Commission approves amendment allowing John Vulcan Academy to operate adult life-skills program with conditions

The Planning Commission approved an amendment to the conditional-use permit for 1130 West Center Street to permit John Vulcan Academy to convert a former youth residential treatment site into an adult residential life-skills program (sober living and vocational training). The site includes two buildings on 3.5 acres that previously housed a youth program.

Sherry, planning staff, summarized the property's history and the academy pplication: the site previously had a 20‑bed residential youth treatment permit and later expansions; John Vulcan seeks to run a voluntary two‑year residential commitment program for adult men in recovery and to operate vocational training businesses (moving company and related activities). Sherry said the academy proposes studio apartments for some on‑site staff, 10 fleet vehicles for student/staff transport and six box trucks for the moving business; staff recommended conditions including limiting occupancy to 86 students until the second building is remodeled, prohibiting students from keeping personal vehicles on-site, requiring academy-provided transportation and parking box trucks in the north lot.

Commissioners asked about licensing and oversight; staff said these adult life-skills residences are not licensed by the Department of Human Services (that applies to youth treatment) and are regulated as businesses (Department of Commerce) and by building and safety codes. Commissioner Jorgensen noted support letters from Farmington City and health departments included in the packet and the DRC reported local chiefs of police view the program as a positive community resource. Commissioner Ward moved to approve the amendment with the conditions outlined in the staff memorandum; Commissioner Jorgensen seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.