Vernon Hills OKs special‑use permit allowing Happy Jay home daycare to care for more children

The Village Board unanimously approved ordinance 2025‑053 on April 15, granting a special‑use permit to Happy Jay Home Daycare at 305 Corte Vellum to operate with seven or more children under a newly created zoning pathway.

Director Jennings told the board the zoning code was amended to allow a home daycare to seek special‑use approval for more than six children; the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on April 2 and recommended approval with two conditions: (1) keep at least one side of the driveway open during operating hours to facilitate drop‑off and pickup, and (2) allow up to 12 full‑time children and 4 part‑time children subject to DCFS approval and regulations.

Applicant Sana Lopez introduced herself to the board and was accompanied by a translator, Solca Bachuela. Village Attorney confirmed the village had not experienced legal issues with increasing permitted daycare capacity and said DCFS is the appropriate agency for life‑safety and licensing oversight. The police chief said he had no specific safety concerns and expects DCFS inspections to address life‑safety issues.

Trustees asked questions about precedent and numbers of similar operations; staff said there are six home daycares in town and several operators are seeking similar approvals. The board approved ordinance 2025‑053 by roll call following a motion and second.

Next steps: subject to DCFS approval and any building or permitting requirements, the operators may proceed with licensing and operations under the conditions enumerated by Planning & Zoning.