18-19.310 Warming Shelters.
a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these regulations is to allow temporary operation of a warming shelter in the City to help people in need to stay warm during inclement weather. Reasonable standards are hereby established to preserve the neighborhood character and quality of life in Clearlake.
b. Application and Permit Required. Warming shelters are subject to approval of an administrative permit from the Director within the Industrial (I) Zone, and may be established in any other zoning district with a use permit. Warming shelters which require use permit approval may be subject to conditions of approval with requirements that vary from these standards.
c. Standards for Warming Shelters.
1. No more than one (1) warming shelter shall be permitted within the City temporarily on an annual basis.
2. Maximum operation time shall not exceed two (2) months, unless an extension is approved by the Police Chief. Extensions shall not exceed thirty (30) days.
3. Use permits for warming shelters may be denied based on past performance and experiences that the City has had that have exceeded the City’s expectations for public services, such as police and fire services and impacts on the neighborhood.
4. Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with Sections 18-20.090 and 18-20.100.
5. There shall be adequate space inside the structure such that prospective and current users are not required to wait on sidewalks or any other public rights-of-way.
6. Lighting shall be provided for appropriate surveillance subject to approval of the Police Department.
7. A management plan shall be provided to address management experience and good neighbor issues. Such plan shall be submitted to and approved by the City. Minimum standards and practices in the plan shall be as follows:
(a) The shelter shall be operated by a responsible agency or organization with experience in managing or providing social services.
(b) The shelter shall have an identified administrator and representative to address community concerns.
(c) A minimum of one (1) staff member per fifteen (15) beds shall be awake and on duty when the facility is open. Facility staff shall be trained in operating procedures, safety plans, and assisting clients. The facility shall not employ staff who have been convicted of a felony or who are required to register as a sex registrant under Penal Code 290.
(d) The shelter shall be maintained in a safe and clean manner and free from refuse or discarded goods.
d. Appeal. Appeal procedures for this section shall be as provided by Article 18-36.
e. Revocation of a Permit. Upon receipt by the Director of substantiated written complaints from any citizen, Code Enforcement Officer or Police Department Officer, which includes information and/or evidence supporting a conclusion that a violation of the permit or of City ordinances or regulations applicable to the property or operation of the facility has occurred, the Director may set a permit review hearing before the Planning Commission. At the time of permit review, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and conditions of the permit, conditions of approval may be added, deleted, or modified, or the permit may be revoked. Review by the Planning Commission shall be subject to a public review process as provided under Section 18-28.030. (Ord. #248-2020, S2 (Exh. A))