By Chad Lampe
Murray, KY – Paducah City Commissioners formally approved an ordinance allowing homeless shelters within the city limits last night. The move comes after the Paducah Planning Commission recommended the zoning change at a meeting in late November. The new ordinance outlines requirements for a homeless shelter including location constraints, permit requirements, and shelter standards. Those standards include an on-site operator, a code of conduct, , laundry facilities, and a written management plan. Paducah's Planning Department feels the ordinance will satisfy the Fair Housing Act. Before any building could be could be used as a homeless shelter, the owner would need to file for a conditional use permit, which includes a public hearing and approval from the Planning Commission.