Update — Monday, June 15: The shelter reopened Friday and was cleared by the state fire marshal to continue operations after an inspection Monday, according to City Care Chief Programs Officer Shawn Loyd.

Update — Friday, June 12: Repairs and replacements are complete and the shelter will reopen on the evening of Friday, June 12, according to the City of Norman's website.

Update — Thursday, June 11: Repairs and replacements at the shelter are expected to be completed by the afternoon of Friday, June 12, according to the City of Norman's website.

Read our original coverage below.

Norman’s emergency shelter was temporarily shut down by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office following code violations and deficiencies.

During Norman City Council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Ward 1 Councilmember David Gandesbery announced the city-owned shelter on Gray Street was shut down and First Presbyterian Church Norman is serving as a temporary emergency shelter. 

Ward 1 Councilmember David Gandesbery on temporary shutdown of homeless shelter, community response

A spokesperson for City Care, the shelter’s operator, said he believes the shelter will reopen Thursday pending clearance from the city.

The fire marshal’s office inspected the shelter Monday and found it has failed the minimum adopted fire code since its opening in November 2022. The inspection was brought on by an anonymous complaint received by the fire marshal’s office June 1.

State Fire Marshal inspection report

The report details deficiencies and violations and states occupancy at the shelter won’t be allowed until the City of Norman: 

• Installs panic exit hardware on exit doors

• Repairs or replaces exit signage and emergency lighting

• Replaces missing, damaged or stained ceiling tiles

• Installs a fire extinguisher on the men’s side of the shelter and maintains the standard for fire extinguishers

• Addresses open junction boxes and exposed wiring

A press release from the city states the shelter is expected to be closed one to four days. 

A follow-up inspection is required before the shelter can reopen and the city will be required to provide a plan of correction, which includes a timeline to bring the building into compliance.

AJ Covey contributed to this reporting.

This story was edited by Reagan Rozzi. 

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