Council rezones 3717 Highway 3 to allow childcare center to reopen

The City Council voted to rezone a roughly 0.86‑acre parcel at 3717 State Highway 3 from the Downtown zoning district to Auto Centric Commercial so the property owner can operate a childcare facility in an existing suite.

Staff said the parcel lies on the northern edge of the downtown district, that a prior daycare had operated in the space but the nonconforming use window had lapsed, and that Planning & Zoning unanimously recommended the rezoning. An applicant representative said the group has operated Childcare Center Excellence Academy in Dickinson for 19 years and owns the building; they asked council to allow the center to move back into the space. Council and staff discussed ensuring the parcel is reflected on a forthcoming comprehensive zoning map before final adoption.

Council approved the rezoning on voice vote. Staff confirmed the revised zoning map will be updated before final adoption so the parcel's new designation aligns with the comprehensive map.