Dorchester County Council classifies childcare centers as separate zoning use, approves amendment

Dorchester County Council on July 14 approved an amendment to the county zoning and land development standards to separate childcare centers into their own use group and to specify which zoning districts may host standalone facilities.

County planning staff told council the change pulls childcare centers out of the existing "business/personal services" use group so the county can allow standalone centers in residential and rural districts as well as in certain commercial and mixed‑use zones. "The purpose of this amendment is to separate childcare centers out as their own use group and establish that use within appropriate zoning districts," a staff presentation said.

The move follows a planning commission recommendation for approval. Planning staff said the code previously treated day‑care centers as part of a broader business category that limited their locations and hours; the amendment adds a definition distinguishing standalone childcare centers from in‑home care.

Two members of the public urged approval at the public hearing. Talisha Cheeks, an in‑home child‑care provider seeking to expand into a standalone center, told council that Dorchester County has long waiting lists and that expanding licensed centers would help working families. "Without childcare, where are they going?" Cheeks said, adding that waiting lists in the county can stretch nearly a year. Cassandra Luttrell, a mother and local real‑estate agent, said more licensed options would help people relocating to the area and working households.

Council members spoke in support, saying the change would bring child‑care facilities closer to neighborhoods and aid working families. The council adopted the amendment after a motion, with the vote recorded as unanimous.

Planning staff will incorporate the change into the county ordinance language and the amended code will appear on the county docket for the formal ordinance process and any required subsequent readings.

The amendment also updates the county's definitions section to clarify the distinction between an in‑home day‑care provider and a standalone childcare center, and planning staff said they adjusted performance standards for the newly defined use group.