ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No:
Prepared by: Amanda Lee, Assistant City Manager Meeting Date: August 9, 2022 Approved by: Patrick Johnson, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion SUBJECT: ZONING FOR MOBILE SHOWERS
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss zoning for mobile Showers and provide direction to staff.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: (1) Homelessness and Housing, and (2) Public Safety.
PRIOR ACTION: None.
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: Councilmember Contreras requested the City Manager place a discussion item on an upcoming City Council meeting agenda to discuss the City’s zoning and allowance for mobile showers, specifically at the future Safe Parking Program location and the annual North County Veteran Stand Down event. Mobile showers typically utilize a trailer to provide access to safe shower facilities and basic hygiene resources for people experiencing homelessness. Mobile showers are self- contained and do not require a source of water or power. Mobile shower waste tanks are emptied at recreational vehicle waste collection sites or by a private provider.
The City’s Development Code does not expressly list mobile showers as a use within the City; however, depending on the site location, a Special Use Permit (SUP) can be obtained to operate mobile showers.
Per Vista Development Code Section 18.74.010.B, an SUP allows for specified facilities and/or activities to be permitted at a given location when it is determined that the facility and/or activity is necessary or desirable and will contribute to the general convenience or welfare of the neighborhood or community.
Safe Parking Program. At this time, a site location has not been identified for the Safe Parking Program.
Similar to mobile showers, safe parking is not a use expressly permitted by the City’s zoning regulations.
Therefore, any safe parking location will be required to obtain an SUP. An SUP application is reviewed and considered by the Planning Commission and the application can include both the use for safe parking and mobile showers.
North County Veterans Stand Down (NCVSD). NCVSD is an annual four-day event that that takes place at Green Oak Ranch, 1237 Green Oak Road, that provides wrap-around services for unsheltered veterans.
Currently, the NCVSD obtains a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to operate the event. A TUP allows private property owners to conduct an activity (up to five days) that is not expressly stated by zoning regulations. A TUP can be provided to a property owner for up to four events per year. NCVSD has the ability to include mobile showers in their TUP application. If Green Oak Ranch wants to provide mobile showers on a regular basis, they would need to apply for an SUP.
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
08/09/2022 D3 1 of 2
D3
Discussed zoning for mobile Showers and provided direction to staff to bring back information on SUP and zoning areas. Vote: 4-1 (Ritter opposed)
MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 PAGE 2
SUBJECT: ZONING FOR MOBILE SHOWERS
There is an SUP application fee that currently ranges between $3,414 to $8,877, depending if the application is an amendment to an existing SUP or a new SUP. In accordance with Development Code Section 18.74.240.J, the fees for such an application are set by resolution of the City Council and, therefore, may be waived by resolution of the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the discussion item. Any future fiscal impacts will be based on direction received by the City Council, which will be identified in future agenda reports.
EXHIBITS: None
08/09/2022 D3 2 of 2
From:D Stephens
To:Public Comments
Cc:Tim Yzaguirre; Michelle Lebeau
Subject:Agenda Item D3, August 9, 2022, Zoning for Mobile Showers, Date:Tuesday, August 9, 2022 9:59:44 AM
Hello
My name is Edith Stephens. I have been a resident of Vista since 1988 and have been involved with several homeless outreach programs and initiatives in north county since 2016. I have attended community meetings and city council meetings regarding homelessness in Vista in the past few years. I am writing today to express my support of developing appropriate zoning for mobile shower units in our city.
It is my personal belief that it is essential for our unhoused neighbors to have personal interaction from any willing resident of Vista who has the intention to see that “neighbor” as a fellow human, deserving of experiencing dignity and worth The opportunity for our unhoused population to clean their bodies, possibly receive clean underwear/clothing/hygiene essentials can be transformative. It has been disappointing to me that these volunteer showers have been prohibited in Vista.
The only way we will be able to bring change and address the issues of our unhoused population (and there are almost as many reasons for an individual to be living on the streets as there are individuals in that condition) is to meet them where they are, accept them, speak to them with kindness and let them know they are worthy. We must meet them face-to-face and allow them to experience an environment that is not confrontational. Over time, when you get to know someone by name (or street name), they can recognize a familiar face, receive a sincere smile from a Vistan who will look them in the eye to have a conversation; you are on the way to establish a relationship that can be encouraging and plant the seeds to restore a life.
I have been involved with an initiative of the San Diego Rescue Mission called "Walk with Me" where a "neighbor" (homeless person) pairs with a "friend" (trained volunteer) for regular interaction (non-financial) for a minimum of one year https://www.sdrescue.org/walk- with-me/ The only way to get this working in Vista, is to have a way for volunteer "friends" to have a place to get to meet our "neighbors" and let those relationships develop organically.
CommunityOutreach -San DiegoRescueMission |Walk WithMe
A desire toimprove your lifesituation. Awillingness to behonest and open,knowing that you www.sdrescue.org
Thank you for your time taken to read this and consider public comments.
Best regards,
Edith "DeeDee" Stephens