Excelsior Springs City Council Approves Regulations for Overnight Warming Centers

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (December 8, 2025)— The Excelsior Springs City Council has approved a zoning amendment that creates the city’s first formal process for operating overnight warming centers during periods of extreme cold. The ordinance was adopted during a special City Council meeting on December 8.

The ordinance 400.231, approved unanimously following a council reading, adds new regulations to the city code governing the temporary use of property as an overnight warming center. City officials said the change is intended to provide a safe and legal pathway for organizations to offer short-term shelter when cold weather poses a risk to public health.

City planner Joshua Garrett told council members the amendment responds to past instances in which organizations, particularly churches, have opened warming centers without a clear regulatory framework. The new code permits overnight warming centers within the city’s C-3 zoning district, provided all requirements are met.

This establishes a process to work with the Community Development Department, Fire Department, and Police Department to ensure these places are up to code and have all life safety issues addressed before operating. 

Temporary Use Authorization Required

Under the ordinance, organizations must obtain a Temporary Use Authorization from the Community Development Director before opening a warming center to the public. Each authorization must disclose the location, sponsoring entity, occupancy limit, and any conditions necessary to comply with building and fire codes.

Warming centers may operate only when the Community Development Director determines that forecasted temperatures or wind chill values will be at or below 20 degrees, creating a risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Operations are limited to the hours and days necessary to respond to those conditions, with sleeping or resting permitted between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Before opening, the Community Development Department must notify the Excelsior Springs Fire Department, which is responsible for verifying safe means of egress and other fire safety measures. 

Operational Standards and Oversight

The ordinance sets minimum operational standards for warming centers, including maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees, remaining within approved occupancy and operating hours, and providing ADA-compliant access and restrooms. A responsible representative must be on site at all times, and centers are required to post hours of operation, emergency contacts, and any behavioral or pet rules.

Approval may be suspended or revoked if continued operation poses a hazard to life or property or violates authorization conditions. Operating a warming center without a valid Temporary Use Authorization is classified as a zoning violation under the city code.

Planning Commission Recommendation and Community Input

The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the amendment prior to the council vote and recommended approval.

Community Development Director Mallory Brown said the warming center regulations have been in development since she began working with the city in March 2025. She shared that interest in regulating the process has come from multiple organizations and individuals, including members of the Thrive Homeless Committee, which formed in 2025 to address homelessness more cohesively in Excelsior Springs.

“We don’t want anyone in the city to go cold,” Brown said.

Local organizations were invited to provide input during the drafting process. Kelly Anderson, speaking on behalf of Zion, said city staff worked collaboratively with them as the ordinance was developed.

“We really appreciate their effort in working with us,” Anderson said, adding that staff asked for feedback on what would be most helpful for organizations operating warming centers.

The ordinance took effect immediately upon passage, allowing organizations to apply for Temporary Use Authorizations during the current winter season. If any person seeking shelter at a warming center has questions about authorized locations, the Community Development department can assist by calling 816-630-0756.