Kelsey Smith and Ian Davila seek special permit for Madison County daycare center

The Madison County Planning Commission recently discussed a special use permit application for the Davila Smith Family Day Home, which aims to operate a daycare center at 401 Burntree Way. The property, spanning 3.5 acres and zoned R-1, is currently under review to ensure compliance with local zoning ordinances.

Kelsey Smith and Ian Davila, the applicants, have submitted all necessary documentation, including a narrative description and a survey plat. However, the application faced minor technical issues during processing, which the planning staff is working to resolve. The couple is also in communication with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) regarding the entrance to the property, which is accessed via a narrow 20-foot easement. VDOT has indicated that the entrance must meet specific sight line requirements and accommodate a low-volume commercial entrance due to anticipated traffic from child drop-offs and pick-ups.

The daycare is permitted to care for a maximum of 12 children, as regulated by the Department of Education. However, due to traffic considerations, the applicants have agreed to limit their initial capacity to 10 children. They plan to start with six children and may expand to 10 if they hire additional staff in the future.

The health department's approval is still pending, as the applicants are working to ensure that the property meets all necessary health and safety standards, including septic evaluations. The couple plans to inform their neighbors about their daycare plans and discuss any potential need for additional land to widen the entrance.

The commission expressed support for the daycare, noting the community's need for more childcare options. The next steps involve finalizing the entrance requirements with VDOT and obtaining health department approval before the application can proceed. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to enhancing childcare services in Madison County, addressing a critical need for families in the area.