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Plan commission backs conditional use for daycare at 55 West 20 Second Street
Summary
The Village of Lombard Plan Commission voted unanimously March 17, 2025 to recommend approval of a conditional use allowing Smart Start Academy to convert first-floor office space at 55 West 20 Second Street into a daycare, subject to building and fire-permit requirements and conditions in the staff report.
The Village of Lombard Plan Commission on March 17, 2025 unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use to allow a daycare center in an existing office building at 55 West 20 Second Street.
The petitioner, identified in the record as a Smart Start Academy representative, told the commission the proposal would convert roughly 6,000 to 7,000 square feet on the first floor into a childcare center serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years, and that the operator already runs a location in Plainfield and is building another in North Aurora. “We take care of kids from 6 weeks to 12 years of age,” the petitioner said, adding the operator’s goal is “to provide excellent...childcare services at a really reasonable cost.”
Planning staff entered the Interdepartmental Review Committee report into the record and recommended approval, noting that daycare centers are conditional uses in the O office zoning district and that the proposed tenant will occupy a portion of a multi‑tenant building with surface parking surrounding it. Staff said the petitioner intends to convert 10 existing parking spaces into a fenced play area with playground equipment on the west/front side of the building and that the fire and building departments submitted comments identifying interior improvements and permitting requirements that will be addressed during permit review.
Commissioners asked about building access, circulation during drop-off and potential conflicts near the proposed play area and exits. The petitioner said the primary play area will begin north of the building exit and that egress windows will be provided where required; the petitioner said emergency egress would not open into the play area.
On a motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Sweetser, the commission accepted the IDRC findings and recommended approval of PC 25-07 subject to the five conditions in the staff report. Roll call was unanimous in favor; the recommendation will be forwarded to the Village Board of Trustees for final action at its April 3, 2025 meeting.
Staff reiterated that the fire and building departments’ comments must be resolved during permitting and that exterior changes (the fenced play area in converted parking) will be part of permit review and site improvements required by those departments. Any subsequent changes to the proposal beyond the approved scope will require additional review and permits.
