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Commissioner Pearce noted that it appears that the exemption encompasses everyone <br />and inquired if there ever is a childcare facility for school-age children that would require <br />a license. She further inquired what the purpose of an exemption might be if the <br />children can be in programs for 20 hours per week and re-enroll in the same programs <br />all year. <br />Ms. Decker replied that the State acknowledges that these sessions can be <br />back-to-back and that students can re-enroll in the same programs. She noted that the <br />State has a monitoring process that the City has not been engaged in. She stated that <br />the Planning Commission has had various discussions regarding this and has <br />expressed a certain discomfort in the titling of an exemption for continuous engagement <br />in these programs with back-to-back enrollment, and whether or not such facilities are <br />still considered a tutoring center or a childcare facility. She indicated that with respect <br />to this application, staff has evaluated this particular program and believes that it meets <br />the exemption that the State has provided. <br />Commissioner Fox requested staff to provide an actual printout of Title 22, <br />Section 10158 in order that the Commission may see its exact wording. She noted <br />there was no outdoor area for children, stating childcare facility regulations are 35 feet <br />per child in indoor areas and 75 feet per child in outdoor areas. She also questioned <br />the number of maximum children on site at one time versus the number of the total <br />enrolled in the program and inquired how this works out with crowding and adequate <br />space issues. Ms. Soo replied that there would be a maximum of 90 children in 8,000 <br />square feet of classroom and other areas. <br />Commissioner Fox inquired what the building occupancy type was for the proposed use <br />and if it was required to be an E occupancy type since it is an academic program. She <br />further inquired what the maximum occupancy load for the building was. <br />Ms. Decker replied that the building has a B occupancy and that the use is considered a <br />tutoring center and not a childcare facility or a school, which would require an E <br />occupancy. She stated that various discussions have occurred in terms of occupancy <br />and how it would change; however, the use would continue to be maintained as B <br />occupancy if no other changes were made. <br />Commissioner Fox stated that a B occupancy allows training and skilled development <br />outside an academic school program, but since this has several categories, including an <br />academic enrichment program, it should also have an E occupancy. She noted that <br />one category states: "education or academic program for children between K-12~h <br />grade." She inquired how this could be a B occupancy when it is a tutoring school and <br />an academic enrichment center. <br />Ms. Decker replied that the reason it complies with the B occupancy is because the <br />actual tutoring and the program offered is outside of the State curriculum. She <br />explained that the private school or E occupancy is specifically related to education of <br />EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 10, 2008 Page 2 of 21 <br />