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Planning commission adopts findings and forwards recommendation for 4,800‑sq‑ft daycare at 1108 Grace Ave.
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to adopt staff findings and forward a recommendation on Conditional Use Permit CUP 24‑08, a proposed 4,800 sq ft preschool at 1108 Grace Ave.; supporters in public comment said parking and noise have not been problems and staff noted a SEPA runoff comment from the Department of Ecology.
The Benton City Planning Commission voted to adopt staff findings, as amended by the commission, for Conditional Use Permit CUP 24‑08, a request by Rafael and Arcelia Zepeda to build a 4,800‑square‑foot children's preschool at 1108 Grace Avenue.
Planning staff summarized the application: the site is a 1.1‑acre parcel (parcel no. 118972030004010) in the R‑2 (medium‑density residential) zone; the proposal is a new 4,800 sq ft facility adjacent to an existing day‑care building on the same parcel. Staff said the site currently includes a 5,000–5,500 sq ft existing daycare and a 21‑space paved parking lot; about half the site will be impervious. A SEPA checklist was submitted and the only comment received so far (staff said) is from the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding stormwater runoff.
Architect Chris Baw, speaking for the applicant, described the building orientation, a fenced playground area and an accessibility ramp that will require lowering part of the site by about five feet and constructing a retaining wall. He said the existing U‑shaped parking circulation will be retained and that, because the facility will serve staggered age groups and after‑school children, he did not expect a single intense drop‑off peak that would overwhelm the lot.
Two nearby residents spoke in favor. Mike Dorman of 1105 Hazel Ave. said he has used the daycare for many years and has “never had a problem” with noise or parking. Marilyn Gorman, a retired teacher, said expanding capacity helps local families and supports Benton City rather than pushing parents to neighboring cities for childcare.
Following public comment, Chair Commissioner Wallace moved and planning staff seconded a motion to adopt the findings and conclusions prepared by staff (as amended by the commission) for CUP 24‑08. The motion passed on roll call: Commissioners LeFone, Thompson, Wallace, Lynn and Hamilton voted aye. The chair closed the hearing and directed the planner to file the commission’s recommendation with the council.
Staff noted conditions and technical items remain (stormwater retention/infiltration on site and the Department of Ecology comment to be addressed). The commission’s action was procedural — adopting written findings to forward a recommendation — and does not itself authorize construction. Council will receive the commission’s recommendation as part of the code‑required process.
