Rules for Residential Child-Care Centers Issued
In response to an ongoing battle over a Northridge child-care center, city officials on unveiled a set of criteria Wednesday for residential child-care centers with more than 12 children.
City officials hope that the guidelines will make it easier to open child-care facilities in residential areas to meet the growing demand for inexpensive care in Los Angeles.
Under state law, a public hearing and a special permit are required to open a child-care center with more than 12 children in a single-family home.
In the past, city officials have issued permits based primarily on neighborhood support or opposition, instead of considering such criteria as parking and noise.
The city receives 12 to 18 applications annually for residential child-care centers with more than 12 children. About half of the applications are rejected.
“This will help us make good, sound decisions rather than being torn by neighbors who are against such projects,” said Councilwoman Laura Chick, who called for the guidelines after she locked horns with Councilman Hal Bernson over a child-care center two years ago.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
