Emergency Shelters
San Diego Municipal Code § 141.0316
in effect§141.0316 Emergency Shelters
Emergency shelters are facilities that provide housing for homeless persons with minimal supportive services that are limited to occupancy of six months or less. An emergency shelter may be seasonal or year-round. Emergency shelters operating for 30 days or less in any 365-day period which are accessory uses to religious institutions or religious organizations are exempt from Section 141.0316.
Emergency shelters are permitted as a limited use in the zones indicated with an “L” in the Use Regulations Tables in Chapter 13, Article 1 (Base Zones) subject to the regulations in Section 141.0316(a). Emergency shelters may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit decided in accordance with Process Five in the zones indicated with a “C” in the Use Regulations Tables in Chapter 13, Article 1 (Base Zones) subject to the regulations in Section 141.0316(b). Notwithstanding Section 131.0111, for the purpose of determining applicable development regulations, emergency shelters shall be considered commercial development.
(a) Limited Use Regulations
(1) Emergency shelters shall provide an on-site waiting area of at least 10 square feet per bed to accommodate clients and prevent queuing into the public right-of-way. Any outdoor waiting area shall be physically separated with a fence, wall, or other applicable physical barrier from the public right-of-way.
(2) Emergency shelters shall provide off-street parking at a rate of at least one space for each full-time-equivalent employee, calculated at eight hours of working time per employee per 24-hour period.
(3) Hours of operation shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(4) Emergency shelters shall provide on-site supervision at all times. At least one full-time equivalent employee shall be provided for every 20 beds.
(5) The applicant shall submit to the City and implement the following:
(A) A communications plan for addressing issues or concerns regarding the emergency shelter raised by the local community, neighborhood, business organizations, and adjacent neighbors;
(B) A loitering control plan to minimize the congregation of overnight residents during daylight hours on the premises, in parking lots serving the premises, and on public sidewalks adjacent to the premises; and
(C) A litter control plan to maintain the premises and any adjacent premises in a litter free condition at all times.
(6) Adequate outdoor lighting for public safety shall be maintained. Outdoor lighting shall comply with Section 142.0740.
(b) Conditional Use Permit Regulations
(1) Emergency shelters are not permitted in Proposition A Lands.
(2) Emergency shelters shall provide at least 35 square feet of sleeping area per bed.
(3) Emergency shelters shall provide an on-site waiting area of at least 10 square feet per bed to accommodate clients and to prevent queuing into the public right-of-way. Any outdoor waiting area shall be physically separated with a fence, wall, or other applicable physical barrier from the public right-of-way.
(4) Emergency shelters shall provide at least one toilet for every 15 beds.
(5) Emergency shelters shall provide off-street parking at a rate of at least one space for each full-time-equivalent employee, calculated at eight hours of working time per employee per 24-hour period.
(6) Hours of operation shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(7) Emergency shelters shall provide on-site supervision at all times. At least one full-time equivalent employee shall be provided for every 30 beds.
(8) Living, dining, and kitchen areas shall be physically separated from sleeping areas. The shelter shall provide telephone services separate from the office phone to provide privacy.
(9) The applicant shall submit to the City and implement the following:
(A) A communications plan for addressing community-raised issues or concerns regarding the emergency shelter with the local community, neighborhood, business organizations, and adjacent neighbors;
(B) A loitering control plan to minimize the congregation of overnight residents during daylight hours on the premises, in parking lots serving the premises, and on public sidewalks adjacent to the premises; and
(C) A litter control plan to maintain the premises and any adjacent premises in a litter free condition at all times.
(“Emergency Shelters” added 6-15-2026 by O-22109 N.S.; effective 7-15-2026.)
[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-22109 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment.
Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-22109-SO.pdf ]
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter14/Ch14Art01Division03.pdf#page=36Fetched: 10/28/2026