PC 121008 - Laserfiche WebLink

there was no outdoor area for children, stating childcare facility regulations are 35 feet per child in indoor areas and 75 feet per child in outdoor areas. She also questioned the number of maximum children on site atone time versus the number of the total enrolled in the program and inquired how this works out with crowding and adequate space issues. Ms. Soo replied that there would be a maximum of 90 children in 8,000 square feet of classroom and other areas. Commissioner Fox inquired what the building occupancy type was for the proposed use and if it was required to be an E occupancy type since it is an academic program. She further inquired what the maximum occupancy load for the building was. Ms. Decker replied that the building has a B occupancy and that the use is considered a tutoring center and not a childcare facility or a school, which would require an E occupancy. She stated that various discussions have occurred in terms of occupancy and how it would change; however, the use would continue to be maintained as B occupancy if no other changes were made. Commissioner Fox stated that a B occupancy allows training and skilled development outside an academic school program, but since this has several categories, including an academic enrichment program, it should also have an E occupancy. She noted that one category states: "education or academic program for children between K-12t"grade." She inquired how this could be a B occupancy when it is a tutoring school and an academic enrichment center. Ms. Decker replied that the reason it complies with the B occupancy is because the actual tutoring and the program offered is outside of the State curriculum. She explained that the private school or E occupancy is specifically related to education of the State curriculum program. She noted that the classes offered in the proposed facility are to enhance those skills not specific to meeting a State requirement or accreditation for elementary education criteria. In response to Chair Blank's inquiry regarding what the building's occupancy was at present, Ms. Decker replied that it is an office building under a B occupancy. In response to Commissioner Fox's inquiry if the building was currently fire-sprinklered, Ms. Decker replied that she was not certain but thatthis could be determined. In response to Commissioner Fox's further inquiry if the children are picked up from school and transported to the facility, Ms. Soo replied that they were. Commissioner Pearce inquired if a tutoring facility was not necessarily related to State-accredited standard facilities. Ms. Decker replied that there is a specific difference in that the tutoring facilities and centers engage in a process to enhance and provide better skill sets for children, but they do not teach and are not designed PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 10, 2008 Page 5 of 35