ST. LOUIS, Missouri — The St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved legislation Friday that could make it easier to establish and expand homeless shelters across the city, marking a significant shift in housing policy more than a year after protesters camped outside City Hall demanding action.
The new measure, Board Bill 114, streamlines zoning requirements and eliminates outdated parking restrictions that previously required shelters to maintain parking spaces for all residents — a rule that often created conflicts with neighboring properties.
"Now, there will be a clear process outlined for when you want to open a transitional home or a group home, boarding home or shelter," said Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, who sponsored the legislation. "These facilities were previously banned under an operational code, which not only made it difficult for providers but also made it difficult for the city to hold them accountable."
The bill addresses community concerns about shelter concentration by including provisions to prevent the clustering of facilities in any single neighborhood. It also enhances public input by requiring community notification and hearings for new shelter proposals.
Mayor Tishaura Jones praised the legislation as providing "a clear and consistent framework for alternative housing providers" and said she plans to sign it into law soon.
The measure, which passed with nine votes, comes as the city approaches winter months when shelter capacity becomes particularly critical. While most St. Louis voters show broad support for expanding homeless services generally, previous efforts to implement solutions like mobile showers or fast-tracked shelter approvals faced resistance when proposed for specific neighborhoods.
Jones characterized the bill as an important step "to help more St. Louisans get a roof over their heads" while maintaining transparency about site operations and expanding community involvement in the process.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer, who is challenging Jones in the mayoral primary next March, also voted in favor of the proposal.
The legislation follows sustained advocacy from housing rights groups, including protests last fall when the Jones administration cleared a homeless encampment from City Hall grounds.