Substitute House Bill No. 5174 addresses the installation and maintenance of temporary shelter units for individuals experiencing homelessness or refugees on properties owned by religious organizations. The bill specifies that municipalities with populations of 25,000 or more must allow these shelters as an accessory use to houses of worship, subject to certain conditions. These conditions include limitations on the number of units, size specifications, structural requirements, and proximity restrictions to schools and cemeteries. Municipalities are also tasked with providing necessary facilities like toilets and showers, and must approve permit applications within 65 days. The bill exempts temporary shelter units from certain building or fire codes related to duration of use but maintains other safety standards. Noncompliance by municipalities with these regulations by July 1, 2025, will result in their existing zoning regulations becoming void. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, and includes insertions for clarity on the affected population size and standards for shelter units, while the fiscal impact is variable depending on municipal use and is non-applicable to municipalities with populations under 25,000.

The bill defines key terms such as "refugee" in line with the federal refugee admissions program and clarifies that temporary shelter units are nonpermanent, commercially prefabricated structures that can be easily dismantled. These units are not considered new residential uses for the purpose of utility connection fees or charges. The bill also outlines an as-of-right permit application process, allowing for approval without discretionary zoning actions or public hearings. Additional municipal requirements may include density, size, and occupancy limits, as well as structural and facility standards. The bill's fiscal impact is contingent on the number of shelters established in the future.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-1a