Sandy planning commission narrowly OKs home daycare on Hidden Circle after neighbors raise traffic, noise and safety concerns

The Sandy City Planning Commission on May 15 approved a conditional-use permit allowing a home-based Category 2 daycare known as Kenny Kids to operate at 11617 South Hidden Circle, after neighbors described repeated traffic, noise and safety problems near the cul-de-sac.

The permit passed 4-1 after an earlier vote failed 3-2. Commissioners approved the permit with five staff conditions plus additional requirements added by the commission: a written traffic plan developed with staff, client notification of the traffic rules, and a prohibition on vehicle backing maneuvers across the curb during pick-up and drop-off.

Why it matters: Neighbors argued the existing operation already produces many vehicle movements and disruptive noise on a quiet cul-de-sac. The added conditions aim to bring the provider into compliance with Sandy City rules for Category 2 home occupations while giving neighbors a mechanism to request review if conditions are breached.

Details of the proposal and debate

Applicant Soraya Schmickrath told the commission she has operated childcare at the address since 2016 and sought to move from a Category 1 (by-right) business license to Category 2 to reflect a higher, more flexible “drop-in” model. Schmickrath said she typically handled up to 12 unique children per day, with as many as eight children on site at one time during the period she…