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City amends code to allow residential childcare up to 12 children; fire chief: state inspects daycares
Summary
The commission adopted an ordinance to align city code with state childcare inspection rules and allow residential childcare centers of up to 12 children; the change passed 5–0 after staff explained inspection responsibilities.
The City Commission voted unanimously on May 5 to adopt a code amendment permitting residential childcare centers that care for up to 12 children, and staff explained how the city’s code aligns with state inspection authority.
Fire Chief Scott French said that, effective Jan. 1, 2024, the State Fire Marshal took over inspections for all childcare facilities in homes and that the proposed change to the city’s building and fire code is intended to avoid conflicting standards for small residential childcare operations. "January 01/01/2024, the state fire marshal took over all inspections of all childcare facilities, including daycares in the home," French told the commission, explaining the rationale for matching local code language to state rules.
Commissioners asked whether the city would retain any staffing or exit‑capacity authority; French said the state sets licensing and that the city’s role is limited to applying building or fire standards only when a dwelling changes use (for example, if a home is no longer owner‑occupied). After public comment was closed, the commission adopted the ordinance by roll call vote 5–0.
