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Casper planning panel approves conditional use permit for in‑home daycare at 4031 Norwood
Summary
The City of Casper Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing a family child care center for up to 15 children at 4031 Norwood, with four conditions including parking, signage and residency requirements.
The City of Casper Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing a family child care center with a maximum capacity of 15 children at 4031 Norwood.
City planning staff told the commission the property is in an R‑1 single‑family zoning district and that a family childcare center is listed as a potential conditional use under municipal code. Staff reported the proposed hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., that Department of Family Services (DFS) licensing requires two providers for a center of this size, and that the property has a double‑car driveway capable of accommodating four off‑street vehicles.
The permit was approved with four staff‑recommended conditions. Staff read the conditions into the record: the operator must keep at least two off‑street parking spaces available for customers during business hours; any signage must be nonilluminated, attached flush to the dwelling and no larger than 1 square foot as described in section 17.12.1.40.a.2 of the municipal code; the childcare use is approved only as a secondary accessory use and the property’s primary use must remain single‑family residential; and the operator must reside on the premises, with the permit subject to immediate revocation if that residency requirement is not met pursuant to section 17.12.2.40.j. Staff also noted the conditional use permit attaches to the provider and not to the land per section 17.12.2.40.m.3.
At the hearing, a representative for the applicant described the provider as a Casper native with long experience: “She’s been doing this for a very long time. 38 years, I think, is the amount of time that she’s been a licensed provider,” the representative said, and added that the provider has a waiting list and receives referrals from the community.
Commissioners asked staff and the representative clarifying questions during the hearing. The applicant confirmed the provider is currently licensed for eight children and is seeking to increase capacity to the 15‑child maximum allowed by the applicable code definition. Staff also said that, at the time the report was drafted, DFS records showed three other licensed child cares within a half mile of the property and that the city had received three letters of support provided as exhibits to the commission.
Commissioner Elston moved to approve the conditional use permit with the staff factors and the four conditions; Commissioner Eskew seconded. With all members voting aye, the motion carried.
Staff told the applicant they would follow up with additional paperwork in the coming week. The permit includes the explicit residency requirement and the parking and signage restrictions described by staff.
