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Council committee weighs Conestoga hut pilot at Gathering Place amid legal warning about spot zoning
Summary
The Planning and Development Committee heard backing from volunteers and residents for a short-term Conestoga-hut shelter pilot at the Gathering Place, but the city law director warned a site-specific ordinance could be construed as spot zoning unless it aligns with citywide rules.
The Planning and Development Committee heard robust public comment and staff legal guidance on a proposed temporary-shelter pilot at the Gathering Place (7 and 15 North Congress Street) that would use Conestoga huts to provide short-term shelter this winter.
The planning commission recommended amending ACC 23.04.03 to allow temporary shelters as a permitted accessory use for the Gathering Place; the committee also received a legal opinion (No. 25-02) from the city law director that warned an ordinance conferring special rights on a small set of lots could constitute spot zoning.
Supporters addressed the committee during public comment. Megan Benjamin, an intern at the Gathering Place, said volunteers conducted a door-to-door outreach campaign and tracked…
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