Mount Airy planning commissioners recommend approval of home-based "Happy Castle" daycare to Board of Appeals

The Mount Airy Planning Commission on Monday recommended that the Board of Appeals grant a special exception for a home-based daycare to operate as "Happy Castle" at 1810 Castle Green Circle. The motion, offered by Commissioner Beata and seconded by Commissioner Butts, included conditions related to fencing, a property survey and confirmation from the neighborhood Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and homeowners association (HOA).

Commissioners said the use is allowed under the town code as a nursery/daycare special exception, and staff recommended a favorable recommendation to the Board of Appeals. The commission discussion focused on requirements for an enclosed outdoor play area, the fencing type and location, and compliance with state licensing and size standards.

John Breeden, the town planner, told commissioners that the application falls under the code provisions for nursery/daycare special exceptions and that staff was recommending a favorable recommendation to the Board of Appeals. Applicant Danielle Griffith said, “I’m a former teacher. I taught kindergarten for 10 years, so I’m hoping to open a daycare,” and described a large house and open field near her property that she plans to use for children’s activities.

Commissioners asked about fencing and play-area size. Beata, Hadley and others noted the code language that requires a fully fenced outside play area and read a section indicating that the sides of the enclosed area must be at least 25 feet from adjacent property lines; the zoning administrator confirmed that reading. Commissioners advised Griffith to submit a fence permit, consider a land survey to ensure fence placement, and verify HOA limits on the number of home daycares in the neighborhood.

The Planning Commission’s motion recommended approval of case MADASHBOADASH2025Dash1 for the applicant Danielle Griffith at 1810 Castle Green Circle, with conditions that the applicant submit a plat/survey, pursue the required fencing permit and ARC/HOA review, and clarify the 25-foot play-area requirement in the Board of Appeals submission. Commissioner Butts seconded the revised motion. The commission voted in favor by voice and the recommendation will go forward to the Board of Appeals.

The Board of Appeals will consider the special-exception request and any conditions the commission recorded in its recommendation. The applicant and neighbors may present additional evidence at that hearing.