The Dillon County Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance Adopting and Approving Changes to Dillon County Zoning Relating to Family Child Care Homes in RU-Rural/Agriculture District Uses and RS-1 Single Family Residential District Uses.
The Dillon County Planning Commission met on September 8th and discussed changes to the Zoning Ordinance concerning day care.
Explanation of proposed change: The Planning and Zoning Director made comments to the Commission that a number of citizens have tried to apply for a permit from DSS in regards to keeping children in their home. One of the main requirements from DSS is that the location is to be properly zoned for day care. The most common issue that discourages this request is that the current ordinance requires a minimum of a one acre lot for the purpose of day care. It is believed that when the ordinance was written, that the requirements were made for stand-alone child day care centers. The Planning office had a discussion with DSS concerning their requirements for Family Child Care Home (FCCH) day care facilities, which allow for a maximum of six children to be compliant with this regulation. The Planning Commission feels that some of the requirements for Family Child Care Homes should be less stringent in order to allow child care in private homes with this maximum number of children. The proposed changes will put the FCCH under “Conditional Use” rather than “Special Exceptions” as child day care is presently. This will allow the Planning and Zoning administrator to make certain that the zoning requirements are met without having to call a meeting with the Board of Zoning Appeals. This will allow FCCH operations to exist with current residential zoning set back requirements and will not require that the use to be compatible wit the zoning district, will not require conditions to be imposed for traffic and impact on the zoning district.
The proposed changes are as follows:
§4-101 RU-Rural/Agriculture District Uses
Conditional Uses
ADD: 12. Family Child Care Homes
a. Allows maximum of 6 children in child care.
b. Shall be a minimum of .60 acre lot size.
c. Minimum of 200 sq. ft. open space in outside play area for each child enclosed by 5 ft. high fence.
d. Minimum setbacks as required by current zoning ordinance for residential lot.
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§4 – 105 RS – 1 Single Family Residential District Uses
Conditional Uses
ADD: 5. Family Child Care Homes
a. Allows maximum of 6 children in child care.
b. Shall be a minimum of .60 acre lot size.
c. Minimum of 200 sq. ft. open space in outside play area for each child enclosed by 5 ft. high fence.
d. Minimum setbacks as required by current zoning ordinance for residential lot.
The Planning Commission recommends that these changes by adopted by County Council.
The motion was made by Councilman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr. and was seconded by Councilman Joe Johnson.