Staff proposes allowing licensed child care at active churches and institutions in residential zones

DeSoto planning staff and consultant David Casa presented a draft approach to a possible zoning code amendment that would allow licensed childcare centers to operate by right when colocated on the same property as an active institutional use in residential zoning districts (for example, a church that also operates a licensed daycare). The proposal would amend the childcare center definition to explicitly require state licensure and set conditions to reduce neighborhood impacts: limit outdoor activities to daylight hours (proposed 8 a.m.–8 p.m.), require fenced outdoor play areas and on‑site queuing for pick‑up/drop‑off, ensure front‑yard setbacks for play areas, allow shared parking with the host use, and require the host institution to be an active use with an extant certificate of occupancy.

Casa said the change aims to make better use of underutilized institutional facilities, provide more childcare options and reduce the need for new paved parking or standalone facilities. Commissioners asked about enforcement of the “active” requirement, whether the proposal responds to demonstrated demand or occasional inquiries, the cost and timeline of an SUP (staff cited a $3,000 fee and about 2.5–3 months), and how fire and building codes and state licensing interact with zoning. Staff said the item would be noticed for a future public hearing if the commission chooses to pursue the amendment further.