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Pulaski planning commission recommends 120‑day limit for temporary housing shelters
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously April 13 to recommend a revised definition that limits occupancy at temporary housing shelters to a maximum of 120 days between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28/29, and requires special‑exception approvals that specify supportive services.
The Town of Pulaski Planning Commission voted unanimously on April 13 to recommend that Town Council adopt a revised definition for "temporary housing shelter" that would limit occupancy to a maximum period of 120 days occurring between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28 or 29.
Nathan, a town staff member who read the proposed text aloud, summarized the draft definition: "Temporary housing shelter is a facility that provides short term residential accommodations to individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing instability along with supportive services as specified in the special exception approval. Such facilities typically operate continuously. However, occupancy shall be limited to a maximum period of 120 days occurring between November 1 through February 29 or 28th." The language ties the allowable services to what applicants specify in their special‑exception approvals.
Commission members had debated lowering an earlier 180‑day limit. One commissioner said, "I'd like to see the hundred and 80 days to be lowered," and the chair noted that 180 days "is not short term," arguing for a shorter window. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the period should be defined seasonally (October–March) or restricted to a consecutive window (November–February) and whether emergency warming shelters would remain available under separate accessory‑use or declared‑emergency provisions. Staff said operators would outline operating plans, including temperature thresholds or nightly limits, in the special‑exception application for commission review.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend the amended language to Town Council; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call with a unanimous vote. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to council and the town attorney for review before any council vote.
The commission also noted that the special‑exception process will be used to limit the services an operator may provide to those they have the capacity to deliver and that future extensions beyond the 120‑day definition could be sought through a separate special‑exception application.
