Planning board approves Caterpillar Clubhouse home‑daycare with rear‑play condition

The planning board on Sept. 2 voted unanimously to approve project number 2026.33, a conditional‑use permit for a home daycare to operate at 19 Waco Drive under the name Caterpillar Clubhouse. The motion, made by a board member and seconded, included conditions a, b, d and e and was amended to require that outdoor play equipment be located in the rear yard as part of condition c.

Planner David (city planner) reviewed the case history and applicable standards, telling the board the property meets the residential‑neighborhood criteria and that staff recommended approval. The applicant, introduced in the agenda packet as Cecile LaRanger, told the board she currently has no children enrolled and cannot obtain DHHS certification until the city grants its approval. "I am willing to put a fence if it's needed," she said when members asked about safety measures.

Board members expressed that, at current enrollment levels, a fence may not yet be necessary but noted DHHS could require one as licensing progresses. The board opened the item to the public (no commenters) before taking the vote; the motion carried unanimously. The applicant will pursue the state DHHS certification next, which staff said may impose additional conditions before the daycare may open.