Commission authorizes conditional use for Faranda Care Home, caps occupancy at 10

The Planning Commission on Feb. 11 granted conditional‑use authorization for a residential care home at 72740 First Avenue, authorizing the use at up to 10 residents and imposing conditions reflecting staff recommendations. Planning staff member Lehi Cabarrus told commissioners the site visit found the facility maintained in a safe and clean condition and that the sponsor conducted outreach to residents and tenants within 150 feet as required by Section 311 notification.

Lucy Faranda, the administrator and owner of Faranda Care Home, described outreach efforts and presented letters of support and endorsements from mental‑health contacts and former clients. Neighbors, including Robert Feuer, testified that they had not received mailed meeting notices and raised concerns about earlier unpermitted work, alleged overcrowding, conversion of dining rooms to bedrooms, and accessibility/ADA compliance.

Staff and the project architect responded that building permits had been pulled for 2007 work, that the building permit application had been filed concurrent with the conditional‑use request, and that ADA and fire code requirements depend on declared occupancy type and are enforced by DBI. Commissioners questioned whether the state licensing limited residency to elderly ambulatory residents and staff clarified the planning code does not restrict age but that the sponsor had provided state elderly‑residential licensing documents and would need state licensure for 10 residents.

Commissioners recommended continued neighbor engagement and confirmed the conditional use would allow up to 10 residents (7+ requires authorization). The motion to approve with conditions passed with recorded ayes from the commissioners present. The approval is conditioned on permit compliance and any DBI/ADA/fire code requirements that apply when the applicant completes licensing and building‑permit steps.