XENIA — City Council is expected to consider a two-month moratorium on free standing emergency room facilities during its meeting Thursday.

According to city documents, recent announcements by Kettering Health Network “have signaled significant changes to Xenia’s healthcare landscape in the near future.”

Kettering Health earlier this month announced plans for a multi-million emergency room adjacent to the REACH Center on South Progress Drive to replace Greene Memorial Hospital.

The city’s zoning regulations are not entirely prepared as the land development code defines and regulates hospitals and outpatient healthcare facilities, but it does not define or regulate freestanding emergency room facilities, according to council documents.

“Such emergency room facilities are unique due to their 24/7 operation, noise from sirens and possibly helicopters, and their mandate to quickly provide unscheduled medical care,” the staff report indicates. “In the midst of a rapidly changing environment, the City needs time to update its regulations before permit applications are submitted for specific facilities.”

An ordinance that council could vote on would define free standing emergency room facilities and prevent applications for zoning approval, building code approval, and/or be established or commence operations within the city limits.

The moratorium — if approved — could be terminated early or extended if necessary.

Reach Scott Halasz at 937-502-4507