The City of Reno has advanced an ordinance intended to make it easier for childcare providers to open and operate in the city.

Grace, senior management analyst in the City of Reno development services planning team, said council approved the ordinance’s initial reading and referred it for a second reading and adoption on Jan. 14. If adopted, the zoning‑code changes would take effect after that vote.

The amendment narrows the city’s permitting burden for several provider types. Grace said the code currently regulates three categories: childcare centers (commercial providers), in‑home childcare (accessory to a residence, typically watching five to 12 children), and workplace childcare (employer‑provided centers). The proposal removes or reduces the need for costly and time‑consuming permits for in‑home and workplace providers and moves childcare centers away from a full Conditional Use Permit process toward a lesser use permit.

“We reduced the need for the conditional use permit and made it a use permit for childcare centers,” Grace said, describing the change as a way to lower procedural barriers.

Grace and City Manager Jackie Pratt contrasted the processes: a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) typically takes about 65 days, requires Planning Commission review and costs nearly $5,000, while a Minor Use Permit (MUP) takes about 30 days and costs roughly $4,300. Under the ordinance staff eliminated MUP fees for in‑home and workplace childcare and reduced fees for childcare centers. “For MUPs, just for in home and workplace, we got rid of that requirement so they wouldn't have to pay,” Grace said.

Staff told the council they reviewed permit activity over the past five to ten years and found few in‑home applicants; several withdrew, often after learning the time and expense. Grace said the pattern suggested the process discouraged small providers and may encourage unlicensed care.

The ordinance follows public outreach to neighborhood advisory boards and two virtual stakeholder meetings; staff said feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with a few suggestions staff judged would reintroduce barriers. Grace linked the change to city priorities, saying easier childcare access supports economic opportunity and helps families return to the workforce.

Grace said staff will track impacts after adoption and that assistance materials are being prepared with the children's cabinet to help prospective operators navigate licensing and business‑licensing steps. She also invited potential operators to contact development services for help.

The ordinance’s second reading and adoption is scheduled for Jan. 14; if adopted, the code changes will be effective thereafter.