Chapter 37 — HOUSING PROGRAMS

ARTICLE A. LOW-BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS

SECTION: 15-37A-1: Purpose 15-37A-2: Applicability 15-37A-3: Development And Operational Standards 15-37A-4: Definitions

The purpose of this chapter is to establish development standards for low-barrier navigation centers and to ensure this use is constructed and operated in a manner that is consistent with the requirements and allowances of state law, specifically Article 12 of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Planning and Zoning Law commencing with California Government Code Section 65660. (Ord. 1654, 12-19-2023)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all low-barrier navigation center projects. (Ord. 1654, 12-19-2023)

A low-barrier navigation center development is a use by-right in areas zoned for mixed-use and nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses, if it meets the following requirements:

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

B. Coordinated Entry System. It is linked to a coordinated entry system, so that staff in the interim facility or staff who co-locate in the facility may conduct assessments and provide services to connect people to permanent housing. "Coordinated entry system" means a centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to Section 576.400(d) or Section 578.7(a)(8), as applicable, of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as those sections read on January 1, 2020, and any related requirements, designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and referrals.

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

D. Homeless Management Information System. It has a system for entering information regarding client stays, client demographics, client income, and exit destination through the local Homeless Management Information System, as defined by Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (Ord. 1654, 12-19-2023)

A. Low-Barrier Navigation Centers. 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" means 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.

B. Use by Right. Use by right has the meaning defined in subdivision (i) of Section 65583.2. Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the California Public Resources Code shall not apply to actions taken by a public agency to lease, convey, or encumber land owned by a public agency, or to facilitate the lease, conveyance, or encumbrance of land owned by a public agency, or to provide financial assistance to, or otherwise approve, a LowBarrier Navigation Center constructed or allowed by this section. (Ord. 1654, 12-19-2023)