Rutherford County BZA approves special exception for 12-child daycare at Murfreesboro Community Church

The Rutherford County Board of Zoning Appeals on an unspecified date approved a special-exception request to allow a childcare facility at Murfreesboro Community Church, 2555 Las Casas Pike, permitting up to 12 children aged 2 to 5 to be cared for in two existing classrooms.

Planning staff told the board that application BZA-20251 seeks approval for a childcare within a community assembly use on a 2.67-acre parcel in the RM (medium-density residential) zoning district. The staff presentation said the proposed daycare would employ two teachers, operate Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., would not add buildings immediately, and would include a fenced outdoor play area; the applicant noted a room might be renovated later for a commercial kitchen. Staff concluded the request met the criteria for a special exception and reported two informational phone calls after a sign was posted on the property.

The board opened a public hearing. Anthony Stevens, representing the church initiative, thanked the board and said the applicants were “looking forward to serving our community and young mothers and fathers who has children.” Neighbors raised traffic and safety concerns tied to exiting Old Pitts onto Las Casas Pike. David Bunting, who said he lives behind the congregation, said left turns from Old Pitts onto Las Casas Pike “can be quite dangerous” and that increased traffic could create risks. Brian Walsh, who said he lives at the end of Old Pitts, asked whether clearer signage and a “dead end” notice could be requested to reduce cut-through traffic; planning staff replied those matters fall to the road superintendent or highway department.

After the public comment period the board moved to approve the application. The BZA recorded the motion and completed a roll-call vote with all members voting yes; the application was approved.

The approval allows the church to use two existing classrooms for up to 12 children under the conditions described in the staff report; no immediate building additions were approved. The staff report also noted the site has on-site parking and circulation sufficient for drop-off without backing onto Las Casas Pike, and that surrounding uses include multifamily to the east and single-family to the north.

The board did not impose additional conditions beyond the staff report during the public hearing. The applicant may proceed with the childcare operation as described in the submitted application and subject to any required inspections or licensing outside the BZA process.