Day-care operator could lose permit over parking lot

City officials are investigating a permit held by Little Tykes Child Care Center after the owner failed to pave a parking lot, make traffic improvements and obtain a business license in the past six months.

If a solution can't be worked out in the next five months, the owner and 30 children may need to find another place for day care.

Owner Carrie Henson is disputing the city's requirement she install drainage, pave a backyard area for parking and make other traffic-related changes to her property. She said she may move her business to Douglas County if she is required to pay up to $20,000 to make the improvements.

"The city is really out of control," Henson said about the requirements of her permit. "I am being forced to either spend thousands of dollars to put in this parking lot or move."

Henson's troubles with the city began a year ago, when she decided to move her child care center from a rented home next door to her own residence at 2117 S. Roop St. The change required the facility be re-permitted by the city.

Whenever a business submits plans, it goes through a review by fire, police, engineering, health, building and business license departments. The city is requiring Henson meet codes that were adopted in December 2001, after her original business license was issued for the house next door more than seven years ago.

Henson's review and requirements were no different than any other commercial permit, said Planning and Development Director Walt Sullivan.

"Carson City believes there should be child-care facilities," Sullivan said, noting the needs for working parents in the city. "Along with that understanding, there has to be an understanding of the health safety and welfare of the children at heart. And that's where the other requirements come into play."

Any child care facility with more than six children is considered a place of business. Moving the day care turned a residence into a business, Sullivan said. Henson's center serves 30 children.

City staff recommended to planning commissioners at their April 30 meeting to begin a "show-cause" proceeding to either force Henson into compliance with the conditions or revoke her special use permit.

Commissioners voted to begin the process and directed staff to start an investigation. If the permit is revoked, Henson will have 60 days to come into full compliance or cease day-care operations.

Henson said she has starting looking at a home in Douglas County where she could move her operations and not have to jump through so many hoops. Douglas County only requires one parking space for every eight children, she said.

Sullivan said the show cause process may take three months to complete. If the permit is revoked, Henson can appeal the decision to the Board of Supervisors.