Planning commission recommends approval of homeschool co‑op permit at Norwood Lane, 3‑1 to council

The Dayton Planning Commission on Aug. 1 recommended the City Council approve an interim use permit allowing an accessory building and a home‑extended business at 13551 Norwood Lane, a 2‑acre property, by a 3‑1 vote. The applicants, Nathan and Megan Yancey, asked to construct a detached accessory building of up to 2,000 square feet to host a homeschool cooperative that would meet three days a week with about 20 students.

Commissioners, staff and dozens of neighbors spent more than two hours on the application, focusing on traffic and parking, septic and sewer connections, screening and the absence of a concept site plan. Staff told the commission the city’s code limits home‑extended accessory buildings but allows an IUP with conditions; staff read six recommended conditions including that the property be homesteaded before operation, that the accessory building meet building, fire and zoning codes, that a driveway be constructed to access the building, that residential parking requirements be met (minimum two enclosed stalls plus two surface stalls), and that the IUP expire after five years or upon change in ownership.

Neighbors said reliance on informal assurances had failed in the past and raised concerns about vehicles parking on the street, oil stains, potential impacts to wetlands and wells, and whether a 20‑student limit could grow over time. “This proposed business will be adding more traffic to our neighborhood,” said Robert Urban, a neighbor who said he has lived near the property for 35 years. Other residents asked who would enforce on‑site pick‑up/drop‑off and whether the accessory building would be used as living space.

Nathan Yancey, the applicant, responded that the family had sought permits in the past, that the proposed building is intended primarily to restore required covered parking lost when a garage was converted to living space, and that parents would generally drop off and leave under a planned driveway and paved turnaround. “We have no intentions on breaking any city codes,” Yancey said, adding the co‑op operates seasonally (roughly 85 days per year) and that two licensed teachers (parents) would remain on site while other parents drop off and pick up.

Commission debate turned on process and enforceability. One commissioner said the absence of a concept site plan showing driveway location, turnaround and screening made it hard to conclude some findings required by code; another argued that the staff conditions, building‑permit review and nuisance ordinances create enforceable protections and that the applicants deserve a chance to comply. The commission suggested technical edits and asked staff to ensure parking requirements and a driveway turnaround are explicit in the resolution.

The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council on Aug. 27. If Council approves the IUP as recommended, the permit would allow the accessory building and co‑op to operate under the listed conditions and would expire in five years or upon change in property ownership. The council will also be able to require more detailed site plans or additional conditions if it chooses.

Action taken: Planning Commission recommended approval of the IUP for 13551 Norwood Lane, vote 3‑1. The item is scheduled for City Council consideration on Aug. 27.