Board approves one‑year conditional use for in‑home daycare at 1110 N. Fort Bend Road with safety conditions

The Madison City Board of Zoning Appeals approved Feb. 10 a one‑year conditional use permit for an in‑home daycare at 1110 North Fort Bend Road, setting specific operational conditions after neighbors raised safety and animal‑control concerns.

Applicant Michael Thornton described a plan to provide child care Monday–Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. for up to 12 children, using a back third of his house and a large backyard play area. Thornton said the yard “has almost 3 acres” and that existing garage and driveway space would provide parking. He told the board the operation would begin small and expand only as appropriate.

Neighbor Doug Purcell spoke in opposition, detailing earlier problems with animals at the Thornton property and recounting incidents including dogs and a dispute in which a dog was shot. Purcell said animals previously kept on the property had entered neighboring yards and that he worried a child could access the same areas if the daycare were permitted.

Thornton and others told the board the yard is fenced and that, if licensed, state inspectors would require further safety measures. Thornton said he will confine animals indoors and will install additional fencing around child play areas if required. The board incorporated those safeguards into the approval.

The board approved application BZCU-25-3 for a period of one year with the following conditions: hours 5 a.m.–6 p.m.; maximum of 12 children; yard enclosed so neither children nor animals can escape; adherence to all state daycare regulations; and any validated complaints to police or state authorities will lead to a hearing before the board. The vote passed on roll call; one board member voted no on final tally.

Planning staff will record the conditions on the permit and coordinate with state licensing authorities during inspections.