The Richardson City Council unanimously approved zoning file 2429, granting a special permit for Pillars Childcare to operate at 3501 Murphy Road with a maximum enrollment of 248 children from newborn to 12 years old.

Background and site: Amber Poland of planning staff said the site is an existing child‑care facility built in 1998 and formerly permitted to operate as the Whistle Stop Child Care Center. The property sits within a planned development district and is surrounded by residential uses on three sides; the site has an established drop‑off staging and three outdoor play areas sized and separated by age group.

Applicant and operations: Amy Ayers, representing Pillars, said the operator is requesting a special permit because ownership and operator have changed; staff noted the site has previously been used as a child‑care center and staff identified no active complaints about past operations. The permit application requests an enrollment cap of 248 (the state maximum under current rules for the site and layout), and staff included standard conditions: the permit is tied to the submitted site plan, is limited to Pillars Childcare as operator, requires any necessary building permits and a certificate of occupancy, and fixes the enrollment at 248 unless the applicant returns for additional approvals.

Planning review and public comment: The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on Dec. 3; staff reported no public comments at commission and no complaints about prior operation. Council voted to grant the special permit with the listed conditions.

What’s next: Pillars must obtain any required building permits and a certificate of occupancy and operate within the 248‑child enrollment limit and the approved site plan.