Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission reviews proposed zoning changes to expand where child care centers may locate
Summary
Staff presented a zoning amendment to implement a 2025 state law expanding locations where child care centers must be allowed; the proposal would permit child care uses outright in most zones and allow conditional use in industrial zones when on-site, with staff proposing an accelerated schedule to comply before the 2027 statutory deadline.
Planning staff told the Lakewood Planning Commission it is proposing zoning-table changes to allow child care centers in substantially more zones to comply with a new 2025 state law and to expand access in areas identified as childcare deserts. Staff said the 2025 state law expands locations where cities must allow child care centers and allows conditional-use approval in industrial zones when the child care is located on-site within an industrial building; standalone child care in industrial zones would remain prohibited. The staff presentation noted the city may impose reasonable restrictions on operations, such as pickup and drop-off areas and life-safety requirements. “The reason this is before you now is even though the, bill was just adopted this year and the the deadline to actually comply with it is 2027 rather than '26, the city is recommending to you to go faster than that,” planning staff said, explaining a proposed schedule that would bring the amendment to the commission for a public hearing on October 1 and to City Council in November. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the term “day care” included adult day facilities; planning staff replied that adult family care and adult day homes are separate uses from child care centers. Staff also described state-level licensing and safety oversight for operations, and that the city’s role is to permit uses and ensure site- and building-level compliance with land-use rules and building permits. Several commissioners raised concerns about business viability and potential market effects if child care is allowed widely. Planning staff explained the distinction between in-home child care (smaller, subject to licensing and limits) and larger child care centers (licensed and regulated at the state level), adding that business licensing is required and operational safety standards are enforced by the state. Staff said the proposed zoning changes would mark daycare and similar child care uses as permitted (shown as “P” in the zoning table) in all zones except industrial and open space, and would show “C” (conditional use) for industrial zones where on-site child care is proposed. Staff will return with any additional regulatory changes required before the October 1 public hearing and with the draft code language to be publicly noticed for subsequent hearings.
