Planning panel forwards zoning text amendment to define shelters, charitable provision centers to City Council

The Planning and Economic Development Committee on a vote forwarded a proposed text amendment to the City of Winchester zoning ordinance that would define and separately regulate humanitarian service facilities (shelters) and charitable provision centers (food, clothing and goods distribution).

Staff planner Alfredo told the committee the amendment parses the previously broad "philanthropic and charitable institutions" category into two uses: a shelter category (humanitarian service facility) and a service or charitable provision center. Under the proposal, standalone charitable provision centers would remain allowed by right in downtown and several commercial/industrial districts (B‑1, B‑2, RB‑1, CM‑1 and C). Shelters would be allowed only by conditional use permit (CUP) and limited to B‑2, CM‑1, MC and M‑1 districts, and would require City Council review.

The change is intended to limit on‑site sleeping and lodging at…