Lewistown approves conditional-use permit for daycare at 538 Sariday Street

The City Commission of Lewistown on Jan. 16 approved a conditional-use permit allowing a child care business to locate and operate at 538 Sariday Street, contingent on building and fire inspections and issuance of state child-care licensing.

Planning Director Doug Auststerman told commissioners the application would allow “up to 46 children and six employees” and that the planning department and the city–county planning board recommended approval; Lewis Fire & Rescue submitted conditional requirements that are incorporated into the permit conditions. The applicant, present at the hearing, said she already operates three other child‑care facilities and is consolidating operations into the Sariday Street site. The property owner, who identified himself as Nathan Deal speaking as power of attorney, said he will make the needed renovations.

Commissioners asked about a discrepancy between the applicant’s requested occupancy (46) and a fire-department number (40). Staff said those occupancy figures will be finalized when building and fire inspections are completed and when state licensing is issued. City Manager Holly Phelps emphasized that state licensing and both building and fire approvals must be in place before the center may open.

The commission voted to approve the conditional-use permit with the planning-board and fire‑department conditions and the requirement that state licensing be received prior to opening. The motion was made and seconded during the meeting and approved by roll call. The permit is conditional and the city will require the documented inspections and license before any childcare operation begins at the site.

The commission closed the public hearing at the meeting’s conclusion of the item.