Planning Commission unanimously approves home childcare permit for Weeks Drive residence

The Kennesaw Planning Commission unanimously approved a land‑use permit for a licensed home childcare at 3980 Weeks Drive, allowing the applicant to operate a family childcare serving up to six children under a two‑year, nontransferable permit.

Planning staff described the application for agenda item “LU 20 20 five‑two,” saying the property is zoned R‑20 single‑family residential with a future land‑use designation of community activity center. Staff reported a site visit and concluded the proposed use “is not expected to create any nuisance to adjacent properties” and that the property “appears to have adequate off‑street parking to accommodate pick‑up and drop‑off activities.” Staff also said the application was referred to Cobb County Planning and Zoning under the intergovernmental agreement and that no objections were received.

The applicant, identified in the record as Miss Bosch, Williams, asked how the two‑year permit term works and whether reapplication is required. Staff replied: “Unfortunately the way that the ordinance is currently written after the 24 months reapplication, re‑advertisement, and a public hearing is required to then get another permit,” and advised starting the reapplication process well in advance to avoid service interruptions.

Commissioners asked several questions about how home‑occupation categories differ. Staff explained there are two home occupation types: Type A (limited administrative home occupations that do not allow visitors) and Type B (formal land‑use permits that may allow scheduled visitation, such as a tutor or therapist). Staff said the childcare request is a Type B permit and therefore visitation (drop‑off and pickup) is part of the approved allowance.

Before the vote, commissioners sought clarification about staffing during temporary absences. The applicant asked whether a substitute or temporary staff (for example, during maternity leave) would be allowed. Staff said kin or relatives by blood may not count toward the six‑child limit and that temporary exceptions for health reasons could be considered; staff also said they would work with the applicant and, if necessary, refer a formal change to the Mayor and City Council for documentation.

Commissioner Van Zandt moved to approve the permit with the recommended staff conditions; Commissioner Rebecca Patterson seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous (Patterson: Yes; Van Zandt: Yes; Trim: Yes; Chair: Yes).

The permit includes conditions that the land use is valid for two years from final approval, is limited to the current applicant and business use and is not transferable, that there be no more than six children and no evidence of a home‑based business visible from the right of way (including signage), and that only one commercial vehicle be dedicated to the business. The staff memo and public notice were included in the application record. The Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation; the item will be heard by Mayor and City Council per the normal process.