In the Fall of 2023, OCAI worked with Councilmembers Harris and Moreno to permit Domestic Protection Shelters and Emergency Shelters as by right institutional uses in all zoning districts where multi-family dwellings are permitted. Prior to this legislation, shelters were only permitted by-right in certain zones within the CBD.
Timeline of Domestic Protection and Emergency Shelter Zoning Expansion:
- 6/8/2023: The City Council unanimously approved Councilmembers Harris and Moreno’s Motion M-23-266, directing the City Planning Commission to study the proposal to expand shelters as by right uses.
- 8/22/2023: The City Planning Commission staff presented their staff report, recommending modified approval for the motion. Their modified recommendation expanded the initial motion to include permit the shelters as by right uses in the MS Medical Service district, which was not included in the initial motion. The City Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval for the motion.
- 9/21/2023: The City Council unanimously adopted Motion M-23-266 with the modifications recommended by the City Planning Commission.
- 10/5/2023: The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 4264, formally enshrining the legislation in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
What is the Domestic Protection and Emergency Shelter Zoning Expansion?
Prior to this change in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Domestic Protection Shelters were only permitted by-right in CBD-7 and not permitted as a conditional use anywhere else. Emergency Shelters were only permitted as a conditional use in CBD-1, CBD-2, CBD-7, and MU-2 and not permitted by-right anywhere.
Thanks to the expansion, both shelters are now permitted by right in the following zoning districts: VCR-1,VCR2, HMR-1, HMR-2, VCC-1, VCC-2, VCS, VCS-1, HMC-1, HMC-2, HM-MU, HU-RM1, HU-RM2, HU-MU, S-LRM1, S-LRM2, S-LB2 (CU), S-LC, S-MU, MU-1, MU-2, EC, MC, LS, CBD-1, CBD-2, CBD-3, CBD-4, CBD-5, CBD-6, and CBD-7.
What is the definition of a “Domestic Protection Shelter” and “Emergency Shelter”?