But the ground beneath the preschool, located at 12958 S. 1300 East, is residential land. And that fact has Draper residents, preschool owners and the City Council embroiled in a debate.

The council is defining what constitutes public schools and where they can be located. A proposed ordinance draws the bottom line at kindergarten, leaving any future stand-alone preschools as businesses that would be allowed only in commercial zones.

That would prevent more Corner Canyon Academies from popping up next to homes but would allow that particular preschool to continue.

Draper has two such preschools in residential neighborhoods. The second, at Summit Academy, recently made headlines when its director, who was simultaneously serving as chairwoman of the public charter school's board, stepped down.

Several neighbors are fighting for the plan to limit stand-alone preschools.

Shelly Harrington, Corner Academy's northern neighbor, described living next to the preschool as a "horrible, horrible nightmare" and is selling her property to get out. She is upset with increased noise, traffic and lights.

"It's pretty much ruined my whole peace and quiet," Harrington said. "It's hurting my property."

Another neighbor, Kim Anderson, who lives across the street from Corner Academy, agreed that the preschool should not be in a residential zone. But Anderson blamed the city for issuing a conditional use permit and allowing it.

"It's too late for us," Anderson said. "We're fighting on the behalf of other residents."

But Corner Academy owner Marilyn Larson says she has worked with her neighbors by dimming lights and adjusting traffic flow to prevent backup during drop-off and pickup times.

"This is not intrusive, and we've literally complied with everything the city has asked," she said.

Larson added that children's laughter should never be viewed as an inconvenience, and Draper resident Nick Ramond agreed at a January council meeting.

"If you think you're going to live in any neighborhood in the city of Draper and expect not to hear the sound of children, then you're making a mistake," Ramond said.

While the council is expected to vote tonight it's difficult to tell which way it will swing.

Councilman Jeff Stenquist said the proposed ordinance is inconsistent and preschools should be treated the same as private schools, which are allowed in residential neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, Councilman Peter Larkin supports the idea of allowing future preschools as conditional-use facilities, but with tighter guidelines.

"That would still allow some reasonable residential use, but not make it so impactful to a neighborhood that it destroys it," Larkin said.

Larson's competitor, Larry Jensen, who owns Newcastle preschool in a commercial area of Draper, said the conditional-use permits would not suffice and would be subject to political climates.

"I don't want Mrs. Larson to go out of business," Jensen said. "But I don't want that preschool to turn into a 400-car-a-day business."

sgehrke@sltrib.com

What's next

The Draper City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance tonight at City Hall, 1020 East Pioneer Road (12400 South).