HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 5718 12/06/1993
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ORDINANCE NO. 5718
AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTIONS 9-1-1 TO 9-1-4, ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER IX TO THE
SPRINGFIELD CODE, 1965, PERTAINING TO THE USE OF CHURCHES AS TEMPORARY EMERGENCY
SHELTERS FOR THE HOMELESS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, the Springfield City Council has found there is a need to provide
alternative shelter for the homeless; and
WHEREAS, the Springfield City Council has directed staff to prepare an
Ordinance to allow churches to be used as temporary emergency shelters for the
homeless; and
WHEREAS, lawful notice of the public hearing for this request was published;
and
WHEREAS, the Springfield City Council met in Council Chambers, at 225 Fifth
Street, on Monday, the 6th day of December, 1993, at the hour of 7:00 p.m., to hear
this request;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. Section 9-1-1, Article 1, Chapter IX of the Springfield Code allowing
churches to be used as temporary emergency shelters for the homeless is hereby added
as follows:
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"9-1-1 Churches As Temporary Emergency Shelters For The Homeless--General.
The standards specified in this Section shall be considered the minimal
standards required to establish, maintain, and operate a temporary emergency
shelter in a church. The Building Official shall approve the temporary emergency
shelter use if the standards specified in this Article have been met."
SECTION 2. Section 9-1-2, Article 1, Chapter IX of the Springfield Code allowing
churches to be used as temporary emergency shelters for the homeless is hereby added
as follows:
"9-1-2 Churches As Temporary Emergency Shelters For The Homeless--Definitions.
For the purposes of this Article:
(1) Church shall be defined as specified in Section 2.020 of the Springfield
Development Code and as a building or buildings of at least 3,000 square
feet.
(2) Temporary shall be defined as the maximum time for a church to be used as an
emergency shelter where the homeless may sleep ~ any 15 consecutive day or
longer period.
(3) Emergency Shelter, as used in this Section, shall not be construed to mean
"Emergency Services", under Disaster Preparedness as specified in Section
1-20-1 of this Code."
Ordinance 5:Z18
Page l'
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.SECTION 3. Section 9-1-3, Article 1, Chapter IX of the Springfield Code allowing
churches to be used as temporary emergency shelters for the homeless is hereby added
as follows:
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"9-1-3 Churches As Temporary Emergency Shelters For The Homeless--Approval
Process. A church repres€ntative shall apply to the Building
Official prior to opening an emergency shelter for the homeless. Prior to
authorizing occupancy and annually thereafter, the Building Official shall apply
the following standards:
(1) Whenever practical, housing of the homeless shall occur on the first floor
of the church in the meeting or multi~purpose room.
(2) The maximum number of families shall be limited to the lesser of the
following:
(a) The number of persons which would be permitted based on the zoning
density. For example, if the church was on one acre of land zoned Low
Density Residential, approximately 5 single family homes could be
constructed (30 percent of the land is subtracted for streets and other
non-residential uses as specified in the Metro Plan). Considering there
are approximately 4 persons in a family, a total of 20 persons per acre
would be allowed; or
(b) 100 square feet per person, in the area designated to house the
homeless.
(3) A plan shall be submitted to the Building Official showing how the following
standards of operation will be met:
(a) The area in square feet of the portion of the church proposed to be
used to house the homeless and the number of persons to be housed;
(b) The route persons would use to exit or enter the proposed sleeping
area;
(c) The location of smoke/fire detection devices in the proposed sleeping
area;
(d) The location and number of sanitation fixtures; and
(4) A written explanation concerning how the homeless will be supervised and any
other program activities such as meals, child care, day care, social service
referral, etc.
(5) Adequate consideration of parking of vehicles: All vehicles owned by the
homeless shall be parked in the church parking lot.
(6) The Building Official shall have the authority to make minor modifications
from these standards where practical, however, such modifications shall not
be in conflict with the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of
Springfield."
SECTION 4. Section 9-1-4, Article 1, Chapter IX of the Springfield Code allowing
churches to be used as temporary emergency shelters for the homeless is hereby added
as follows:
"9-1-4 Churches As Temporary Emergency Shelters For The Homeless--Revocation.
Where it has been determined that any church is not in compliance with
with Sections 9-1-1 to 9-1-3 of this Article by City staff, including, but not
limited to police, fire; building safety or code enforcement, the City Manager
may revoke the Building Official's approval. The revocation decision may be
appealed to the City Council. The City Council may affirm, modify or reverse the
revocation."
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Ordinance 5718
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'CTION 5. It is hereby found and declared that matters pertaining to the use of
urches as temporary emergency shelters for the homeless are a matter affecting the
public health, safety and welfare of the City of Springfield and that this ordinance
shall, therefore, take effect immediately upon its passage by the City Council and
approval by the Mayor. .
Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Springfield this 6th day of December,
1993 by a vote of -1L- for and ~ against.
Approved by the Mayor of the City of
1993.
6th day of
ATTEST:
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Ordinance 5718
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