Plan commission backs Shalom Center shelter change, recommends 13‑bed limit based on fire code

The Kenosha City Plan Commission on Jan. 8 recommended approval of an operational and zoning change for the Shalom Center at 4314 39th Avenue that would allow the facility to operate as an overnight shelter year‑round, but the commission endorsed a 13‑bed limit recommended by the fire prevention bureau.

Esther Roberts, representing the Shalom Center, asked the commission to permit 16 overnight guests within the existing building footprint by reconfiguring interior space; she said there would be no exterior expansion. Staff said the request represents an operational change from intermittent, weather‑driven overflow beds to a sustained residential use and noted the matter must still go to the common council.

Building inspection and the fire bureau provided differing capacity assessments: the building inspector said the space could allow up to 16 occupants, while Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Jake Waltz Smith told the commission the usable square footage and means of egress supported a 13‑person limit under NFPA guidance. "Usable space divided by 200" is how the fire chief summarized the occupancy calculation, noting the fire code’s focus is safe egress rather than maximizing head counts.

Commissioners debated public‑safety concerns and the community need for shelter capacity. Some said they would prefer a higher cap to increase available beds; others urged deference to fire‑safety guidance, especially given the vulnerability of the population served. The commission voted to recommend approval with the fire department’s 13‑bed recommendation and forwarded the item to the common council for final action.

Staff and the applicant said they would continue to coordinate with fire and building inspection to confirm final occupancy before council review.