The Eaton County Planning Commission on Oct. 7 approved a conditional use permit to allow a group day care at 5452 Bell Highway, permitting up to 12 children to be cared for Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The permit, requested by applicants Matthew Myers and Jory Rodowski, covers a 0.87-acre property in Section 24 of Eaton Township that is zoned limited agricultural. Planning staff reported the existing home, well, septic and drain field will be used for the business and that the applicants plan for 2 to 4 employees on-site depending on enrollment; the application shows seven parking spaces and an anticipated six vehicle trips per day related to the business.

The staff report noted that the request was circulated for site-plan review and received no objections from the Eaton County Road Commissioner, the Eaton Conservation District board, the Charlotte Fire Department, and the Barre Eaton District Health Department. Staff also cited zoning ordinance Section 14.1 (educational institution) and a Michigan statute included in the materials requiring a conditional use permit for group day care homes.

During the public hearing the applicant said he had no additional comments but was available to answer questions. No neighbors appeared in opposition or in favor. A commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit; the motion passed by roll call vote with all commissioners voting yes (Scott Hanson, Ray Whitaker, Ed Kemp, Tim Catron, Zachary Dillinger, Frank Holmes and Brian Ross).

Planning staff told the applicants the county would email the zoning approval paperwork and that the owners may proceed to apply for their state child-care license once they have the local approval.

Clarifying details recorded in the staff report include the property’s zoning (limited agricultural), master-plan designation (agricultural preservation), listed hours and staffing, a fenced outdoor play area on the site plan, and that trash service is provided by Waste Management.