Permit approved for new daycare in Polson

A special-use permit for a new daycare facility was given the go-ahead from the Polson City Commission last week.

Property owner Lisa Wall-Wilbert requested approval of the permit to construct the 15,359-square-foot daycare and learning facility at 303 11th Avenue West. The 145,055-square-foot property currently is vacant.

According to the permit application, the business will operate year-round from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, with limited hours on Saturday.

The business is expected to serve about 150 children, ages 1-5.

Access to the facility will be off 11th Avenue West. It will include a 32-space parking lot, as well as a 15-foot-wide drop-off lane.

Wall-Wilbert anticipates her business will generate about 100 vehicle trips per day — below the city threshold for a traffic study.

The property is zoned as medium density residential, which is suitable for the proposed use. However, a special-use permit is required for schools and daycare centers.

The City-County Planning Board recommended approval of the permit, with nine conditions.

The City Commission confirmed the permit with an unanimous vote of approval. The permit is valid for three years.

“I love this,” commented Commissioner Jan Howlett. “It’s such a plus for the kids of Polson and the city of Polson.”

Construction is anticipated to take about six months to complete.