Board approves use variance for daycare at 2101 South Main with licensing and fencing conditions

The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 13 approved a use variance to allow a day care center to operate at 2101 South Main Street in a B3 Service Business District, adopting staff‑recommended conditions designed to address outdoor play space, licensing and oversight.

Representatives at the hearing said the operator, Kanesha Taylor, will care for approximately 20–22 children with 5–6 employees and operate from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The proposed tenant plans interior renovations of roughly 2,487 square feet for classrooms and staff space. The city requires local approval in addition to state licensing through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Staff described safety concerns about the initially proposed 200‑square‑foot parking peninsula play area but reported that petitioners agreed to relocate the outdoor play area to a larger, rectangular, grassed area at the south end of the building. Staff recommended approval with eight conditions, including that all children be restricted to the building or a fenced play area, parking islands be fenced, grounds be maintained, the zoning administrator may inspect during hours of operation, and a copy of the childcare license be submitted to Planning & Zoning upon receipt.

Staff also noted that the use variance would become null and void if the daycare ceases operation for more than one year or if the state license is revoked; the board asked for a two‑year administrative review by Nov. 9, 2027.

Board member (speaker 7) moved to approve the variance adopting staff findings and conditions; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. The chair welcomed the operator and expressed support for expanding childcare capacity in Elkhart.

Next steps: the operator must secure state licensing, fence the approved outdoor play area, submit the license to Planning & Zoning, and adhere to inspections and renewal timelines laid out in the conditions.