Shelter crisis: homeless shelters.
The law specifically empowers the Cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, the County of Santa Clara, and the City and County of San Francisco to adopt reasonable local standards for homeless shelters. These local standards must at least meet minimum health and safety requirements, but allow deviation from rigorous state standards to expedite shelter creation. The law mandates the Department of Housing and Community Development to review and approve these ordinances, ensuring their alignment with safety standards while facilitating the development of homeless shelters during a declared shelter crisis.
Assembly Bill No. 932, authored by Ting, addresses the critical issue of homelessness through the framework of a 'shelter crisis'. This legislation permits specific cities and counties, particularly those heavily impacted by homelessness, to declare a shelter crisis, thereby gaining the authority to create and manage emergency housing solutions including temporary homeless shelters. The bill permits these jurisdictions to bypass certain building and zoning regulations that would typically apply, allowing for faster implementation of shelter solutions. This bill sets forth a clear legislative intent to mitigate homelessness by providing a more flexible regulatory environment for emergency housing.
The sentiment surrounding AB 932 has been largely positive among advocates for homelessness solutions, with supporters viewing it as a necessary response to a pressing social issue. However, the bill has also generated some contention, particularly from those concerned about the suspension of existing housing standards and potential impacts on neighborhood character and safety. Opponents argue that it could undermine established local land-use regulations meant to ensure community standards and safety. In contrast, proponents emphasize the urgent need for rapid solutions given the extent of homelessness in California's urban areas.
A key point of contention revolves around the balance between swiftly addressing homelessness and maintaining local control over land-use regulations. Critics of AB 932 are wary of the implications of allowing jurisdictions to bypass established regulations, fearing that comprehensive neighborhood planning could be compromised. The bill's temporary nature, set to expire on January 1, 2021, adds a layer of urgency, prompting discussions about long-term strategies for sustainable housing solutions in California.