HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1988/09/13 Item 13
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COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Item 13
Meeting Date 9/13/88
ITEM TITLE: Public Hearing: PCM-88-21; Consideration of urgency ordinance
adopti ng standards and requi rements for the accessory use of
churches as temporary shelters for the homeless
Urgency Ordi nance;;"" ^ g- 5 Adopti ng standards and
requi rements for the accessory use of churches as temporary
shelters for the homeless
SUBMITTED BY: Director of Planning ~(L
REVIEWED BY: City ManagerjL1 t>O~1-j;\ (4/5ths Vote: Yes X No
On August 23, 1988, the Council directed staff to return with an urgency
ordinance enacting a conditional accessory use process to facil itate the use
of churches as temporary shelters for the homeless.
RECOMMENDATION: That Council adopt an urgency ordinance (4/5ths vote)
amending the Municipal Code as shown on Exhibit A, and direct staff to return
with a permanent amendment within 90 days.
.BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: Not applicable until consideration of
permanent amendment.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed amendment would establish that a temporary shelter limited to 12
guests for no more than two weeks a year shall be considered an accessory
church use upon the issuance of a zoning permit, and subject to requirements
regarding supervision, neighborhood notification, and compliance with health
and safety regulations.
A zoni ng permit is used by the City to certify that a specifi eland use
complies with the applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance. In this case
the provisions would be the non-discretionary standards and requirements
listed in Exhibit A. The permit would also serve as a record of shelter use
in order to monitor compliance with the time limitation. There would be no
fee for the zoning permit.
The time limitation has been drafted so that the Zoning Administrator may
grant an additional two weeks of shelter use (four weeks total) provided there
has been no complaints from surrounding residents. Additional time beyond the
two or four weeks may be granted vi a a conditi ona 1 use permi t -- ei ther
administratively, provided no objections are received, or by public hearing
before the Planning Commission.
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Page 2, Item 13
Meeting Date 9/13/88
The amendment requires a recognized social service agency to pre screen
guests. Active alcohol or drug abusers as well as those with criminal records
or significant mental problems are excluded from the program. Supervision is
requi red at all times, and the host congregati on is requi red to certify that
surrounding property owners have been notified of the proposal.
A floor pl an wi th set-up is requi red in order to determi ne compl i ance wi th
health and safety codes. It is also proposed that the host congregation
submit a brief outline of the proposal in order that the City may be aware of
and respond to any citizen inquiries regarding the nature of the shelter
proposal. The outline would include the prescreening criteria and agency, the
provisions for supervision, and daily schedule.
A lO-day lead time is suggested for the submission of the necessary
information and certification of notice. This will provide adequate time for
the required heal th and safety inspection, and al so represents the customary
lead time for notice to surrounding residents (although in this case there is
no provision for neighborhood input or appeal except as it would relate to an
extension of the time period beyond the basic two week allowance).
The urgency ordi nance shall 1 apse in 90 days from the date of adopti on. It is
staff' s intent to return with a permanent amendment and recommendati on from
. the Planning Commission within that period of time.
The Interfaith Shelter Network has been contacted and has no objections to the
proposed standards and requirements.
FINDING OF URGENCY:
The amendment is proposed for adoption by urgency ordinance in order to
facilitate local commitments and preparations for this Fall's shelter program
which is scheduled to commence in mid-October.
FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable.
WPC 5493P
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