MISSION VIEJO : Child-Care Permit OKd, but Limits Set

Overriding the objections of several neighbors, the Planning Commission has allowed the use of a residence to care for up to 12 children.

The commission last week unanimously approved the child-care permit but imposed several conditions to soften the impact of the residential nursery on surrounding homes.

About half a dozen neighbors asked the commissioners to deny the permit to Jean Braden, who lives in the 23000 block of Via Astorga. However, Assistant City Atty. John Cavanaugh told them that state law prevents cities from banning home day-care centers from residential areas.

“We can’t restrict or not allow them,” said Planning Commissioner Sherri Butterfield, “but we can work with traffic and noise caused by their presence.”

Braden had previously held a license to care for six or fewer children and had asked the commission to allow her to watch between seven and 12 youths.

The family care operator said that she only takes in children 5 or younger.

The commission limited Braden’s hours to between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and required that the driveway be left clear for parents to drop off and pick up their children. Also, commissioners limited the number of employees to Braden and one other person to reduce the number of cars parking in the neighborhood.

In a related item on the commission agenda, a proposed family day-care ordinance was continued to Oct. 18.

The city law would make sure that large day-care centers are at least 300 feet apart and set a $300 license fee.