Temporary and Accessory Emergency Shelters (TC-4-24)

The City of Raleigh provides guidelines for two types of emergency shelters: Temporary Emergency Shelters and Accessory Emergency Shelters. During severe weather, natural disasters, or other emergency situations, these shelters provide support to displaced individuals. The guidelines are outlined in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need while maintaining safety standards for the community.

Types of Emergency Shelters

1. Emergency Shelter – Accessory

An Accessory Emergency Shelter is subordinate to and customarily associated with a principal use located on the same lot. These shelters are temporary, short-term housing solutions meant to provide relief during emergencies.

Key Regulations:

1. Space Requirement: Minimum of 50 square feet per person.
2. Supervision: Continuous on-site supervision by staff or volunteers is required.
3. Location Restrictions: Not permitted in Airport Overlay Districts.
4. Activity Limitations: No counseling or therapeutic services are allowed; referrals to employment and personal service agencies are permitted.
5. Operational Duration: The shelter shall only operate for the duration of the following events:
6. Zoning: Allowed in districts CX-, DX-, IX-, or IH with a permitted principal use, or in any district with a permitted Civic Use.
   1. Winter Weather, Wind Chill, Frost/Freeze, Heat, Wind, Smoke and/or Dust Advisories; or Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm, and/or Fire Weather Watches as issued by the National Weather Service.
   2. Public Health Concerns and Mass Displacement Events as determined by either the "City Manager" or "Wake County Manager" or “Governor”.

2. Emergency Shelter – Temporary

A Temporary Emergency Shelter is designed for short-term placement of individuals during emergencies, typically allowing for activities not suitable for permanent shelters.

Key Regulations:

1. Space Requirement: Minimum of 50 square feet per person.
2. Supervision: Continuous on-site supervision by staff or volunteers is required.
3. Location Restrictions: Not permitted in Airport Overlay Districts.
4. Activity Limitations: No counseling or therapeutic services are allowed; referrals to employment and personal service agencies are permitted.
5. Zoning: Allowed only in CX-, DX-, IX-, or IH districts.
6. Operational Duration: The shelter shall only operate for the duration of the following events:
   1. Winter Weather, Wind Chill, Frost/Freeze, Heat, Wind, Smoke and/or Dust Advisories; or Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm, and/or Fire Weather Watches as issued by the National Weather Service.
   2. Public Health Concerns and Mass Displacement Events as determined by either the "City Manager" or "Wake County Manager" or “Governor”.

Both types of emergency shelters have similar operational and space requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals seeking temporary shelter during times of need.

Building Code Requirements for Temporary Overflow Emergency Shelters for the Homeless

For existing A-2 and A-3 occupancies (e.g., assembly spaces like churches), temporary overflow emergency shelters may be established under specific conditions, as approved by local officials and the fire marshal. Section 427 of the North Carolina Building Code outlines the requirements for temporary overflow emergency shelters for the homeless.

Key Regulations:

1. Occupant Limits: Maximum of 20 ambulatory individuals, 18 years or older. Minors may be accommodated if the shelter serves homeless families, rotates among churches, and has smoke detectors in sleeping areas.
2. Construction Type: Must be Type I, II, or III construction.
3. Staffing Requirements: At least two staff members, aged 21 or older, trained per the North Carolina Fire Code, with one staff member awake at all times.
4. Fire Alarm Systems: A functional smoke detection and local fire alarm system is required throughout the shelter.
5. Egress: At least two code-compliant exit routes must be provided, with posted evacuation routes.
6. Illumination: Sleeping areas and exits must have emergency lighting lasting at least 90 minutes.
7. Sprinkler System: Not required.
8. Ventilation: Proper heating, cooling, and ventilation must be provided; space heaters are prohibited.
9. Fire Extinguishers: Adequate extinguishers must be available, with a maximum distance of 50 feet to reach one.
10. No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the shelter.
11. Permits: Must receive occupancy approval from local officials, with architectural drawings submitted for review. Occupancy is limited to a maximum of 150 days within a year.
12. Accessibility: Compliance with accessibility standards is not required if other accessible shelters are available in the area.