Planning board approves 12‑month site‑plan extension for Tamarac Daycare at 7830 N. University Drive

The Tamarac Planning Board on Aug. 13 approved a 12‑month extension of the major site plan approval for a proposed childcare facility at 7830 North University Drive, extending the approval through June 13, 2026.

Applicant Brett Foster, representing 7830 North University Drive, LLC, said the project remains the same as originally approved — a 6,204‑square‑foot childcare building with an associated 2,750‑square‑foot play area — and that the applicant has closed on construction financing. “We have closed on the new construction loan financing this past month in July,” Foster said. He told the board he expects to submit updated building plans to the city’s building department within weeks and estimated an eight‑month build‑out after permitting.

Staff background and findings Senior Planner Rob Johnson summarized the project history: the Planning Board approved the special exception and major site plan in January 2021. The site plan contains a condition that approval is void if a building permit has not been issued and construction diligently pursued within one year. The applicant previously received extensions: a 12‑month extension in June 2023 and another 12‑month extension in July 2024. The current request, submitted June 12, 2025, requests a further 12‑month extension because the operator originally tied to the project had health issues and the site required remarketing; the applicant now reports a new operator and financing.

Staff opinion and conditions Staff recommended approval, stating the application for a site plan extension was filed prior to the current expiration date and showed good cause under the Land Development Code. The Director of Community Development recommended that the Planning Board extend the major site plan approval with conditions for an additional 12 months until June 13, 2026.

Questions and timing Board members asked about the project timeline. Foster said he expects to resubmit building plans within weeks and estimated the build‑out at roughly eight months, projecting the daycare could be operating in 2026 if approvals proceed on schedule.

Vote Planning Board members voted 5‑0 to approve Temporary Board Order 97, the site plan extension for Tamarac Daycare, with the motion made and seconded by board members present.

Ending note Staff and the applicant characterized the application as ready to move forward pending the building department’s review; the extension preserves the previously approved site plan while the applicant completes finance and permit steps.