Planning commission approves setback variance for daycare at 332 Southeast German Lane

The Conway Planning Commission approved a variance request Tuesday to reduce the S‑1 district side setback from 25 feet to 7 feet at 332 Southeast German Lane so an existing building can be replatted and used as a daycare for Conroy Christian faculty and staff.

Staff presented the request as a replatting formality; no building additions or physical changes are planned. "They're requesting the side setback, which in the S 1 District is 25 feet, be reduced down to 7 feet. The building is existing. There's no changes to the building that's going to be done," said Ryan, a staff member with the City of Conway planning department.

The applicant, Emily Farris of 27 Bluebird Lane, told the commission the project is intended to allow Conroy Christian to use the building for faculty and staff daycare. "We're not adding onto the building or doing anything different," Farris said, and she confirmed she was agreeable to the conditions staff recommended.

Commissioners heard no public opposition. A motion to approve the variance with the staff conditions carried on a voice vote; commissioners answered "Aye" and the chair announced the motion carried. The meeting audio does not include a roll‑call tally by name.

Discussion vs. action: the record shows staff described the variance and attached conditions, the applicant affirmed willingness to meet the conditions, and the commission adopted the motion to approve. No further implementation details or building permits were stated on the record.

Items considered by the planning commission are scheduled to be forwarded to the City Council as early as Aug. 26, and denials may be appealed to City Council within 30 days, staff said.

The commission moved on to other items after approving the variance.