Chapter 17.67 — LOW BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS

The purpose of this chapter is to implement the provisions of Government Code § 65660 et seq. relating to low barrier navigation centers.

(Ord. 3391 § 4, 2024.)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(A) " Coordinated entry system " means a centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations as specified in Government Code § 65662, and any related requirements, designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and referrals.

(B) " Homeless management information system " means a system for entering information regarding client stays, client demographics, client income, and exit destination through the local Homeless Management Information System pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations as specified in Government Code § 65662.

(C) " Low-Barrier Navigation Centers " means a housing-first, low-barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing. Low barrier includes best practices to reduce barriers to entry, and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) The presence of partners if it is not a population-specific site, such as for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, women, or youth.

• (2) Pets.

• (3) The storage of possessions.

(4) Privacy, such as partitions around beds in a dormitory setting or in larger rooms containing more than two beds, or private rooms.

(Ord. 3391 § 4, 2024.)

A low barrier navigation center shall be allowed use by right pursuant to Government Code § 65583.2(i) in any mixed-use zone and commercial zone in the city that allows multiple family residential, including Specific Plans with the same zoning, provided the low barrier navigation center meets the requirements of § 17.67.040. (Ord. 3391 § 4, 2024.)

A low barrier navigation center shall meet the following requirements.

(A) It offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a services plan that identifies services staffing.

• (B) It is linked to a coordinated entry system.

• (C) It complies with Chapter 6.5 (commencing with § 8255) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

• (D) It has a homeless management information system.

(E) It complies with building code occupancy classification requirements as set forth in Chapter 15.04. (Ord. 3391 § 4, 2024.)

(A) An application for a low barrier navigation center permit shall be submitted to the Planning Division of the Planning and Development Department.

(B) The Planning Division shall, within 30 days of receipt of an application, notify an applicant whether the application is complete.

(C) The Planning and Development Director shall decide on a low barrier navigation center permit within 60 days of receipt of a completed application.

(D) A low barrier navigation center involving the construction of a new building shall submit a Development Plan Review application according to the requirements in Chapter 17.102.

(Ord. 3391 § 4, 2024.)