Childcare access has been identified as a critical need in Colorado Springs, as access to high quality childcare promotes an environment of inclusivity and economic diversity, bolsters neighborhood livability, as well as ensures a strong and diverse local economy. In recognition of this, the Childcare Ordinance Update aims to expand access to childcare throughout the City of Colorado Springs by revising the Unified Development Code (UDC) as it pertains to Adult and Child Day Care. Prior to the City’s comprehensive update of the Unified Development Code, which went into effect in June of 2023, Adult or Child Day Care was permitted by right or conditionally permitted in a higher number of zone districts than is presently allowed. A more restrictive environment for childcare centers is antithetical to the both the goals of the UDC Comprehensive Update, as well as to the vision and big ideas of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, PlanCOS. As such, this ordinance addresses this critical issue by creating a more permissible regulatory environment for childcare centers throughout the City of Colorado Springs in a way that balances neighborhood livability and controls for potential externalities.
About
Background
Under the City of Colorado Springs’ current Unified Development Code (UDC), there has been an increase in the number of land use applications required to legally support the creation of new childcare commercial facilities. These applications encumber childcare access by adding additional costs, increasing timelines, and creating the need to acquire additional professional consultants when attempting to permit a childcare facility. Furthermore, collocating childcare facilities as an accessory use, with uses such as Religious Institutions or office uses, is not permitted, resulting in costly and drawn-out use-variance applications to add childcare to a property. The City Planning Department is dedicated to ensuring that the City’s UDC standards and procedures are aligned with the goals and needs of the city. As such, at the request of community partners, businesses, religious institutions, and residents of Colorado Springs, the Childcare Ordinance Update aims to accomplish this end.
Proposed Changes
The Childcare Ordinance Update includes changes to the UDC that creates a less restrictive regulatory environment for childcare uses throughout the City of Colorado Springs. Childcare and Adult day care are coupled throughout the UDC, and as such the proposed changes include the following childcare use types:
- Adult or Child Day Care Center, Small
- Adult or Child Day Care Center, Large
- Home Adult or Child Day Care Center, Small, Accessory
- Home Adult or Child Day Care Center, Large, Accessory
- Adult or Child Day Care Center, Small, Accessory
- Adult or Child Day Care Center, Large, Accessory
Broadly, the update aims to accomplish the following:
- Correct identified complications resulting from childcare use allowances being reduced in a number of zone districts following the adoption of the new UDC in 2023.
- Allow childcare as an accessory use in association with certain residential, commercial, and industrial land uses.
- Reduce overly restrictive use-specific standards.
See the Draft Ordinance in the Related Documents section (below) to read the definitions associated with each childcare use type and to review all of the proposed changes.
Related Documents
Get Involved
The Childcare Ordinance Update includes numerous opportunities for public engagement, so as to ensure opinions and thoughtful ideas are accurately captured and reflected in the ordinance. Public engagement opportunities include a community survey, a public open house, as well as public hearings. The City Planning Department looks forward to hearing your ideas and insights as we complete this process.
Ways to Get Involved
- Attend the Public Open House on February 3 at the City Administration Building, Room 102.
- Take the Childcare Ordinance Update Survey
- City Planning Commission Public Hearing (Date TBD)
- City Council Public Hearings (Date TBD)