Victorville planning commission approves transitional-aged youth shelter and drop-in center without 24-hour security requirement

The Victorville City Planning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to approve a second modification to conditional use permit ADMN24-00154, allowing a transitional-aged youth (TAY) drop-in center and a 30-bed emergency shelter to operate as co-tenants at 14049 Amargosa Road under the terms of a submitted security plan that does not require a 24-hour licensed security guard.

Planning staff presented two approval options: Option A would approve the project based on the security plan provided by the applicants without a required on-site licensed security guard; Option B would approve the project but require a licensed security guard 24 hours per day. Staff recommended the commission conduct a public hearing, receive testimony, and choose one of the two options. Staff also recommended the project be found categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) section 15301 (existing facilities). Mr. Harkey, planning staff, told the commission that choosing Option A would still allow staff or the zoning administrator to require a security guard later if the conditions are not followed or if adverse impacts arise.

The project would authorize operation of a 30-bed emergency shelter targeting youth ages 18 to 24 and a drop-in youth center serving people ages 14 to 24. As described to the commission, staffing levels…