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Council reviews draft code changes to expand commercial daycare locations, requests next steps
Summary
Staff presented a 0-reading informational update on proposed code amendments to allow commercial daycares by-right in certain nonresidential zones, add a 500-foot environmental-buffer evaluation and require hazard assessments; council directed staff to prepare an ordinance for future introduction.
Planning staff gave an informational (zero-reading) presentation on potential amendments to the Longmont Development Code to expand where commercial, state-licensed daycare facilities can locate and to add safety protections.
Planner Kristen Cody said the proposal would permit commercial daycare uses in two nonresidential zones — the primary employment (NPE) and nonresidential agricultural (NAG) zones — subject to site-specific safety review. The draft language would require an environmental-buffer evaluation within 500 feet of proposed sites, prohibit facilities from opening near identified, unmitigated hazards, and require a site-plan review for new developments (with a site-plan waiver option for existing buildings). The scope is limited to state-licensed commercial daycares (nonresidential buildings); residential and faith-based daycares would not be affected.
Staff said the change aims to expand access to childcare while protecting children and staff by following national best-practice guidance such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation to avoid siting childcare near pollution sources. The city’s proposed environmental-buffer study would evaluate historical land uses, current business activities, physical contamination, hazardous building materials, and other risk indicators. Public-safety staff collaborated on the draft; early public-safety concerns prompted the buffer language and mitigation standards.
Council members asked clarifying questions about traffic, parking and examples from existing facilities; staff said those issues remain part of site-plan review and that the intent is to expand siting options without reducing safety. Council signaled support for staff to prepare a formal ordinance for introduction at a future meeting.
No ordinance vote was held; staff will bring a draft ordinance for formal introduction following further review and Council direction.
