Planning commission approves conditional use permit to expand family day home at 192 Colony Road

The Newport News Planning Commission on Dec. 3 approved a conditional use permit to expand a family day home at 192 Colony Road from four to eight children, acting on a unanimous 6–0 vote.

Planner Okiki told commissioners the 0.37‑acre property is zoned R‑3 and designated low‑density residential in the One City, One Future 2040 comprehensive plan. Staff recommended approval of the permit with 13 conditions, including obtaining licensure from the Virginia Department of Education, submitting a site plan that shows play areas and fencing, providing a floor plan and a business plan with set hours of operation, and other standard conditions.

The expansion changes the operation from a childcare facility "A" to "B," which requires a conditional use permit, staff said. Planner Okiki said the property’s features — including a fully enclosed 6‑foot rear fence, a 61‑foot driveway and limits on outdoor play (twice daily, ending before 6 p.m.) — help mitigate likely noise, traffic and safety concerns. "The family day home childcare facility B is well suited to provide an increasingly needed service to the parents in nearby residential neighborhoods," Okiki said.

Courtney Phillips, one of the applicants and the homeowner at 192 Colony Road, told the commission she and her spouse live on the property and confirmed the operation currently serves four children and seeks to expand to eight. Phillips said only one vehicle (the non‑resident staff vehicle) would be on site during the day. "There will be only one car in the driveway through the whole day until I come home," Phillips said.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on traffic and parking. Commissioner Williams noted Colony Road has parking on both sides and asked whether any measures would prevent vehicles from backing into traffic; staff and the applicant said parents would be allowed to use a grassy area at the front of the lot as a turnaround to avoid backing into the street. One commissioner voiced concern that front‑yard turning could damage the yard: "I don't like the notion of people turning around on the front yard," the commissioner said.

After hearing discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit as recommended by staff; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call, recorded as unanimous, 6–0. Chairperson Taylor said the matter will be heard by City Council on Jan. 13, 2026.

The permit approval imposes conditions intended to ensure compliance with state licensure and site safety standards; the commission record notes staff required submittal of a site plan showing play areas and fencing, a floor plan and a business plan as part of the approval. The commission did not adopt additional traffic or design conditions at the Dec. 3 meeting.

The City Council hearing is the next procedural step; staff will prepare the ordinance and conditions for council consideration.