Commissioners approved the amendment to provide exemptions from the 14-person capacity and 30 calendar day annual operating limit for temporary accessory housing structures within the city during the Oct. 2 meeting by a 5-3 vote, with Michael Bronsky, Gary Cary and Bennett Ratliff voting against.
Two-minute impact
City Planner Conor Campbell said emergency shelters operated by the Salvation Army have relied on a special-use permit as a household care facility and were at risk of having to turn away individuals because of the capacity limit of 14 individuals under current guidelines. The commission previously opened a public hearing on the changes during its Sept. 5 meeting.
The changes would only apply in the event of a disaster declaration or if city staff designated a life-threatening weather condition, Campbell said.
“We’re thinking specifically around the warming station and to account for events such as a tornado and there is a need for temporary housing,” Campbell said.
What they’re saying
The new guidance would only allow religious facilities offering a free service, Director of Planning Christina Day said. In addition to the Salvation Army, Campbell said other religious facilities have reached out about providing a warming station.
“This temporary housing facility allows us more flexibility to provide a partner with other religious organizations citywide in providing emergency services to people during crisis weather events, whether it’s too hot or too cold,” Day said. “We don’t want people dying on the streets of Plano, so we need to be able to provide this service.”
What’s next?
With a recommendation for approval, council needs a simple majority to approve the zoning case. The body will likely consider the amendments during its Oct. 23 meeting.
