Michael Monn, representing Ladybug Childcare has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit for a Daycare Facility at 1610 Lusitano Street. The proposal is for the construction of a 10,500 square-foot building on a vacant 1.87 acre site that is an outlot in the Jackson Elementary School plat. The applicant has submitted a final plat application to create a buildable lot, which will be reviewed by the City Council on July 18th.

The property is zoned B-1, Highway Business and daycare centers are a listed conditional use in the B-1 zone. Ladybug Childcare currently operates facilities in Chaska and Waconia and is proposing to locate their third facility in Shakopee.

The proposed facility is a licensed facility with a commercial kitchen with operating hours of 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to serve approximately 145 children ranging in ages from 6 weeks to 12 years of age for all-day care, before and after school, summer school, drop-in, and hourly care. The applicant states that they anticipate 25-30 employees at this facility.

Vehicle access to the site is proposed from Lusitano Street and is aligned with the access to Jackson Elementary School for the 42-stall parking area. There is an existing temporary cul-de-sac adjacent to this site that would be removed when the property to the west develops, extending Lusitano Street.

The proposed provided parking meets city code requirements for daycare centers. Pedestrian access is from the sidewalk along the south side of Lusitano Street, which will need a slight revision to connect with the existing sidewalk. Staff recommends that a sidewalk connection to the trail along 17th Avenue be provided, as a route for pedestrians coming from the west. The proposed playground is on the west side of the building and involves a fenced retaining wall to level the western portion of the site for the playground. The proposed retaining wall will need to be shifted slightly to be outside of drainage and utility easements. The eastern portion of the site is proposed to be used for stormwater retention.

The proposed building materials are: three colors of sealed CMU block, synthetic stucco accent areas, and architectural metal. The proposed design meets City Code for design standards.  The applicant is proposing to plant 33 trees and 34 shrubs on the site, which meets the minimum landscaping requirements.

Staff recommends approval of the proposed daycare center, subject to conditions.