FORT WALTON BEACH — Local churches soon could be required to obtain municipal permits to open as cold weather shelters.
Under a proposed ordinance, churches, recreation centers and other community facilities would have to undergo inspections by the city fire marshal and building official to qualify for the permit. City officials have said the churches initially will not be charged for the permits.
“We’re not trying to shut them down. We’re trying to make them safer,” City Manager Michael Beedie said Monday.
The City Council is set to discuss the proposed ordinance at tonight’s regular meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The city began examining the cold night shelter program — which rotates among six local churches — back in the summer after getting numerous complaints from city residents as well as members of the host churches. Among the top concerns were unsafe crowding, fights and cleanliness.
The city found that the majority of the church buildings are not large enough or designed for overnight stay or transient lodging, creating the potential for unsafe conditions.
If the council approves the new ordinance, the city will begin working with the churches to schedule inspections by the fire marshal and the building official.
“There could possibly be some renovations required,” Beedie said.
Shelly Poirrier, executive director of the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, said the agency and its volunteers are aware of the proposed changes.
“These new measures would cut down on the number of people who can stay at the shelters,” she said. “There will be limitations.”
Beedie said the city will allow the churches to continue providing shelter to the homeless during the permitting process.
He said he hopes to have all of the permits in place by the fall of 2014.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.
