Planning commission recommends approval of Sunrise Academy classroom building with exterior-upgrade condition

The Washington City Planning Commission on June 17 recommended that City Council approve Z-26-12, an amendment to the existing PUDR to allow a new single-story classroom and administrative building on a 3.63-acre pad at 3585 South Camino Real for Sunrise Academy. Commissioners added a condition asking that the building’s exterior be "uplifted" to blend with existing campus buildings.

Planning staff summarized the application and said the plan conforms to the zoning ordinance and the original PUD conditions (Z-16-04). Staff noted the PUD’s entitlement allowed up to 60 residents under the original approval, while the operator’s state license limits occupancy to 44. Planning staff said the proposed building contains classrooms and program space only and would not add sleeping quarters or outside users.

Dan Cox, the applicant, said the facility is licensed for 44 residents but currently operates at a much lower census: "We're licensed for 44 residents and we'll just maintain that count ... we don't plan to increase that number from 44 at this time." Cox said the new building would allow the operator to consolidate academic programming now delivered off-site.

Several commissioners raised aesthetic concerns about the proposed building’s appearance. Commissioner Tupo said the structure "doesn't match the existing buildings" and called it "an eyesore," noting it looks like modular or portable classroom units. Nearby resident Elden Copierre told the commission the building would be "a terrible eyesore" visible from his backyard and expressed worry about its height and view impacts. Cox acknowledged the feedback and said he would work with vendors and present exterior-treatment options to City Council.

The commission added or confirmed staff conditions — including a requirement that exterior lighting be directed inward and a six-foot masonry wall along specified property lines — and voted to recommend approval to City Council with the additional condition that the exterior be modified to better match existing buildings. Commissioner Tupo moved the recommendation; Commissioner Davis seconded. Commissioners Davis, Tupo and Bulock voted in favor; the recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.

The matter now moves to City Council, where council members will consider the commission’s findings and conditions and make the final decision.