Improving the Childcare Facility Application Process

Update:
At the September 14 public hearing, Council adopted amendments to the Zoning Regulation Bylaw and Land Use Procedures Bylaw. Below is a summary of approved changes aimed to encourage childcare spaces throughout the city and streamline the development permit approvals process:

1) Childcare facilities are now broadly permitted in all zones except industrial lands.

Childcare facilities are now allowed:

  • on lots where there is an existing single-family or two-family dwelling
  • on the ground floor of a multi-unit residential building
  • outdoor components anywhere on the lot.
  • in Garden Suites if all or part of the principal building will also be used as a childcare facility.

2) Childcare operators can now live on childcare facility premises and care for school-aged children

Limitations around age of construction and lot area have been removed as House Conversion Regulations no longer apply to in-home childcare in any existing single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling.

3) Childcare facility permits can be approved by City Staff

All Development Permits for childcare facilities (with or without variances) that are consistent with applicable design guidelines outlined in the Official Community Plan can now be approved by City staff.

4) One common definition for childcare facility
The amended Bylaws have created a common definition of childcare facility, consistent with the recognized definition used by Island Health. One common definition makes it easier to determine where a childcare facility can be located. The new definition also includes care for children under 13 years of age, expanding opportunities for before and after school care.

Thank you for your continued interest and support in streamlining the childcare facilities application process in Victoria. Stay tuned for upcoming information about a City-led Childcare Business Information Session in the works for November, 2023.

**** Opportunity for feedback is now closed.

Help us make it easier to create childcare spaces in Victoria
We want to make it easier to create new childcare spaces in Victoria. Current land use approvals required to open a childcare facility in an existing building or new development can potentially be complex, expensive and time consuming. To streamline the childcare facility application process and help create more childcare spaces in Victoria, the City is proposing the changes detailed in this fact sheet.

We want to hear from you! Let us know:

1. Do you think these proposed changes will help increase the number and type of childcare spaces that Victoria families need? If no, why not?

2. Do you have any concerns about what is being proposed?

3. Do you have any suggestions or additional changes to what is being proposed?


Update:
At the September 14 public hearing, Council adopted amendments to the Zoning Regulation Bylaw and Land Use Procedures Bylaw. Below is a summary of approved changes aimed to encourage childcare spaces throughout the city and streamline the development permit approvals process:

1) Childcare facilities are now broadly permitted in all zones except industrial lands.

Childcare facilities are now allowed:

  • on lots where there is an existing single-family or two-family dwelling
  • on the ground floor of a multi-unit residential building
  • outdoor components anywhere on the lot.
  • in Garden Suites if all or part of the principal building will also be used as a childcare facility.

2) Childcare operators can now live on childcare facility premises and care for school-aged children

Limitations around age of construction and lot area have been removed as House Conversion Regulations no longer apply to in-home childcare in any existing single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling.

3) Childcare facility permits can be approved by City Staff

All Development Permits for childcare facilities (with or without variances) that are consistent with applicable design guidelines outlined in the Official Community Plan can now be approved by City staff.

4) One common definition for childcare facility
The amended Bylaws have created a common definition of childcare facility, consistent with the recognized definition used by Island Health. One common definition makes it easier to determine where a childcare facility can be located. The new definition also includes care for children under 13 years of age, expanding opportunities for before and after school care.

Thank you for your continued interest and support in streamlining the childcare facilities application process in Victoria. Stay tuned for upcoming information about a City-led Childcare Business Information Session in the works for November, 2023.

**** Opportunity for feedback is now closed.

Help us make it easier to create childcare spaces in Victoria
We want to make it easier to create new childcare spaces in Victoria. Current land use approvals required to open a childcare facility in an existing building or new development can potentially be complex, expensive and time consuming. To streamline the childcare facility application process and help create more childcare spaces in Victoria, the City is proposing the changes detailed in this fact sheet.

We want to hear from you! Let us know:

1. Do you think these proposed changes will help increase the number and type of childcare spaces that Victoria families need? If no, why not?

2. Do you have any concerns about what is being proposed?

3. Do you have any suggestions or additional changes to what is being proposed?


Page last updated: 08 Dec 2023, 04:08 PM