Daycare Amendments (TC-5-26): This text change would amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) standards for childcare facilities to reduce regulatory barriers to establishing and expanding childcare in Raleigh. The proposed changes would increase the maximum enrollment for Home Day Care uses from 8 to 15 persons, remove the requirement that employees of a Home Day Care be members of the operator’s household, and remove the Special Use Permit requirement for Day Care Centers in Residential Districts. Together, these changes are intended to better align the UDO with State childcare regulations, provide greater flexibility for childcare providers, and maintain clear standards to address the scale and potential impacts of childcare operations in residential areas. Read the draft ordinance.

Background information:

• Council authorization date: August 18, 2026
• City Council requested that staff evaluate potential amendments to the UDO to facilitate the creation and expansion of childcare facilities, including ways to reduce local regulatory barriers that may limit childcare availability and contribute to rising childcare costs.

Proposed Text Change: 

• Increase Home Day Care enrollment: Increase the maximum enrollment for Home Day Care uses from 8 to 15 persons, consistent with certain State childcare allowances.
• Modify Home Day Care staffing requirements: Remove the requirement that employees of a Home Day Care be members of the operator’s household, allowing providers to hire non-resident employees.
• Remove the Special Use Permit requirement for Day Care Centers in Residential zoning districts, Residential Mixed Use (RX-): Allow Day Care Centers in Residential Districts without requiring approval of a Special Use Permit from the Board of Adjustment.
• Establish/retain use standards: Maintain clear standards intended to address the potential impacts of larger childcare operations in residential areas, particularly as the Special Use Permit process is removed.

Public Meeting Schedule: 

This text change is scheduled for a Planning Commission Text Change Committee meeting in September 16, 2026. Comments after this date should be submitted directly to Justin Bucher.