The Reno City Council voted Dec. 3 to introduce a zoning text amendment aimed at lowering barriers for child‑care providers and encourage more licensed slots in the city.

Grace Makiden, a senior management analyst for development services, told the council the draft ordinance removes a requirement for a minor conditional‑use permit for in‑home and workplace childcare; childcare centers in residential zones would be reviewed as an MUP (staff review, noticed to neighbors) rather than a full conditional‑use permit that triggers Planning Commission review. The change also adds objective development standards — a required pickup/drop‑off plan, outdoor play‑hour limits adjacent to residences (7 a.m.–7 p.m.), and 6‑foot fencing where childcare abuts homes — to give providers clear, predictable criteria.

Makiden said roughly 72% of Nevadans live in child‑care deserts and Nevada lost approximately 55% of childcare capacity between 2018 and 2024; the state is among the least affordable for infant care. Staff removed most local planning fees for the reduced permitting pathways so applicants would face lower upfront costs and clearer expectations about approval criteria.

Council members praised the work and suggested additional policy approaches — such as exploring use of decommissioned school sites, expanding the city’s Sierra Kids program or coordinating with the Children’s Cabinet and Washoe County to streamline state and health department permitting. The ordinance was introduced and referred for subsequent readings and final adoption; staff said a second reading is anticipated in January.