There are three major types of daycare applications. The boxes below describe each type and the process to obtain the appropriate permit or application.
Small and Large Daycare Homes
A home daycare is allowed as an accessory use in any residential zone unless prohibited by the neighborhood and/or development covenants, and the daycare is limited in size. A Colorado State license is required to operate a home daycare.
Application Process
Home daycares are permitted in residential zone districts under State law. Proof of State daycare license must be provided to the Planning Department,
- General Owner and Applicant Acknowledgement form
- To apply, please submit the 'General Owner and Applicant Acknowledgement form' through the online submittal system.
Signage
A small wall sign no more than two (2) square feet is allowed to be placed on the home.
Additional Information
- Childcare facilities are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
- Home daycare facilities are subject to Colorado State requirements, found in Colorado State House Bill 21-1222.
Daycare Center – Daycares located in an office or commercial zone district
A Daycare Center is a daycare facility for more than 6 full time children and generally located in an office or commercial zone district. A development plan or conditional use must be approved prior to using a office or commercial building for a daycare center. If you are interested in learning more about this application type, please submit a request for a Pre-Application Meeting.
For daycare centers, contact both the Regional Building Department and the Colorado Springs Fire Department for Building and Fire Code requirements. A daycare center must meet the following standards:
- A daycare center shall provide the minimum square footage of indoor and outdoor space per person that complies with the State's requirements. No part of the required outdoor space shall be situated within any front building setback. The required outdoor space shall be screened from adjacent residential properties when necessary and appropriate to reduce play area sounds.
- A daycare center must be located on a collector street which is a street having direct access to a minor or major arterial roadway.