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BOCC approves conditional use for Rising Star Christian Academy daycare with fence, hedge and phased landscaping
Summary
The Board approved a conditional use to allow Rising Star Christian Academy to operate a 30‑student daycare inside an existing church, adding a condition requiring a fence plus a Colusia hedge along the northern property line to be phased in within 18 months.
The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners approved a conditional‑use permit on Feb. 4 allowing Rising Star Christian Academy to operate a child‑care facility for up to 30 children ages 6 months to 4 years inside an existing church at 202 East Midway Road.
Tye Kerr of Planning and Development Services presented the petition and said the site is in the institutional zoning district; daycare is a conditional use there. Staff reported the church has 33 parking spaces and that ITE parking generation for 30 students would require eight spaces. Notices were mailed to property owners within 500 feet; staff received four letters in favor and three opposed.
Planning staff recommended approval with conditions that included eradication of invasive species during the building permit stage, donation of two 35‑gallon native trees to the county nursery, and operational provisions for drop‑off and blocking certain parking spaces during daycare hours. Commissioners discussed traffic and safety concerns for the site’s driveway to Midway Road and a nearby intersection at Buchanan Drive and asked staff whether queuing, directional signs or further traffic controls might be warranted. Staff said the projected volume for 30 students did not indicate a need for a school zone or signal and that the board could require traffic monitoring after opening.
Several commissioners and staff emphasized outdoor play‑area safety because a canal borders the property to the west. Staff recommended two possible play areas; the board required a secure, fenced outdoor play area and asked that the applicant locate it away from the neighbor and the canal if feasible. Commissioner Townsend moved to approve with a condition requiring a fence and a Colusia hedge along the northern property line, phased in over 18 months; another commissioner seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
The conditional use includes a hard cap of 30 students; staff said any increase would require modification of the conditional use and a return to the Board for approval. The board instructed staff to draft precise permit conditions and timelines to be enforced through building permits and inspections.
