HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2013-10-14 Child Care Zoning Changes
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
Town of Leesburg Adopts Revised Zoning Regulations
for Child Day Care Uses
Leesburg, VA (October 14, 2013) – On September 24, 2013, the Leesburg Town Council
unanimously adopted revisions to the Zoning Ordinance for Child Day Care facilities. The new
regulations are in effect immediately and apply to home-based child care providers,
recreational-oriented businesses that include accessory child care, and commercial day care
centers.
Home-based child care providers, known as Family Day Homes, serving five or fewer children
are permitted by-right in all residential zoning districts except R-22 (Multi-Family). The Zoning
Ordinance amendments eliminate the need for these providers to obtain a Home Occupation
permit from the Town.
Family Day Homes caring for six to twelve children are also allowed in all residential zoning
districts except R-22 (Multi-Family), but require a Special Exception. With the changes to the
Zoning Ordinance, providers serving six to nine children can receive administrative approval for
their businesses if they meet certain criteria and, after written notice, none of the adjacent
property owners object. If they do not meet all of the criteria or if a neighbor objects, they can
go through the usual Special Exception approval process which requires public hearings before
the Planning Commission and the Town Council.
Family Day Home providers serving ten to twelve children still must go through the full Special
Exception approval process, but the changes to the Zoning Ordinance establish new
performance standards aimed at mitigating the impact of a child care business on neighboring
properties.
In addition, the Zoning Ordinance amendments eliminated the need for a Special Exception for
recreational businesses, such as martial arts or gymnastic academies, that provide child care as
an accessory use. For example, a number of martial art schools in Town provide before- and
after-school child care, but their primary business is martial arts instruction. Under the new
Zoning Ordinance requirements, these businesses no longer require a Special Exception.
(more)
TOL PR 2013-10-14 Child Care Zoning Changes
Page 2
Finally, the amendments align the Town’s Zoning Ordinance with state requirements for
licensed commercial day care centers.
For more information about the current zoning requirements for home-based child care
businesses, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/index.apsx?page=1709. The revised Zoning
Ordinance is available on the Town webiste at www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=974.
Contact:
Chris Murphy
Zoning Administrator
cmurphy@leesburgva.gov
703-771-2434
# # #