Emergency Shelter Super Siting

In June, 2020, the Oregon Legislature adopted HB 4212 to remove land use barriers that might otherwise prevent emergency shelters from locating on certain sites. The legislation was temporary by making use of a “sunset” provision. The legislation’s sunset provision was extended by the passage of HB 2006 in May, 2021. Then in the most recent 2023 legislative session, HB 3395 extended the legislation again.

In summary, the legislation allows local governments and certain non-profit organizations to develop emergency shelters in available buildings and on open sites without the need for any land use approvals. Thus, an emergency shelter is permitted to make use of property even if the emergency shelter use is not allowed on the property under the City’s land use regulations that would under typical circumstances require certain applications prior to starting the emergency shelter. The City is required to approve the emergency shelter application so long the proposal meets basic approval criteria.

The City requires those wishing to open an emergency shelter under the Super Siting provisions to fill out the Emergency Shelter Siting Application (see below) for review and consideration for approval based on the requirements of HB 3395.

For more information regarding emergency shelters, please contact the Planning Department at (541) 997-8237 or planningdepartment@ci.florence.or.us.