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Planning commission recommends approval for family day home permit at 2111 Oak Avenue
Summary
The Newport News Planning Commission unanimously recommended that City Council approve a conditional use permit allowing a family day home childcare facility for up to 12 children at 2111 Oak Avenue, subject to 13 staff conditions addressing hours, fencing, capacity and staffing ratios tied to the state's points system.
The Newport News Planning Commission on June 3 voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve conditional use permit CU-2026-00003, which would allow a family day home child care facility at 2111 Oak Avenue for up to 12 children.
Planner Mr. Sal Glyer told the commission that the property is zoned R4 (single-family dwelling) and that the requested Family Day Home Child Care Facility B use is permitted with a conditional use permit. Glyer said the applicant, owner Lisa Giggots, has operated a smaller family day home since January 2022 and now seeks to expand capacity to 12 children, which triggers a different licensing category under Virginia Department of Education rules.
"The zoning ordinance permits a family day home child care facility B for up to 12 children," Glyer said, adding that the facility must meet state licensing requirements and that city departments raised no objections. Staff recommended approval with 13 conditions, including operating on the first floor only, a maximum of 12 children, a solid fence not to exceed 6 feet around the play area, hours limited to 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and outdoor play restricted to one hour daily between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Commissioners asked staff to explain the "32-point" system used by the Virginia Department of Education to determine caregiver ratios. Glyer explained that children receive points based on age (younger children carry more points) and that the 32-point cap is measured at any one time to determine how many caregivers are required.
"So it's measured in a moment of time," Glyer said. "Your points aren't adding up throughout the day and then at the end of the day you've exceeded your points. It's just how many children do I have? How many workers do I need to supervise those children?"
Commissioners also asked whether carbon monoxide detectors were required; staff replied that state building code currently mandates smoke detectors in this context and that adding carbon monoxide detectors would require a code change at the state level, though staff encouraged their voluntary use when fuel-burning appliances or garages are present.
With no public opposition during the hearing, Commissioner Shook moved to recommend approval; the motion carried 8–0. Mr. Glyer said the case will be heard by City Council on June 23, 2026.
The commission's recommendation is advisory; final approval requires City Council action and compliance with the listed conditions and applicable state licensing.
