The City Commission passed on first reading an ordinance amending the land-development regulations to revise the definition of "child care facility," identify zoning districts where daycare is permitted or conditional, and align physical standards for childcare facilities with Miami-Dade County requirements.

Staff said the ordinance updates the city’s definition to match state statute, permits child-daycare uses in the community facilities and recreation/open-space districts, and makes childcare a conditional use in medium-high density residential, neighborhood business, town center, and business overlay districts. The ordinance also incorporates Miami-Dade County standards for minimum indoor and outdoor play area, vehicular stacking for pick-up and drop-off, safety barriers adjacent to water, and restrictions on placing outdoor play areas in front or street-side yards unless reinforced barriers exist.

There were no public speakers and commissioners voted to approve first reading by roll call. Staff said the county code preempts inconsistent local standards and the municipal ordinance aligns the city’s requirements accordingly. Second reading was scheduled for August.