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Des Moines allows places of worship to host temporary emergency shelter; council stresses participation is voluntary
Summary
The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously May 19 to amend Chapter 134 of the municipal code to permit camping and emergency shelter as temporary accessory uses at places of worship. Council members and public commenters emphasized the program is voluntary for congregations and urged continued investments in shelters and affordable housing.
The Des Moines City Council on May 19 approved an amendment to Chapter 134 of the Des Moines Municipal Code to allow camping and emergency shelter as temporary accessory uses at places of worship, with council members emphasizing that participation by congregations is voluntary and subject to code requirements.
Council members voted 7-0 to pass the ordinance after a period of public comment and council discussion. Councilmember Kat Coleman moved approval and the council waived a second reading before voting.
The amendment is intended to provide clarity and consistent requirements for congregations that choose to offer temporary shelter, cooling or warming services, or limited camping on their property. City staff and council members said the change is not a mandate that churches open their grounds for camping; rather, it establishes a legal…
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