The Rapid City Planning Commission on Oct. 23 approved a conditional-use permit to allow construction of a Ronald McDonald House near the city’s hospital complex, a facility that provides housing for families with hospitalized children.

Planning staff presented the application as a group-home use that will allow families to stay near their children while receiving hospital care. “We are so excited about this. It qualifies as a group home,” planning staff said during the meeting. The item was pulled from the agenda in advance so Commissioner Mike Kwasney could abstain for a conflict.

Commissioner Karen moved to approve the conditional-use permit with staff stipulations; Haven seconded the motion. The commission voted to approve the permit; the motion carried with Commissioner Mike Kwasney recorded as abstaining.

Planning staff and commissioners commended the proposal and noted similar facilities operate nationwide to support families during medical treatment. Staff indicated site-level conditions and the commission’s standard stipulations will apply during permitting and construction.