Hanford Planning Commission approves permit to expand Menitas de Amor preschool

The Hanford Planning Commission on June 23, 2026 voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2026-11, adopting Conditional Use Permit 45-25 to allow a 3,190-square-foot addition to Menitas de Amor Preschool and Child Care at 11303 Hanford Amona Road.

Planning staff told the commission the property is zoned RL-5 (low-density residential) and that the proposed project requires an amended conditional use permit and site-plan review. "Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution 2026-11, approving Conditional Use Permit number 45-25," planning staff said during the hearing.

The approved amendment will add an entry/office area, a napping area, a food-preparation space, an inclusive preschool classroom and restrooms. According to the project record, the expansion increases capacity by 50 children and raises the employee count to 21; staff noted the facility would serve up to 40 infants and toddlers (ages 6–36 months) and 10 children with limited disabilities. Staff also said the structure and operations must meet applicable building and fire codes and secure licensing from the California Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing Division prior to operating the expanded facility.

Because the addition encroaches on an existing parking area, plans call for construction of 17 additional parking spaces behind the building and one 90-degree space at the front. Staff said the project includes full build-out improvements along Country Place — curb, gutter, sidewalk and road surface — that will be dedicated to the city upon completion.

Commissioners asked about traffic circulation, drainage and noise. One commissioner asked whether the proposed loading areas on Hanford Amona Road and Country Place would prevent spillover parking into the neighborhood during peak drop-off and pickup times; staff replied the site plan provides additional parking and access but that further growth beyond the approved amendment would require a permit amendment. The applicant told the commission that morning drop-off is typically between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and described a front-door quick-drop practice she said will continue with the new layout. "We do have our biggest drop off time is between 07:30 and 08:30," the applicant said, adding that additional parking and site design will reduce the need for on-street parking.

Staff said drainage questions will be addressed through grading permit requirements reviewed by Public Works and that the project is categorically exempt from further CEQA review under section 15301 (existing facilities). Staff also explained the original refuse enclosure location conflicted with current setbacks and will be relocated to the rear parking area and constructed to City standard GE-35 with a bypass area for refuse trucks.

Public input included support from the applicant, who recounted receiving a grant for the expansion and the project's years-long development. No speakers opposed the project. After public input, a commissioner moved to adopt Resolution 2026-11; a second was recorded and the commission conducted a roll-call vote, with recorded "yes" votes from Commissioner Esparza, Commissioner Gill, Commissioner Juarez and Chair Ham. Chair Ham announced the project approved and closed the public hearing.

The action approves Conditional Use Permit 45-25 with the site-plan and conditions described in the staff report; building permits, grading permits and required licensing remain prerequisites to full operation of the expanded facility.

The commission then moved to director's comments and adjourned the meeting.