COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Planning Commission approved a Special Land Use Permit request from Angela Blair Monday night for the operation of a Child Group Day Care Home in a residential neighborhood at 270 South Jefferson Street.
An ordinance which amended the city’s Zoning Code for the operation of such homes in One Family Residential District was passed nearly a couple of years ago in an effort to address the lack of child care in the city. City Planner Dean Walrack says there have been nearly a half dozen of these homes for between seven and 12 children established since that time.
The Blair lot has a side and rear yard of approximately 4,200 square feet and an existing enclosed play area which is approximately 1,150 square feet. The applicants also own the house to the north and they are proposing to fence in a portion of both lots to meet the current 5,000 square foot play area requirement for Child Group Day Care Homes.
Walrack said a fence would be required for privacy.
All exterior spaces utilized by day users are required to be screened by a fence at least five feet tall with a maximum height of six feet six inches.
Blair said she has been licensed for over two decades.
After the Planning Commission gave their approval, there was a discussion about possibly lowering lot sizes for child group day care home play areas from 5,000 square feet. State law requires such homes to have a 600 square foot play area.
Commission members decided to have City Attorney Megan Angell look into it further and have her come back with a recommendation.
