08-22-2023 - PC Agenda Packet
Planning Commission
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 | 7:30 PM
City Hall Council Chamber – 70 N. First Street
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
This Planning Commission meeting will be conducted in person and virtually via video
teleconferencing (Zoom) in compliance with the provisions of the Brown Act. Members of the
public may attend this meeting in person at Campbell City Hall or virtually via Zoom at
https://campbellca.gov/PCSignup. The meeting will also be live streamed on Channel 26, the
City's website, and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@CityofCampbell.
Written correspondence will be accepted via email at planning@campbellca.gov until 5:00 PM
on the day of the meeting, and thereafter may be delivered in-person at the public hearing.
Written correspondence will be posted to the City’s website and distributed to the Planning
Commission. If you choose to email your comments, please indicate in the subject line “FOR
PUBLIC COMMENT” and indicate the item number.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2023 (Roll Call Vote)
➢ Meeting Minutes, 7/11/2023 (Regular Meeting)
COMMUNICATIONS
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for individuals wishing to address the Planning
Commission on matters of community concern that are not listed on the agenda. In the interest
of time, the Chair may limit speakers to five minutes. Please be aware that State law prohibits
the Commission from acting on non-agendized items, however, the Chair may refer matters to
staff for follow-up.
PLANNING COMMISSION AD-HOC SUBCOMMITEE REPORTS
2. Report of the Shelter Crisis Subcommittee (Commissioners Krey & Zisser)
Recommended Action: Receive the report and provide feedback.
3. Report of the Economic Development Subcommittee (Commissioners Kamkar & Davis)
Planning Commission Agenda for August 22, 2023 Pg. 2
Recommended Action: Receive the report and provide feedback.
NEW BUSINESS
4. Economic Development Strategy Plan Update
5. Report of the Community Development Director
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn to the Planning Commission meeting of September 12, 2023, at 7:30 PM, in the City Hall
Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California and via telecommunication.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, listening assistance devices are available
for meetings held in the Council Chambers. If you require accommodation to participate in the
meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at ClerksOffice@campbellca.gov or 408-866-2117
in advance of the meeting.
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 I 7:30pm
City Hall Council Chamber
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Planning Commission meeting of July 11, 2023 was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chair
Buchbinder, and the following proceedings were had to wit.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Rob Eastwood, Director
Bill Seligmann, City Attorney
Stephen Rose, Senior Planner
Tracy Tam, Associate Planner
Ken Ramirez, Administrative Analyst
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of Minutes of June 27, 2023 (Roll Call Vote)
➢ Meeting minutes a 6/27/2023 (Regular Meeting)
Approved by Planning Commission. Commissioner Ostrowski Absent.
COMMUNICATIONS
None
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS
Planning Commissioners Present:
Adam Buchbinder, Chair
Alan Zisser, Vice Chair
Davis Fields
Stuart Ching
Matt Kamkar
Michael Krey
Planning Commission Absent
Maggie Ostrowski
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2023 Page 2
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for individuals wishing to address the Planning
Commission on matters of community concern that are not listed on the agenda. In the interest
of time, the Chair may limit speakers to five minutes. Please be aware that State law prohibits the
Commission from acting on non-agendized items, however, the Chair may refer matters to staff
for follow-up.
Opened and Closed Public Comment
PUBLIC HEARING
Note: Members of the public may be allotted up to two (2) minutes to comment on any public
hearing item. Applicants/Appellants and their representatives may be allotted up to a total of five
(5) minutes for opening statements and up to a total of three (3) minutes maximum for closing
statements. Items requested/recommended for continuance are subject to Planning Commission’s
consent at the meeting.
Disclosures: Vice Chair Zisser and Commissioner Krey visited all the sites but did not speak to
anyone at the sites. Commissioner Kamkar went past the site for Item 3. Chair Buchbinder spoke
to applicant and visited the site for Item 4.
Chair Buchbinder read the following public hearing items into record as follows:
2. PLN-2023-65 – 801 W. Hamilton Avenue
Continued Public Hearing to conduct a compliance evaluation of an existing restaurant
(Negeen Restaurant) with on-site alcohol sales and late-night hours in response to live
events held on the property inconsistent with permit requirements, and to consider the
modification or revocation of planning permit(s) in response on property located at 801 W.
Hamilton Avenue. Staff is recommending that this item be deemed Categorically Exempt
under CEQA. Planning Commission action is final unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk
within 10 calendar days. Project Planner: Tracy Tam, Associate Planner
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution (reference Attachment 1) approving a City-
Initiated Modification (PLN-2023-65) to the Administrative Planned Development Permit
(PLN-2009-167).
Associate Planner Tracy Tam presented the staff report to conduct a compliance evaluation
of an existing restaurant (Negeen Restaurant) with on-site alcohol sales and late-night
hours in response to live events held on the property inconsistent with permit
requirements, and to consider the modification or revocation of planning permit(s) in
response on property located at 801 W. Hamilton Avenue.
Commissioners received clarification regarding the differences between the revocation of
Khartoum Lounge hearing and the subject hearing. The Planning Commission is reviewing
the permit due to two violations. City Attorney also clarified that state law provisions limit
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2023 Page 3
fines to $1,000 per violation. Staff explained the permits needed to conduct outdoor
temporary events, citing that a two-step permit procedure would be required.
Applicant stated that he was bringing the community together. No intention going against
city regulation or rules. Event had an economic benefit.
Commissioners received clarification and responses from applicant that if the event is held
again in the future they would apply for a permit to hold that event.
Commissioners discussed their perspectives on the project. Believe that the Khartoum
model worked well. Believe that the City should make clear what the penalties are for
violating conditions of approval. In favor of having staff the ability to modify the hours if
needed. Ok with staff recommendations. Applicant should make adjustments and submit
for a Conditional Use Permit.
A straw-poll was taken (4-2; in favor of moving forward with Compliance Agreement with
applicant)
Motion: Upon motion by Commissioner Krey, seconded by Commissioner Kamkar the
Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4684, approving a City-initiated
Modification to a previously approved Administrative Planned Development
Permit ((PLN2009-167), amending the conditions of approval for an existing
restaurant/liquor establishment (Negeen Restaurant) with Late-Night activities on
property located at 801 W. Hamilton Avenue(PLN-2023-65), by the following roll
call vote.
AYES: Ching, Kamkar, Krey, Buchbinder, Zisser, Fields
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ostrowski
ABSTAIN: None
Chair Buchbinder closed public hearing.
Commissioners were in support of the project.
3. PLN-2021-43 – 910 S. McGlincy Lane
Public Hearing to consider the application of Nicole Comach (Crown Castle) and Jake
Hamilton (Virtual Site Walk, LLC) to allow for the establishment of a concealed wireless
telecommunications facility (artificial tree pole) with a request for a limited exemption from
standards to retain the existing height of the facility (45-feet permitted; 75-feet
existing/requested) on property located at 910 S. McGlincy Lane in the M-1 (Light
Industrial) Zoning District. The application under consideration is a Conditional Use Permit
with Site and Architectural Review. File No.: PLN-2021-43. Staff is recommending that this
item be deemed Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Planning Commission action is final
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2023 Page 4
unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days. Project Planner:
Stephen Rose, Senior Planner
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution (reference Attachment A), approving a
Conditional Use Permit with Site and Architectural Review (PLN-2021-43) to allow for the
establishment of a new concealed wireless facility (artificial tree pole) with a request for a
limited exemption from standards to retain the existing height of the facility (45-feet
permitted; 75-feet existing/requested) on property located at 910 S. McGlincy Lane in the
M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District and finding the project Categorically Exempt under
Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Senior Planner Stephen Rose presented the staff report.
Commissioners asked for clarification why a Eucalyptus tree was chosen as the artificial tree
species to mimic.
Senior Planner Stephen Rose explained that the City’s adopted Wireless Facilities Design
Requirements indicate a preference for “V-shaped” trees, such as Eucalyptus trees, on the
basis they offer greater canopy coverage where antennas are mounted at toward the top
of the tower. Senior Planner Stephen Rose further explained that while other tree species
were considered as the preferred tree species to mimic, such as Deodar Cedar which occur
north and south of the project site, that the Site and Architectural Review Committee
ultimately concluded that the Eucalyptus was preferred, in consideration that other Deodar
Cedar trees do not occur on the project site
Commissioners asked for clarification why the applicant’s request to modify an existing
wireless facility was before them.
Senior Planner Stephen Rose explained that the City’s Wireless Facility Ordinance requires
an assessment of the special, size, and shape of selected artificial tree. The City has different
tiers for permitting requirements. Higher bar for establishment and lower bar for renewal.
As the existing land use entitlement is set to expire, and in consideration that the permit
constitutes a proposal for a new concealed facility, the permit requires review and approval
by the Planning Commission.
Grace Pamidi, a neighboring resident, spoke and stated that she was in favor of the
camouflage structure.
Commissioner discussed their perspectives on the project. Commissioners are in agreement
with selected type, shape, and height of artificial tree.
Chair Buchbinder closed the Public Hearing on the item.
Motion: Upon motion by Commissioner Zisser, seconded by Commissioner Kamkar the
Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4685, approving a Conditional Use
Permit with Site and Architectural Review (PLN-2021-90) to allow the
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2023 Page 5
establishment of a new concealed wireless facility (Artificial Tree) on a property
located at 910 S. McGlincy Lange in the M-1 (Light Industrial) zoning district.
Project File No.: PLN-2021-43, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ching, Kamkar, Krey, Buchbinder, Zisser, Fields
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ostrowski
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
4. Report of the Community Development Director
• Denial of shell gas station application will go to City Council
• The appeal hearing for 68 Page St that was continued to a future hearing date.
• The Planning Division does not currently have many projects in the pipeline. May need to
cancel a few Planning Commission meetings in the future due to lack of items.
Chair Buchbinder met with Economic Development team to learn about the permitting process.
Chair can make subcommittee and assign appointments.
Chair Buchbinder appointed Commissioner Field and Kamkar appointed to the Planning
Commission Economic Subcommittee.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned meeting at 9:20 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission Meeting on Tuesday,
July 25, 2023, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California and via
telecommunication.
PREPARED BY: _______________________________
Ken Ramirez, Administrative Analyst
APPROVED: ______________________________
Adam Buchbinder, Chair
ATTEST: ________________________________
Rob Eastwood, Secretary
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Report on Considering a Declaration of Shelter Crisis
by Campbell Planning Commission Subcommittee on Shelter Crisis
(Michael Krey, Alan Zisser)
August 15, 2023
Section I: Overview on Declaration of Shelter Crisis in California
California Government Code Section 8698 (2018) allows the governing body of a city to declare a
shelter crisis when a significant number of persons are without the ability to obtain shelter, resulting
in a threat to their health and safety.
California Government Code Section 8698.1 provides that, upon a declaration of a shelter crisis, the
provisions of any state or local regulatory statute, regulation or resolution prescribing
standards of housing, health, or safety, as applied to public facilities, shall be suspended to the
extent that strict compliance would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the
effects of the shelter crisis.
California Government Code Section 8698.2 provides that, upon a declaration of a shelter crisis, a city
may allow persons unable to obtain housing to occupy designated public facilities (including facilities
leased by the city) during the duration of the crisis.
California Government Code Section 8698.3 is specific to the City of San Jose whereas:
“Emergency housing may include an emergency bridge housing community for the homeless located or
constructed on any city-owned or city-leased land, including land acquired with low- and moderate-
income housing funds.”
California Government Code Section 8698.4 (2019) expands on prior 8698 statute and covers specific
jurisdictions that requires them to develop and submit plans to HCD.
“Cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Diego, the County of Santa Clara, and
the City and County of San Francisco shall develop a plan to address the shelter crisis, including, but
not limited to, the development of homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing, as well as
onsite supportive services. The city, county, or city and county shall make the plan publicly available.
In the case of a shelter crisis declared by the County of Alameda, a city located within the County of
Alameda, the County of Orange, a city located within the County of Orange, or the City of San Jose, the
county or the city, as applicable, shall develop the plan described in subparagraph (A) on or before July
1, 2020, and shall include in the plan required by this subparagraph a plan to transition residents from
homeless shelters to permanent housing.”
Plans must be publicly available. State funding was provided under the Homeless Emergency Aid
Program. This HEAP funding was exhausted in 2021.
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Other Legislation
AB 2553 – Enacted Sept. 2020, it’s the latest bill modifying the provisions of the Shelter Crisis Act
(Gov’t. Code 8698.4). Like SB 850, it basically exempts shelter projects from some fees and regulations
and exempts such projects from CEQA. Extends law from 1-1-23 end to 1-1-26. If a city declares a
shelter crisis under this act, the city is required to develop a plan to address the shelter crisis, including
the development of homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing with onsite support services,
with a plan for transitioning residents from shelters into permanent housing. The plan has to be made
publicly available and has to be developed by July 1 of the year following the declaration.
Potential Legislation
AB 2211 – Stuck in committee, would extend these 8698 provisions from 1-1-26 to 1-1-30. It also
defines what is considered a shelter crisis, expands definition of an emergency shelter, and allows for
reimbursement by state for costs.
SB 7 – Proposed last year, it would require that cities provide emergency housing of some type. The bill
was suspended. However, bill sponsor Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, plans to reintroduce
this legislation next year with new wording, according to her staff. The main thrust of the bill is to
mandate that smaller cities, not just big ones, provide such shelter.
Section II: Santa Clara County Point-In-Time (PIT) Homeless Report
“The Point-in-Time Count is a census of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness
on a single night. It provides data used for federal funding allocations and national estimates of
homelessness. While it is a helpful tool, it is an imprecise method and is best used as a supplement to
the many other ways we measure homelessness in our community.
The 2023 count brings Santa Clara County back to conducting the census every other year (on odd
years), after the pandemic-related delay in 2021 that led to a subsequent count in 2022.”
“Every two years, during the last ten days of January, communities across the United States conduct
comprehensive counts of the local population experiencing homelessness. These biennial Point-in-
Time Counts estimate the prevalence of homelessness in each community and collect information on
individuals and families residing in temporary shelters and places not meant for human habitation, and
ultimately help the federal government better understand the nature and extent of homelessness
nationwide. As required of all jurisdictions (Continuums of Care - CoCs) receiving federal funding from
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide homeless services,
Continuums of Care (CoC) across the country report the findings of their local Point-in-Time Count in
their annual funding application to HUD. Currently, the Santa Clara County CoC receives approximately
$30 million dollars annually in federal CoC funding, as well as additional funding from other sources.”
The 2023 Santa Clara County Point-in-Time Homeless Count represents a complete enumeration of
all sheltered and unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness.
“The number of unhoused community members counted across Santa Clara County dropped
slightly compared to last year (2022), according to preliminary results of the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT)
homeless census. The data, released by the County of Santa Clara and the City of San José, show the
overall number of homeless individuals counted this year decreased by 1.2% in Santa Clara County
and dropped by 4.7% in the city limits of San José.”
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City of Campbell shows total of 92 Unsheltered and 0 Sheltered homeless in 2023. This is down
57% (216 unsheltered) from 2022, while up 24% (74 unsheltered) from 2019.
The 2023 PIT consisted of the following primary components:
• General Street Count: A morning count of unsheltered homeless individuals and families on January
24-25, 2023. This included those sleeping outdoors on the street; at bus and train stations; in parks,
tents, and other make-shift shelters; and in vehicles and abandoned properties.
• General Shelter Count: A nighttime count of homeless individuals and families staying at publicly and
privately operated shelters. This included those who occupied emergency shelters, transitional housing,
and safe havens.
The Point-in-Time Census also included the following supplemental components:
• Targeted Street Count of Youth and Young Adults: An afternoon count of unsheltered unaccompanied
youth and young adults under 25 years old.
• Targeted COE Street Count of K-12 Students and Their Families: A count of unsheltered homeless
students and their families reported by the Santa Clara County Office of Education and their
participating school districts.
• Homeless Survey: An in-person interview of sheltered and unsheltered individuals conducted by peer
and outreach staff surveyors in the weeks following the general street count. Data from the survey were
used to refine the Point-in-Time Census estimates. This section of the report provides a summary of the
results of the Point-in-Time Census. For comparison, results from prior years are provided in order to
better understand the shifting dynamics of homelessness over time.
PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS
The primary cause of an individual’s inability to obtain or retain housing can be difficult to pinpoint, as it
is often the result of multiple inter-related causes. An inability to secure adequate housing can also lead
to an inability to address other basic needs, such as healthcare and adequate nutrition. A quarter
(24%) of survey respondents reported job loss as the primary cause of their homelessness,
while 11% cited alcohol or drug use, 9% cited a divorce/separation, 8% cited eviction, and 8%
cited fleeing domestic violence. When asked what might have prevented their homelessness,
survey respondents most commonly reported rent or mortgage assistance (26%) and
employment assistance (26%). Also, 23% cited mental health services availability and 18% help
with accessing benefits.
HEALTH
Survey respondents reported suffering from psychiatric or emotional conditions as the most common
health condition, at 31%, which is lower than the 42% in 2022. Respondents suffering from drug or
alcohol abuse went down from 32% to 26%.
The most common health condition for chronically homeless persons to experience was psychiatric
or emotional conditions, where 31% of chronically homeless persons indicated they were suffering from
that condition. PTSD was the second most common (29%), followed by Drug and Alcohol Abuse (26%),
chronic health problems (25%). physical disability (21%), traumatic brain injury (10%), and Intellectual
Development Disability (9%).
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GENERAL (Countywide)
Current Accommodation – 35% Outdoors, 32% Vehicle, 21% Shelter, 11% Structure not meant for
habitation
34% are experiencing homelessness for first time.
65% have been homeless for 1 year or more, 29% for 1-11 months.
85% were residents of SC County at time of becoming homeless.
68% have been residents for over 5 years, and 90% are residents for at least one year.
14% became homeless related to COVID pandemic.
BREAKDOWN BY JURISDICTION
Summary of Phone Interview with Kathryn Kaminski, County Office of Supportive Housing
Kathryn Kaminski oversees the PIT count for the county.
County hasn’t been awarding emergency shelter funding to individual cities per se, but instead awards
funds and provides other help to variety of shelter projects. This can include safe parking.
Would be happy to work with Campbell. County has partnered with Mtn. View, Palo Alto and lately
Santa Clara on HomeKey projects. Would love for Campbell to do a shelter project. Absolutely would
support a regional project among the West Valley cities (Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino).
Encourage collaboration.
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She believes Mountain View has declared a shelter crisis (was originally declared in March 2019) and
that Palo Alto is considering doing so (they did in September 2021). The most crucial aspect of shelter
projects is that they should have low barriers of entry. Otherwise, many homeless won’t use.
Asked why a city would undertake such an emergency shelter project, with the initial expense but also
ongoing expense, she said there is no simple answer. Mainly would hope all jurisdictions want to do
something about the issue. She said it can become a political issue where homeless and
encampments so visible that residents pressure political leaders.
Section III: Other Inputs/Interviews:
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg staffer David Fernandez:
County does a little bit of everything with the cities. County often leads the way. If cities don’t have the
resources, we can lead the way. County prefers projects that are buildings, as opposed to RV safe-
parking types of projects. More cost efficient and effective. Not sure what cities in our county have
declared a “shelter crisis” and not sure the benefits of doing so. County doesn’t look at lack of shelter in
Campbell as the city not pulling its weight.
Dhakshike Wickrema
Deputy Secretary, Homelessness
Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency, State of California
Oversees the state’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grants
A fifth round of HHAP funding likely will happen, and jurisdictions do not have to declare a Shelter
Crisis to apply. However, she sees a potential benefit for Campbell doing so (easier to do permits and
contracts, etc.) But grants are for bigger cities, over 300K population, and CoCs (Santa Clara Co. is a
CoC). Smaller cities can apply for a separate, competitive grant, the Encampment Resolution Fund, if
applicable. A city must demonstrate how the grant would be leveraged with other sources to best assist
people living in unsheltered situations and connect them to stable housing and supportive services.
NOTE: ERF Fund is intended for those jurisdictions that have encampments.
There are $237,301,738 of ERF-2 (second round) funds. Applications will be accepted on a rolling
basis until June 30, 2023, or until all funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Up to $150
million will be prioritized for proposals that serve people living in encampments on state rights-of-way.
Nick Zornes
Development Services Director, City of Los Altos
Previously, Planning Manager at Riverside County and Planner at City of Encinitas
Los Altos not considering declaration (2023 PIT has zero unsheltered in Los Altos, down from 65
unsheltered in 2022). Mountain View and Palo Alto seem to get most of the area’s homeless/unhoused
because of closer proximity to mass transit and shelter options being available.
At Encinitas, Nick was involved with that city’s shelter crisis declaration in 2021. Created more flexible
zoning. Worked with Jewish Family Services on what was basically a safe-parking site (more detail
below).
All city Housing Elements must include “something” re: emergency, supportive, transitional and
homeless housing.
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Important to work with faith-based agencies (that is noted in Campbell’s housing plans). Nick said he
believes having a full-time housing staff member is essential.
He cautions that declaring a shelter crisis can open a Pandora’s Box of possible troubles. His take
pretty similar to Campbell PD captain’s take. That is, a shelter or transitional housing can attract more
homeless (become a sanctuary).
County (and maybe state) agencies can provide funding for homeless housing projects, with or without
a shelter crisis resolution, but Nick believes declaring shelter crisis can ease approval process. Also
said having a shelter enables PD to enforce encampments, because it gives those folks a place to go.
Also can help with Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and in identifying people in the city at risk of
becoming homeless.
Believes a homeless count of around 200 is high enough to consider shelter/transitional housing.
Section IV: Other Cities and Counties
Since 2018, most large California cities and counties (Los Angeles city/county, SF city/county,
Sacramento city/county, San Diego city/county, Oakland/Alameda County) have declared shelter
crises. This has always been in conjunction with a plan to develop temporary, transitional and
permanent housing for homeless people. The declaration allowing for suspension of certain state or
local regulatory statutes, regulations or resolutions prescribing standards of housing, health, or safety,
as applied to public facilities, so as to allow for development of shelter and housing solutions during the
crisis.
Numerous midsize and smaller cities and counties have declared shelter crises as well, with the same
intentions. Examples of cities/counties include Palo Alto, Redding, Millbrae, Sebastopol, Sonoma
County, Humboldt County, Oxnard, Ventura, San Bernardino, Thousand Oaks, Arroyo Grande,
Stockton, San Joaquin County, Vacaville, Lodi, Fairfield, Encinitas and others.
Additionally, in the initial period, there was incentive to declare a shelter crisis, so as to qualify for
funding from the state’s Homeless Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP).
Palo Alto (pop. 63,000)
Input from Melissa McDonough, Assistant to City Manager
The State/HomeKey awarded the city a $26M grant for this project last year. The project is underway—
this update (link below) from the spring provides a project schedule and some highlights per the PA
website:
Homekey Palo Alto is a new modular interim housing shelter with the capacity to serve over 300
individuals annually with on-site support services. The project is being codeveloped by the City of Palo
Alto and LifeMoves.
Located at 1237 San Antonio Road in Palo Alto near the Palo Alto Baylands, Homekey Palo Alto will
provide a dignified transitional step for unhoused residents on the path to stable housing. This project is
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made possible through a combination of State funding combined with local contributions from the Palo
Alto Community Fund, Sobrato Philanthropies, Santa Clara County, and the City of Palo Alto.
Palo Alto Homekey’s schedule has been impacted by cost increases, leading to a change in architect
and contractor. This triggered the creation of a new schedule, site plan, and drawings. Additionally, the
project’s timeline is affected by long lead times for critical items (e.g., electrical switchgear, a key
component in an electrical power system). The new anticipated timeline has construction on Palo Alto
Homekey beginning in summer 2023 and completing by the first quarter of 2025.
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/News-Articles/City-Manager/Update-on-Homekey-Palo-Alto-Ways-to-
Support-the-Project
P.A. declared an emergency shelter crisis in Sept. 2021 and then extended that last August. However,
the shelter crisis declaration did not open the door for this HomeKey funding, The funding was on a
separate track through Homekey.
The city anticipates about $1M in yearly administrative costs. At this time, the funding for operational
costs would be through the General Fund. However, PA is exploring using some of their future State
PLHA (Permanent Local Housing Allocation) funds.
Has declaring the shelter crisis eased the approval process and shortened review, or just how
has it benefited the city?
For the most part, the project was streamlined and exempt from CEQA as a result of the Homekey
funding. The shelter crisis declaration did provide a CEQA exemption for the City’s decision to lease
City land for shelter purposes, which may not have been exempt under the Homekey provisions.
The city is obligated to an annual reporting requirement under AB 2553.
The shelter crisis was declared in accordance with
Section 8698.2 of the Government Code of the State of California authorizes the City of Palo Alto to
declare the existence of a shelter crisis upon finding that a significant number of residents are without
the ability to obtain shelter, resulting in a threat to their health and safety." and
Section 8698.1 of the Government Code of the State of California provides limited immunity for ordinary
negligence in the provision of emergency housing by opening public facilities to homeless persons and
suspends strict compliance with housing, health, or safety standards to the extent that strict compliance
would hinder the mitigation of the effects of the shelter crisis. Moreover, the city may, in place of such
standards, enact health and safety standards to operate during the housing emergency consistent with
ensuring minimal public health and safety."
What inspired Palo Alto to act:
The PA City Council was inspired by the work done in Mountain View with a human focused shelter as
well as the unique funding opportunity provided by Homekey. The facility on Encina Way is more like a
resource center with laundry facilities, case management, lockers, showers, and meals. At that center,
people can be referred to our rotating shelter, Hotel de Zink, which is hosted by a different congregation
each month.
Palo Alto has a 2023 Update Report on Housing and Services for Housed Residents at:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=810&type=2
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Encinitas (pop. 62,000)
In 2021, the City of Encinitas adopted a declaration of shelter crisis as well as a resolution to develop a
Safe Parking Program in conjunction with the local Jewish Family Service (of San Diego) and funded by
San Diego County CoC (Regional Task Force on Homelessness). The program has five locations, four
in San Diego and one in Encinitas. There is a formalized program that requires enrollment. The
program includes wraparound services provided by JFSSD. More details can be found at:
https://encinitas.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=7&clip_id=2563&meta_id=130077
https://www.jfssd.org/our-services/adults-families/safe-parking-program/
Redding (pop. 95,500) -- In June 2021, adopted a resolution declaring that Redding has a shelter
crisis, has a significant number of people are without the ability to obtain shelter, 454 in the 2020 PIT
survey. With the declaration organizations within the city can request permits to set up and operate an
Emergency Housing Site, which will provide low barrier, sanitary shelter for up to 10 months. Wrap‐
around supportive services will be provided to the occupants of the Emergency Housing Sites with the
goal of moving those individuals into permanent housing.
Sebastopol (pop. 7,500) – In Oct. 2018 declared a shelter crisis, 69 homeless in 2018 PIT survey and
another 214 in surrounding area. Its resolution said in part … the city affirms its commitment to
combatting homelessness and creating or augmenting a continuum of shelter and service options for
those living without shelter in the community. With resolution, city received nearly $150K in HEAP funds
to provide two pads and utility hookups at a city-owned mobile home park for homeless residents.
Some of these folks have transitioned to permanent housing. Planning director considers it a success.
Millbrae (pop. 21,000) – In Jan. 2019 declared shelter crisis, 7 homeless in 2017 PIT survey, which city
found significant. The city also partnered with LifeMoves to provide interim housing and supportive
services for homeless.
Section V: CITY of CAMPBELL actions and input
Rebecca Garcia was hired in Sept. ’22 to conduct a housing audit. Council voted unanimously to apply
for a 3-year, $150K per year Destination: Home grant to fund an Unhoused Specialist full-time staff
position for the city. With new budget, city also is likely to OK hiring a full-time Housing Manager, a
separate permanent position. The Unhoused Specialist is more of a hands-on social worker, meeting
with homeless and near-homeless, and providing support.
Campbell PD Chief Berg disagreed with the relatively high 2022 Point-In-Time homeless count for
Campbell. (The just-released 2023 PIT shows Campbell homeless count at 92; the 2019 PIT has the
city at 74 homeless.) Various councilmembers agreed the actual number of homeless not the big issue.
Councilman Lopez says he mostly deals with people on the brink of possible homelessness.
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CPD Capt. White in phone interview:
Homeless problem is a drug abuse and mental health issue. Most shelter beds require abstinence, so
many homeless won’t take advantage of shelters or make use of resources.
He indicates that CPD has been the most pro-active police department in partnering with County
Behavioral Health and other gov’t and NGO resources to get chronically homeless into stable housing.
Council soon will approve (or deny) getting a PERT (psychiatric emergency response team) clinician
from County Behavioral Health to be embedded into the CPD.
CPD doesn’t feel an emergency shelter in the City of Campbell would fill any big need, and it would be
a regional facility in any case, not just local. He said that, frankly, having a shelter in our city could
cause more problems for the city and CPD.
Campbell’s 2023-2031 Housing Element actions and goals related to Homelessness:
Seek to achieve 100 units of permanent supportive housing (PSH). (The city may update this goal
based on updated PIT counts.)
Initiate discussions with the County, faith-based and community-based organizations to develop a safe
parking program plan and seek City Council approval for local housing funds to support program costs.
Contribute funds to Santa Clara County's Rapid Rehousing Program to provide emergency rental
assistance support to a minimum of 75 Campbell households at risk of homelessness.
Work with Campbell's Parks and Recreation Department (Community Center) or faith-based
organizations to establish a 30-bed inclement cold weather shelter program in coordination with the
County Office of Emergency Services (OES)
Section VI: Summary and Conclusions
Since 2018, most large California cities and counties, along with a number of midsize and small cities
have declared shelter crises. This has always been in conjunction with a plan to develop emergency,
temporary, transitional and/or permanent housing for homeless/unhoused people, and at times includes
safe-parking facilities. The declaration allows for suspension of certain state or local regulatory statutes,
regulations or resolutions prescribing standards of housing, health, or safety, as applied to have
declared shelter crises public facilities, so as to allow for development of shelter and housing solutions
during the crisis.
For smaller cities, the shelter crisis declaration appears to have been put in place due to substantial
unhealthy and unsafe circumstances to both housed and unhoused residents. This includes tent
encampments, unhoused residing in vehicles, and individual persons living on the streets.
For Campbell, if the City intends to complete a plan to implement actions outlined in their 2023-2031
Housing Element that may include up to 100 units of permanent supportive housing, a safe parking
program, and other support or assistance for unhoused residents; the City may wish to consider a
Declaration of Shelter Crisis. This would help pave the way to bypass certain regulations that may
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normally present barriers to implementation, as well as, improve opportunity for funding by state or
county agencies.
There is no threshold number of homeless that triggers any requirement to provide emergency/interim
housing. The county, though, wants more such shelters and would work with any effort by Campbell.
The county also seems amenable to any joint efforts by West Valley cities.
Various funding sources might be available from the state and county. Funding also could be available
through third-party agencies (non-profit social welfare and faith-based groups) that have received
government funding. Funding help for ongoing support of any emergency/transition/interim housing
project is uncertain, and would require further investigation.
Example of Declaration of Shelter Crisis
https://bcsh.ca.gov/calich/documents/sample_declaration_form.pdf
ITEM NO. 5
City of Campbell -- Community Development Department
70 N. First Street, Campbell, CA 95008
MEMORANDUM
To: Members of the Planning Commission Date: August 22, 2023
From: Rob Eastwood, Community Development Director
Subject: Community Development Director’s Report
I.Recent City Council Meetings
At the July 18, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council and considered the following items of
interest to the Planning Commission:
Continued Public Hearing to Consider an Appeal of a Variance Approval for Property
Located at 68 Page Street to Allow Construction of an Approximately 916 Square-Foot
Single-Family Dwelling and a 642 Square Foot Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU), with a Substandard 14 ½ Foot Front-Yard Setback and 5-Foot Street-Side
Setback. File No.: PLN2022-101. the Planning Commission Found This Item be
Deemed Categorically Exempt from CEQA. The Council approved a motion to deny the
Variance and directed staff to return with a Resolution supporting denial of the Variance.
At the July 31, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council and considered the following items of
interest to the Planning Commission:
Amendment to the Classification and Salary Plan – Housing Manager. The City Council
adopted a resolution amending the Classification and Salary Plan to include the Housing
Manager
At the August 15, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council approved the following item
Accept Grant from Destination Home for Capacity Building Grant to Fund an
Unhoused Specialist Position The City Council adopted a Resolution accepting a Capacity
Building grant from Destination Home in the amount of $450,000 to fund an Unhoused
Specialist position for a period of three years.
Director’s Report for August 17, 2023 Page 2
Other Related Activities –
• Downtown Campbell Semi-Permanent Parklet Program – The City has issued grants
and permits to four downtown restaurants, to date, for parklets, which are now under
construction – Flights, Aquis, Katie Blooms, Trattoria 360.
• Environmental Programs Specialist Recruitment – The City is recruiting to hire an
Environmental Programs Specialist to support preparation of a Citywide Climate Action
Plan for the City. The Recruitment closed on August 18, 2023.
• Housing Manager Recruitment– The City is recruiting for a Housing Manager to support
implementation of its 6th Cycle Housing Element and the City’s Housing Programs. The
Recruitment is open and will close on September 8, 2023.
• City Council Economic Development Sub-Committee – The Sub-Committee held a
special meeting on July 27, 2023, and reviewed an update regarding the Economic
Development Plan, focused on existing conditions.
• CDD Summer Retreat – the Community Development Department held a summer retreat
on August 11th, including staff from Public Works and the Police Department, focused on
teambuilding and collaboration.