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Planning commission backs conditional use permit for child care center at 617 Randolph Road
Summary
The Newport News Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend a conditional use permit allowing a former church at 617 Randolph Road to be converted to a child care center serving up to 68 children; the item will go to City Council in March 2025.
The Newport News Planning Commission on a unanimous 7-0 vote recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit CU20250001 to allow a child care center at 617 Randolph Road.
City planner Saul Garcia told the commission the applicant proposes to convert an existing building originally used as a church into a licensed child care center. Garcia said the property contains 0.91 acres and is zoned R-4 (single-family dwelling), and that Section 405-402 of the city's zoning ordinance permits a child care center in R-4 with a conditional use permit. He said the Virginia Department of Education must issue a license before the center may open.
Garcia said the preliminary plans indicate the structure could serve up to 68 children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old, with before- and after-school programs and summer services for 6- to 12-year-olds. Operating hours would be 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (holidays excluded). "The total number of children permitted in the program shall not exceed 68 children," Garcia said. Staff reported the center would operate with 10 full-time and three part-time staff and that an outdoor play area of at least 4,125 square feet would be required within a roughly 9,000-square-foot open space at the rear of the property.
Garcia summarized staff's recommendation that the commission approve the permit with 13 conditions, including maintaining state licensing in good standing, operating within the approved floor plan, submission and approval of building plans that meet city and state codes before licensing, and review of any signage by the planning director.
Commission members asked questions about signage, illumination, landscaping and whether the applicant would alter the building footprint. Garcia said no change to the footprint was proposed and that any sign would require director review; he also confirmed required access and circulation plans for drop-off and pick-up and a secure path between the building and the play area.
Chairperson Taylor called for the motion to accept staff's recommendation; the motion passed unanimously. Garcia said the item will be heard by City Council in March 2025.
