Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare Licensing Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves family childcare at 420 South Jane Street with conditions
Summary
The board approved a family childcare operation at 420 South Jane Street, conditioned on licensing and limiting employees as testified; the board found on‑site parking and drop‑off dimensions adequate after the applicant clarified staffing.
The Allentown City Zoning Hearing Board on Aug. 25 approved a request by Vladimir Moreno Sanchez to operate a family childcare business at 420 South Jane Street, subject to conditions including appropriate state licensing and the staffing arrangement presented to the board.
Board members granted the relief after clarifying parking and drop‑off questions. The zoning officer had noted a potential discrepancy between a 22‑foot driveway width shown in city GIS maps and a 30‑foot width the applicant reported; the city confirmed the difference could affect available space for required on‑site parking and for loading/unloading. During testimony the applicant clarified that one caregiver lives on site and the only additional staff member is an off‑site employee, meaning the total on‑site parking demand would be three spaces (two residential spaces plus one employee). Given that clarification, the zoning officer said the driveway and garage provided sufficient space and that the earlier deficiency determination was moot.
The board’s approval was conditioned on the use being operated as described at the hearing — specifically that one of the caretakers be a resident and that no more than one additional employee be present — and on the applicant obtaining any required state or agency licenses for licensing level changes (for example, for expanded family or group child care). Testimony indicated the business has operated for about eight to 10 months and currently serves roughly six children across staggered schedules; the applicant said families primarily drive to pick up and drop off children, and that pick‑ups are typically made using the side entrance from the driveway.
The board’s motion to approve included a requirement that the operators secure any necessary licenses if they expand beyond the conditions agreed at the hearing. The board asked the zoning office to record the decision and to notify the applicant in writing.
Next steps: the board will issue a written decision. The applicant was reminded to coordinate with the Department of Human Services (or relevant state licensing body) to confirm licensing requirements if the operation’s size or staffing changes.
