Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves day care CUP with requirement to raise playground fence to 6 feet
Summary
The commission approved PC2025‑00155 to convert a 1,480 sq. ft. building into a day care serving up to 16 children (6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.), finding it exempt from CEQA (Section 15301); commissioners required the applicant to pursue raising the playground fence to 6 feet and asked for bollard specifications and a background check on nearby criminal records.
The Riverside Planning Commission on Dec. 18 approved a conditional use permit to transform a 1,480‑square‑foot office into a child care center that will serve up to 16 children from infants to 5 years old.
Assistant planner Kalaure Boyd told the commission the 0.17‑acre site is zoned for office use but that a child care center may be allowed with a CUP. Boyd recommended approval and stated the project is "exempt from CEQA review pursuant to section 15301." The proposal calls for a five‑foot wrought‑iron fence with Japanese mock orange screening, themed bollards near the playground and staggered drop‑off and pick‑up procedures.
Prospective operator Wilton Kimbrell said he agreed with staff recommendations and confirmed there will be adult supervision "at all times" when children use the outdoor play area. Commissioners repeatedly raised safety and traffic concerns because the playground faces Arlington Avenue and nearby intersections experience heavy turning movements. Commissioner Tunison asked whether the fence could be made taller; planning staff said the CUP can include a modification to allow a six‑foot fence. The commission added a condition to pursue that increase and the applicant accepted the change.
Commissioner Singh asked whether the applicant had checked whether convicted child molesters lived in the immediate area; Kimbrell said he had not performed that research but could check with the police department and noted he is coordinating with the city's licensing staff (Diana).
Commissioners also asked about bollard strength and spacing; planning staff said standard bollards specified for the project are designed to withstand vehicle collisions and the applicant said he would provide specifications if required.
The motion to approve PC2025‑00155 included the additional condition to explore raising the playground fence to six feet, was seconded by Commissioner Singh and carried; the commission announced a 10‑day appeal period.
The applicant and planning staff must complete any required licensing and provide final site security/specifications before building or operational permits are issued.
