On May 28, the Centralia City Council set a June 25th public hearing date and adopted an ordinance amending Centralia Municipal Code Chapter 20.66, Special Uses, adding and amending definitions, uses permitted and amending the definition of 20.06.305 “Essential Public Facilities”

“The public will have input and their voices heard on how are city is shaped today and into the future,” said Peter Abbarno. “The public will have their voices heard on where they want, or do not want, Enhanced Service Facilities (ESFs), Homeless Facilities, and other Essential Public Facilities.”

The biggest changes proposed to CMC 20.66 come in Section (12)(B). 

Where Permitted.  Any zone not listed means the use is not permitted in the zoning district. 

1. Adult family home or a Group home for physically or mentally disabled persons with less than six – permitted in all residential zoning districts,

2. Adult family home or facility with more than six – shall be a special use permit in all residential districts, H-1, C-1, M-1, and M-2 zoning districts,

3. Assisted living facility – shall be a special use permit in all residential districts, H1, and C-1 zoning districts,  

4. Enhanced services facility – shall be a special use permit in M-1 and M-2 zoning districts and shall not be allowed to locate within one thousand (1,000) feet of public parks, playgrounds, recreation/community centers, libraries, child care centers, schools, game arcades, and public transit centers.  The method of measuring is from the closest property line to closest property line.,

5. Foster home- all zoning districts,

6. Group home for physically or mentally disabled persons with more than six – shall be a special use permit all residential zoning districts, H-1, LBD, and C-1 zoning districts, 

7. Homeless persons facility – shall be a special use permit in the OSPF and M-2 zoning districts,

8. Hospital – shall be a special use permit in the OSPF, LBD, GCD, C-1, M-1, and M-2 zoning districts, 

9. Nursing home/convalescent care facility/skilled nursing facility/long-term care facility – shall be a special use permit in all residential districts, H-1, OSPF, LBD, C-1, and M-1 zoning districts,

10. Residential care facility – shall be a special use permit in the R15, R20, and LBD zoning districts,

11. Residential treatment facility – shall be a special use permit in the H-1, and C-1 zoning districts ,

12. Senior citizen centers – shall be permitted in the C-1, C-3, OSPF and M-1 zoning districts.

“Does the public want homeless shelters or ESFs downtown in the business district and residential neighborhoods, or do they want them at the fairground and larger industrial zoned properties,” added Abbarno. “Those are the questions and comments we want to hear. The interim ordinance ‘pumps the brakes’ on the zoning until the planning commission and city council can assess the situation. The advanced planning and decisions we make today on these issues will have a substantial long-term impact on the growth and development of our city and region.”

The Public Hearing is scheduled for June 26 at in Centralia City. More information will be provided on the City Website www.cityofcentralia.com