On Dec. 1, 2025 the DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend a text amendment to Chapter 23 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to add “lodging house” as a special land use in the MFR‑1 and MFR‑2 multifamily residential districts and to forward a recommendation to City Council to approve a special‑use permit for Family Service Agency to operate a youth emergency shelter at 220 College Ave.

Tanisha, Executive Director of the Family Service Agency, told the commission the proposed facility is an emergency shelter for youth ages 14–17 that would provide up to 16 beds, 24/7 awake staffing (statutorily minimum two staff; FSA aims for three on site), licensed clinical support, meals and transportation to home school districts. She said the program’s "primary purpose, is to offer a secure, stable, and nurturing environment for young people who lack consistent housing." The agency said the average stay would be about 21 days, with a statutory maximum of 120 days under special circumstances.

Staff recommended approval of the text amendment and noted conditions and requirements for the special use: compliance with rooming/rooming‑house regulations in the municipal code (capacity determined by building code and unit sizes), annual inspections, a requirement for at least two staff on site 24 hours a day, and an administrative condition tying the special use to Family Service Agency’s lease (the special use can become void if a different lessee occupies the property). The city also noted a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant allocation that can support the facility.

Nearby residents who spoke raised concerns about driveway access, shared parking, snow removal and whether visitors would be allowed; Family Service Agency said youths would not be permitted to have vehicles on site, visitor policies and curfews would apply, and the agency offered to install signage and coordinate parking management with neighbors. Staff noted the property previously housed the Ben Gordon Center / Discovery House and that the building already contains many of the required safety systems (sprinklers, fire alarms), which reduces retrofitting needs.

The commission approved a motion recommending the UDO amendment and forwarding findings of fact for the special use permit. Commissioners voted by roll call and the motions passed; the recommendations will go to City Council for final action.