Commission conditions approve rezoning and daycare SUP on Walnut Grove, requires southbound turn lane completion before CO

The commission approved a rezoning from agricultural to General Professional and a Specific Use Permit to allow an 11,274‑sq‑ft daycare on a 2.34‑acre tract along Walnut Grove Road, with conditions addressing traffic access and site improvements.

Assistant Director Mary Anne Spencer (speaker 12) said the proposed General Professional zoning and SUP for daycare are consistent with the city’s future land‑use map and comprehensive plan goals encouraging mixed uses and services near residential areas. The applicant explained the daycare operator (ARCA Montessori) will serve children 6 weeks–12 years (primary early education is 6 weeks–5 years) and expects to operate with staggered drop‑off and pickup to reduce peak congestion.

Commissioners and staff asked detailed questions about driveway spacing (the applicant requested a spacing variance from the 330‑ft standard), lighting, fencing, retention/detention, and whether turn lanes or deceleration lanes would be required. Applicant Drew Williams (speaker 15) and operator Ravi Maddie (speaker 21) said they would meet code for lighting and screening; engineers said the site plan accommodates a deceleration lane and that engineering requires a southbound left‑turn lane, which commissioners directed be included in the ordinance language.

The commission’s motion to approve included a condition requiring the construction of the southbound left‑turn lane and incorporation of the northbound deceleration lane as shown on the site plan prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Commissioners also discussed tree mitigation and retention‑pond design; applicant and staff said they would finalize drainage with the city engineer. The motion carried on the record.