(STURGIS) – The Sturgis City Commission has approved the first reading of an ordinance that would allow for Extreme Weather Centers.

During a recent meeting, Community Development Director Will Prichard presented the ordinance, saying it has been approved by the Sturgis Planning Commission after holding a public hearing. Several months ago, a group came to the City Commission asking for permission to have an extreme weather center, after a dangerous cold spell during the recent winter months.

The matter was then referred to the Planning Commission.

Prichard explains the definition of an extreme weather center as outlined in the ordinance. ...... {LISTEN}.

An extreme weather center would be considered a special land use, so if an organization wanted to open one, they would have to ask for permission from the Planning Commission on an as needed basis.

As part of the approval process, each applicant would have to provide information on the location, as Prichard shares. ...... {LISTEN}.

The second reading of the ordinance will be during the City Commission’s September 13 meeting.