Commission adopts emergency temporary housing ordinance on second reading; clarifies 36‑month cap triggers

The Hollywood City Commission voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance amending section 40.08 of the city code to conform to state law on emergency temporary housing after declared emergencies. The ordinance mirrors state statute language allowing temporary housing permits to be issued after a state of emergency for damaged residential structures.

During the public hearing and debate on second reading, several commissioners pressed staff about the commonly raised issue: whether multiple, consecutive storms could allow a property owner to renew or repeatedly extend temporary‑housing authorizations beyond 36 months. City Attorney explained that the permit language ties the time limit to the declaration date and to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy; the critical statutory trigger is whether a structure has been rendered uninhabitable. The attorney and staff interpreted the statute to mean a subsequent 36‑month period could only begin if, at the time of the later storm, the structure was again rendered uninhabitable.

Commissioner Schuham proposed amending the ordinance to make explicit that the 36‑month cap is not a rolling indefinite entitlement when a property has already received all necessary city approvals; staff said the current ordinance language follows state law and that the commission could consider clarifying edits if desired. The commission adopted the ordinance on second reading by roll call vote (unanimous).

Why it matters: The ordinance governs how long residents may keep temporary shelters (trailers, accessory structures, etc.) after storms. Commissioners sought, and received, confirmation that the city may interpret the law to avoid indefinite temporary occupancy once a structure is habitable, but staff said the statutory text controls and any additional protections may require legislative change.