Florence Planning Commission approves conditional-use permit for Desert Rock Academy on Franklin Road

The Town of Florence Planning and Zoning Commission on May 1 approved a conditional-use permit (PZ-25-29) allowing the Desert Rock Academy, a private K–5 school, to operate at Desert Rock Church at Franklin Road pending conditions and final Town Council review.

Staff recommended the permit and the commission voted 4–0 to approve the use. Andrew (staff presenter) told the commission the application showed the site is in a single-residential zone and that the review at this stage concerned only land use, not building design. "We did not see it as a major impact on the surrounding vacant parcels, and the traffic be minimal enough," Andrew said, summarizing staff's recommendation that the CUP move forward with conditions.

The application described one paved vehicle access from Franklin Road, and staff and the applicant said the CUP covers only authorization of school use; detailed design and site improvements will return later for design review. The applicant indicated the school would operate Monday through Friday and initially serve "about 75 or less" students for the K–5 program; the applicant clarified that the 75 figure does not include the existing preschool enrollment. When asked about preschool numbers, the applicant said the preschool had approximately 50 students.

Commissioners questioned how drop-off and pick-up would be handled if enrollment and vehicle stacking increase as Franklin Road becomes a collector. Commissioner Lehman asked whether the 75 students included the preschool; the applicant replied, "No. It does not." Commissioners pressed for a contingency plan if vehicle stacking extended onto Franklin Road; the applicant said the site has more than 80 paved parking spaces and an additional gravel lot on adjacent property and noted staggered dismissal times for different programs. Chairman Frost said he would "hold you to that" plan. Vice Chair DeRosa asked the applicant to confirm they would obey the conditions of approval; the applicant responded, "Yes. Absolutely." These comments were entered as part of the public hearing record.

The commission also noted prior approvals: the worship center and a prior daycare/preschool use received a conditional-use permit in about 2019–2020. Public outreach for the school included a neighborhood meeting April 10 and mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet; staff said the required notices were sent at least 15 days before the neighborhood meeting. Only one online participant, Bonnie Barriola, joined the public hearing and indicated she had no questions.

Motion and next steps: Vice Chair DeRosa moved to approve the conditional-use permit with the staff-recommended conditions; Commissioner Lehman seconded. The motion carried 4–0. Staff stated the commission's action will be forwarded to Town Council and showed the item on the council calendar for May 20 for final action. The commission and staff noted that any future site improvements, parking changes or design details would be reviewed as part of a later design-review process.

Why it matters: The commission’s approval authorizes the institutional use of the property in a single-residence zone subject to conditions and follow-up approvals for site design. Commissioners flagged a potential traffic and safety issue tied to future roadway changes on Franklin Road and asked for contingency measures from the applicant if queuing begins to extend onto the public road.

What was not decided: The commission's vote approved the land use (the CUP) only. Building design, final site improvements, and any rezoning requests (if pursued by the owner) were not part of this vote and will be considered separately.