Planning commission approves Mountain Sprouts child care conditional-use permit at 700 Bittner Road

The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission on April 23 approved a conditional-use permit for Mountain Sprouts, a proposed child care center at 700 Bittner Road (project 24-042).

Planning staff recommended approval after describing the proposal as a reuse of an existing commercial building in a rural-residential zone. Staff said the operation would run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (excluding planned holidays and professional development days), serve up to 50 children ages 2 months to 5 years with 11 staff members, and provide roughly 18 parking spaces including one ADA stall. Staff noted that state licensing requires site approval first and confirmed the fenced outdoor play area meets childcare licensing requirements; the nearest pond is over 200 feet from the fenced play area.

The applicant, identified in the agenda as Leanne Smock, told the commission the location would serve parents on this side of town, increase use of public transportation and trails, and reduce vehicle trips that cross to Old Town. “So more public transportation use, less traffic, and minimal disturbance,” the applicant said.

Commissioners asked no substantive follow-up questions during the hearing. Commissioner Mooney moved to approve the conditional-use permit “as per the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the conditions of approval found in the staff report,” a motion that was seconded by Commissioner Hawley. A roll-call vote was taken and commissioners present voted to approve the permit; the motion carried unanimously.

The approval is an administrative review (project number 24-042) and does not itself grant state licensing for the childcare—staff reminded the commission that the operator must obtain state licensing after site approval. The staff report lists specific conditions of approval and compliance standards; the commission approved the item consistent with that staff recommendation.

Next steps noted in the discussion: the operator will continue the state licensing process and must meet the conditions in the staff report before opening. The commission offered congratulations and best wishes to the applicant.