HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/2018 06E Temporary Emergency Cold Weather Shelters PolicyBUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
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Item No. 6.E.
For Meeting of: November 6, 2018
ITEM TITLE: Resolution authorizing and directing the Yakima Department of
Community Development to identify and implement a policy
regarding temporary emergency cold weather shelters; and
providing that such policy shall be valid only from November 15,
2018 through March 31, 2019
SUBMITTED BY: Joe Caruso, Code Administration Manager
Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Joan Davenport, Community Development Director
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The proposed resolution sets the minimum standards and requirements for shelters. Although no
specific locations have been proposed, this resolution will allow the City to take applications for
such shelters for the winter season. Requirements identified in the resolution focus on the
temporary volunteer managed characteristics of these shelters. The Building/Fire Official will
review the applications, insurance and site plans (which must include defined sleeping areas) and
approve them before the shelter buildings can be used. These policies do not apply to the
temporary homeless encampment, run by Transform Yakima Together, subject to the Lease
Agreement previously entered into by the City.
ITEM BUDGETED:
NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Neighborhood and Community Building
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
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ATTACHM E NT S :
Description Upload Date Type
Resdution E S 10/26/2018 Resdution
A RESOLUTION
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RESOLUTION NO. R -2018 -
authorizing and directing the Yakima Department of Community
Development to identify and implement a policy regarding temporary
emergency cold weather shelters in the City of Yakima, and providing that
such policy shall be valid only from November 15, 2018, through March
31, 2019.
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima, in conjunction with religious organizations, non-profit
service providers, and Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, is aware that there is within
the City of Yakima a population of homeless persons who may require temporary emergency
shelter from cold weather during the winter months; and
WHEREAS, owners of various buildings, which may include churches or buildings
owned or controlled by religious organizations, located within the City of Yakima have indicated
that they are willing and able to provide temporary emergency shelter; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima currently has no municipal code provisions, whether
under the zoning, buildings, fire or other codes, expressly allowing, authorizing, or regulating the
use of such buildings as temporary emergency shelters; and
WHEREAS, RCW 35.21.915 may apply to emergency winter shelters if owned or
controlled by a religious organization; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima Department of Community Development has
endeavored to create interim policy guidelines to address and regulate temporary emergency
shelters and health and safety issues that may arise in their operation; and
WHEREAS, at the time of this Resolution, no specific building has been identified and
confirmed as a building where temporary homeless shelter facilities may be located, but it is
believed that one or more will be found prior to November 15, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the Yakima City Council finds and determines that it is in the public interest,
and the best interest of the City and its residents, to adopt the resolution and policy guidelines
set forth herein; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
The City of Yakima Department of Community Development is hereby authorized and
directed to implement the policies listed herein and require all operators of temporary
emergency shelters during the winter period to provide application materials as attached
hereto. Policies shall include the following, and must be certified by the owner or legal
occupier of each building:
1. Sleeping areas shall be located on the ground floor of the building or on other
floors with approved exiting;
2. Smoke detectors shall be located in all sleeping areas and connected to a
central station monitor;
3. No cooking is allowed on the premises, unless done in an approved
commercial kitchen;
4. The on-site staff ratio shall be one staff member per eight overnight guests;
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5. If there is no adequate fire suppression system, staff members must remain
awake and alert throughout the night, serving as a night fire watch;
6. The owner or legal occupier of the building shall provide a floor plan showing
the dimensions of the building, including exits and door swing, more than 72
hours before the first night of occupation;
7. Organizations not falling under RCW 35.21.915 shall provide proof of
adequate insurance; and
8. Any other health and safety requirements determined necessary by the fire
marshal or building code officials based on the proposed building(s) to be
used as temporary homeless shelters under this resolution.
9. All entities wishing to operate a temporary emergency shelter shall fully fill out
and submit an application, with all necessary accompanying documents,
which must be approved before the shelter can open.
This policy does not apply to the Transform Yakima Together Lease Agreement for the
temporary homeless encampment entered into between the City and TYT.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 61h day of November, 2018.
ATTEST: Kathy Coffey, Mayor
Sonya Claar Tee, City Clerk
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY COLD WEATHER SHELTERS
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
Definition
Temporary Emergency Shelter: Provides for November 15, 2018 through March 31, 2019 for housing for
the homeless at the below mentioned church facility
Application Process
Location Address
Name of Location
Owner or Owner's representative shall submit and self-certify the following:
❑ Sleeping areas to be located on ground floor, or on other floors with approved exiting
❑ Smoke detectors shall be located in all sleeping areas and connected to a central station monitor
❑ No cooking is allowed on the premises
❑ On-site adult staff ratio of one member per eight overnight guests. On duty staff shall remain awake/alert
❑ Floor plan showing dimensions with exits and door swing
Applicant Signature Date
Shelter Contact(please print) Phone Number
Permanent shelters with approved fire safety equipment and exits are not subject to the requirements of the emergency cold
weather temporary administrative policy.
FEMA and Red Cross shelters occupied during a declared City/County/State emergency are not subject to the requirements of
the emergency cold weather temporary administrative Policy.
The above temporary administrative policy is to remain in place until approved,cancelled or modified by the Yakima City
Council