Commission approves family day‑home permit for Wonderkids with conditions

The Planning Commission voted 7–0 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit (CUP2025007) for Wonderkids Daycare, a family day home at 522 Kilby Avenue, to care for up to 12 children.

Staff Planner Matthew Madaraga described the property as a two‑story single-family home in the RC (Residential Compact) district; the applicant proposes to use the first floor for day care activities with indoor space approximately 732 square feet dedicated to child care and a fenced backyard of about 1,550 square feet for outdoor recreation — exceeding the UDO’s minimum 1,000 square feet for outdoor play. Staff noted the home currently operates as a family day home for up to four children and said the proposed daytime hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the applicant requested the ability to provide overnight care in limited circumstances (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.), which Madaraga said is regulated by the Virginia Department of Education and the Code of Virginia for family day homes; staff included a condition requiring state licensing and compliance with supplemental standards (sleep arrangements, caregiver accommodations and plumbing requirements).

Applicant Rasha Ali told commissioners she has provided family daycare for more than 10 years and plans to expand to a licensed family day home serving children from roughly three months to six years. Commissioners asked about a trampoline on-site; Ali said the trampoline would be removed and that a gate separating play areas would be removed once the trampoline is gone. Staff confirmed parking meets the minimum requirement (six spaces) and the home’s driveway and garage provide eight vehicle spaces total.

A motion to approve CUP2025007 with the four staff conditions passed 7–0; the commission will forward its recommendation to City Council for the June 18 meeting.