Excelsior Springs City Zoning Code
SECTION 400
231 Conditional Community And Emergency Uses.
[Ord. No. 25-12-02, 12-8-2025; Ord. No. 25-12-03, 12-8-2025]
Warming Centers.
Purpose And Findings.
To authorize the temporary operation of overnight warming centers under conditions that protect public health and safety, ensure coordination with emergency services, and maintain compliance with applicable building, fire, and zoning codes.
The City Council finds that the temporary use of any facility as a overnight warming center, whether or not the building was originally designed or constructed for assembly purposes, including but not limited to older churches, community halls, and similar structures must be regulated and coordinated with the Building and Fire Officials to ensure compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), and to prevent such temporary uses from expanding into overnight or institutional operations without appropriate safeguards.
Definition.
Means a facility that temporarily provides short-term, emergency overnight accommodations for individuals seeking protection from extreme cold weather conditions. A overnight warming center:
Is non-residential in nature and operated only under a temporary authorization issued pursuant to this Section;
May permit sleeping or resting by occupants during the hours of 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M.;
Operates only when the Community Development Director determines that forecasted ambient air temperatures will be at or below twenty degree (20°) F., or wind chill values will be at or below twenty degree (20°) F., for conditions posing a risk of hypothermia or frostbite to exposed persons, and for limited hours and days necessary to respond to that event.
Zoning Districts Permitted. Overnight warming centers may be authorized only in the following zoning districts: "C-3."
Temporary Use Authorization Required.
Coordination With Fire Department.
Prior to operation, the Community Development Department shall notify the Fire Department of the proposed activation.
The Fire Department shall verify that means of egress, heating equipment, detection devices, and electrical systems meet life-safety standards.
The Building Official may require a temporary occupancy classification consistent with IBC Chapter 3 for assembly use, when applicable.
No warming center may open to the public until first receiving a temporary use authorization.
Alternative Fire Protection/Fire Watch. Where a facility lacks an automatic sprinkler system or other required fire-protection feature, the Fire Department may authorize a continuous fire watch under the following conditions:
The occupancy does not exceed the limit established by the Fire Official;
The facility provides functioning smoke detection, illuminated exits, and adequate exit signage;
Fire-watch personnel are trained, remain on duty throughout occupancy, maintain hourly patrol logs, and have immediate communication with 911;
Authorization of a fire watch shall not constitute a waiver of any permanent code requirement; and
The Fire Chief shall document such approval in writing pursuant to IFC § 901.7, and the record shall be kept with the temporary use authorization.
Operational Standards.
Facility must be ADA-compliant with safe ingress, egress, and accessible restrooms.
Facility shall not exceed the approved occupancy or operating hours.
Maintain minimum of sixty eight degree (68°) F. while occupied.
A responsible representative shall be on site during all hours of operation.
Post hours of operation, emergency contacts, and behavioral or pet rules.
Approval Criteria.
The Community Development Director shall issue an authorization only upon finding that:
Revocation. The Director, after consultation with the Fire Chief or Building Official, may suspend or revoke an authorization upon finding that continued operation poses a hazard to life or property or violates the terms of approval.
Penalties. Operation of a overnight warming center without a valid temporary use authorization, or in violation of any condition imposed thereunder, shall constitute a zoning violation and an unlawful use of property. Each day of unauthorized operation shall be deemed a separate offense, enforceable under Section 89.120, RSMo., and Section 404.100 of this Code, and subject to all remedies available to the City at law or in equity, including the issuance of a stop-use order, citation, or injunction.
Sober Living Facilities.
The purpose of this Section is to regulate the establishment and operation of sober living facilities in a manner consistent with the Federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, while promoting compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.
Any person or entity establishing or operating a sober living facility shall file a registration statement with the Community Development Director identifying the property address, property owner, operator contact information, and anticipated number of residents.
No sober living facility shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of another sober living facility, as measured property line to property line.
Sober living facilities meeting the requirements of this Section shall be considered a permitted residential use in all "R" Zoning Districts. Such facilities shall be subject to the same building, occupancy, and property-maintenance standards applicable to other dwellings in the same district.
Violation of this Section shall constitute a zoning violation enforceable through the remedies provided in this Code.