergency Shelter Management. The agency or organization operating the emergency shelter shall provide on-site management during all hours when the shelter is in operation.

(1) Hours. An emergency shelter must establish and maintain specific hours for client intake and discharge. These hours must be clearly displayed at the front or main entrance of the shelter at all times.

(E) On-Site Parking. The emergency shelter shall provide on-site parking as determined by the Planning Director, or their designee, based on demonstrated need for on-site parking but not more than the parking required for other residential and commercial uses within the same zone. (Ord. CCO-23-10, 2023; Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010. Formerly 18.98.020)

18.98.040 Waiting and intake area.

If client intake occurs on site, an enclosed or screened waiting and intake area must be provided on the property to prevent queuing in the public right-of-way and be located outside of the yard setbacks. (Ord. CCO-23-10, 2023)

18.98.050 Common facilities and services.

(A) The emergency shelter may provide one or more of the following specific facilities and services for shelter residents, including but not limited to:

(1) Commercial kitchen facilities designed and operated in compliance with the California Retail Food Code;

(2) Dining area;

(3) Laundry;

(4) Recreation room;

(5) Supportive services, consistent with Cal. Gov’t Code § 65582(h), services to obtain permanent housing and income, case management, medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and benefits advocacy.

(6) Child care facilities.

(B) Facilities and services that may be provided to assist shelter residents shall be provided at no cost to all residents of a provider’s shelter. (Ord. CCO-23-10, 2023; Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010. Formerly 18.98.060)

18.98.070 Lighting.

Adequate external lighting shall be provided for security purposes. The lighting shall be stationary, full cut-off downward facing hooded lighting and directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, and of an intensity compatible with the neighborhood. (Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010)

18.98.080 Outdoor activities.

Outdoor activities, such as recreation, eating, and staging for drop-off, intake, and pick-up, may be conducted at the facility. Conducting such activities either at a back entrance or inner courtyard is encouraged. For the purposes of noise abatement in residential districts, outdoor activities may only be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010)

18.98.090 Shelter location, and concentration of uses.

Emergency shelters must be sited within the R-3 zone. No more than one emergency shelter is permitted within a radius of 1,000 feet from another emergency shelter. (Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010)

18.98.100 Design standards.

To assure that new and renovated buildings are compatible with the existing character and scale of the surrounding commercial environment, new and infill buildings must be consistent with the Mt. Shasta Architectural Design Guidelines. (Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010)

18.98.110 Shelter provider.

The agency or organization operating the shelter shall comply with the following requirements:

(A) Temporary shelter shall be available to residents for no more than 60 days. Extensions up to a total stay of 180 days may be provided if no alternative housing is available.

(B) Staff and services shall be provided to assist residents to obtain permanent shelter and income. Such services shall be available at no cost to all residents of a provider’s shelter or shelters.

(C) The provider shall not discriminate in any services provided.

(D) The provider shall not require participation by residents in any religious or philosophical ritual, service, meeting or rite as a condition of eligibility. (Ord. CCO-10-03 § 3, 2010)