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Department of Buildings

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Childcare

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Para obtener información en español, haga clic aquí.

Are you looking to establish or expand a childcare facility? You have two options: Child Development Homes (CDHs) and Child Development Centers (CDCs). 

Child Development Home (CDH)

  • Allowed in all residential zones

  • Not allowed in multi-family buildings with 3 or more units
  • Must be the operator’s primary residence
  • Up to 9 children allowed as a matter of right (including resident children), and up to 12 as a special exception
  • Requires a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) from DOB
  • Subject to HOP regulations and Appendix M of the Building Code
  • May require a Building Permit
  • HOP required to secure an Office of the State Superintendent of Education license
  • Does not require a Basic Business License from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

If you are establishing or expanding an existing CDH in a single-family dwelling, townhouse, flat (two dwelling units in a townhouse), or Residential (R-3) use:

  1. Get a Home Occupation Permit. 

  1. The HOP application will require a Fire and Safety graphic evacuation plan,as well as a DOB builiding permit if construction is anticipated. 

  1. If the application passes review, DOB will conduct an inspection to verify existing conditions.

  1. Once the site passes inspection and all remaining fees are paid, DOB issues the HOP.

  2. Applicant goes to OSSE for their license. 

Child Development Center (CDC)

  • Allowed as a matter of right on properties zoned for daycare uses

  • Not allowed in most residential zones unless due to a special exception

  • The number of occupants is determined by the size of the space
  • Requires a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from DOB
  • Subject to the Building Code and Zoning Regulations
  • May require a building permit
  • C of O is required to secure an OSSE license
  • Requires a Basic Business License 

If you are establishing or expanding an existing CDC in a building in a commercial zone district, not a single-family home or flat, for the non-residential licensed care, education, counseling, or training of individuals under age 15. 

1. A building permit is required if:  

a. You are establishing the CDC in a new building

b. The prior use of the space was not a CDC

c. A change is proposed to the number or ages of children in an existing center

2.  Apply for a building permit. 

3. Plans must be created by a registered design professional.  

4. DOB will evaluate the building plans for conformance with the building code and zoning regulations and issue permits after approval and fees.  

5. The owner conducts the work and obtains inspection approvals. 

6. The owner applies for a C of O online using Certifi and pays the remaining fees. 

7. The C of O application will require a Fire and Safety graphic evacuation plan.  

8. DOB will schedule a site visit for applications that pass review. 

9. The owner goes to OSSE for their licensing. 

 

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