Daycare Homes (At Home Daycares)

Zoning Regulations for At-Home Day cares
The Jefferson City Zoning Code defines day cares in one of three categories, depending on the number of children that are being cared for (who do not already live at the home).  Day cares with six or fewer children are defined as a “Daycare Service”, and are permitted in residential homes subject to the requirements listed below.  Day cares with seven to ten children are defined as a “Daycare Home” and are permitted in residential homes subject to the outdoor play area, parking/loading and other requirements listed below.  Daycare Homes must receive a Zoning Clearance Permit before beginning operations.  Day cares with more than 10 children are defined as a “Daycare Center” and are not permitted in residential homes.  Day cares are subject to both an Annual City Environmental Health Services Inspection – and – Compliance with State of Missouri Licensing requirements, as applicable. A Day Care which is licensed by the State of Missouri must comply with both state licensing requirements and City regulations.  A state license does not override the City’s restrictions on the number of children allowed in a Day Care Home.

Day Care "Service" (for 1-6 children)
Day Care Service for Children of Adults.  Daycare service providing care for a maximum of six children or adult clients unrelated to provider is permitted as accessory to a residential use.
a. The Day Care Service shall be operated in a manner that is compatible with and not detrimental to adjacent properties or the neighborhood in general.
b. The Day Care Service shall be operated and staffed by the Applicant and family members only residing at the dwelling.  No outside employees or assistants shall assist with the Day Care Service, except that a substitute shall be permitted in the occasional absence of the day care provider.

Day Care "Home" (for 7-10 children)
Day Care Homes for Children or Adults.  Day care for seven to ten children or adult clients may be authorized subject to the following requirements:

a.  The Applicant shall establish occupancy in the dwelling prior to application for a day care home and shall reside in the dwelling in order to retain a valid Day Care Home permit.
b.  The day care home shall be staffed by the Applicant and family members only residing at the dwelling.  No outside employees or assistants shall assist with the day care home, except that a substitute shall be permitted in the occasional absence of the day care home provider.
c.  The day care home permit shall be issued in the name of the Applicant and to the address specified in the application. The Day Care Home Permit shall not be transferable to another location or to another day care provider.
d.  Off Street Loading. A day care home shall be located on a site that will accommodate and provide space for one off-street passenger loading area to allow safe delivery and pick-up of passengers and to not impede the flow of traffic on abutting streets, in addition to the off-street parking required for the residential use (see Exhibit 35-58A).
e.  Location on Arterial Streets. Day care homes which are located on designated arterial streets shall provide a means of egress to prevent patrons from backing out onto the arterial street, such as a circle driveway or paved turn-around area with minimum dimensions of ten feet in width by 20 feet in length.
f.  Indoor and outdoor play spaces shall be provided in accordance with State of Missouri licensing requirements.  No outdoor play space shall be permitted in the front yards.

Application Requirements
A Daycare Home Permit (Zoning Clearance) from the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Division is required for new Daycare "Homes".
Daycare Home Application