By Dennis Volkert
Sturgis City Commission approved amendments to zoning ordinances to accommodate “extreme weather” facilities.
At the meeting Aug. 23 commissioners meeting, city staff presented details regarding amendments to the zoning ordinance.
The center could be used to accommodate residents during extreme weather conditions. That could be a heat wave or frigid weather. At least one local group is pursuing such an initiative.
An Extreme Weather Center (EWC) is defined as a building that provides a location on a temporary basis for residents during extreme weather situations. It does not include any form of housing. An applicant may specify what qualifies as an “extreme” situation.
Approval from Sturgis Planning Commission is required.
Conditions required of applicants for the special land use:
- The building must comply with building codes, fire codes and all other state, county or local laws and ordinances.
- A floor plan of the building and space to be used for the center.
- An operations/management plan.
- A site plan that establishes parking space for volunteers and people who use the center.
Permits are subject to annual review by the planning board.