Commission approves conditional-use permit for infant daycare in downtown Lewistown

The Lewistown City Commission approved a conditional-use permit June 2 allowing an applicant to operate an infant daycare for up to 10 children in a downtown building across from the post office.

City staff reported the zoning commission reviewed the application and recommended approval with conditions: compliance with all state infant child-care requirements, inspection by the fire marshal and building inspector for safety and fire code, and attention to downtown parking limits including the existing five-minute spaces in front of the post office. Staff also recommended a stacked-parking plan to manage demand in areas with two-hour limits.

The applicant’s existing business operates at Fifth and Boulevard; the new location would add infant care for children six weeks to two years. Commissioners asked whether the existing facility would remain open; staff said the applicant would keep the current site and staff the new location separately. The commission recorded a roll-call vote approving the conditional-use permit. Commissioner Burns moved the motion and Commissioner Hewitt seconded. Commissioners Bueller, Day, Hewitt, Rooks, Robertson, Spica and Terry voted aye.

Staff noted the applicant and property must satisfy parking and municipal facilities requirements and, where applicable, secure Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approvals for connections to city water and sewer when those submittals are required by state agencies.