Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on a Request to Modify Two of the Operational Standards Contained in Sections 205.H.3.g.I.b and 205.H.3.g.I.e of the Unified Development Code Applicable to a Warming Station for Which a Permit has Been Issued at First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana Street, Regarding the Temperature at Which the Warming Station May Begin Operating and the Maximum Occupancy Limit for Said Warming Station
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Safe and Secure Community
(6.5: Engage in proactive and formal community outreach programs and open dialogue with the citizens of McKinney)
MEETING DATE: December 16, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Building Inspections
CONTACT: Suzanne Arnold, Chief Building Official
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approve modifications to the Temporary Use Permit for the Warming Station at the First Baptist Church located at 1615 W. Louisiana Street, McKinney, Texas 75069
ITEM SUMMARY:
• First Baptist Church is seeking to modify the operating temperature and occupant load of their Warming Station, for which they have a Temporary Use Permit.
• The Unified Development Code, Section 205.H.3.g, states that a Warming Station, in which temporary shelter for the homeless may be provided during periods of inclement or freezing weather, may only operate when temperatures are forecasted to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and shall be limited to no more than 40 guests at one time.
• The applicant is seeking to amend the parameters of their Temporary Use Permit to change the temperature threshold for operation from “when temperatures are forecast to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit” to “when the ambient temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit,” and increase the allowed maximum occupant load from 40 individuals to 100 individuals.
• Requesting that shelter activation be based on an ambient temperature of 40 degrees better aligns with National Weather Service data on the risks of hypothermia. Hypothermia can lead to death if an opportunity for warming cannot be achieved. The applicant states that the higher ambient temperature threshold helps account for additional inclement-weather factors, such as precipitation and wind chill.
• McKinney’s permitted Warming Stations only have the capacity to house a fraction of the City’s estimated homeless population. Every increase in capacity makes a positive impact on the health and safety of our unhoused residents.
• City staff have reviewed their building plan for the areas designated for this use and determined that the facility can accommodate the increased number of occupants in space, egress capacity, and restroom facilities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The applicant has a current Temporary Use Permit to operate a Warming Station in accordance with City Ordinance and an existing variance (COM2025-11-01487).
• City Council approved a variance for this property for 2025 allowing up to 75 occupants and permitting activation if the wind chill is forecasted to drop below 39 degrees.
• First Baptist Church is currently the only permitted Warming Station in McKinney. By ordinance, the capacity would be 40 individuals, a small fraction of the estimated homeless population in McKinney.
• City staff mailed 49 notification letters to surrounding property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. To date, staff has not received a response.
• The Salvation Army’s PD allows them to activate at an ambient temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the same as this request from the First Baptist Church, and to shelter up to 50 individuals. The Salvation Army is not operating as a Warming Station at this time.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A