Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Zoning Issues

    Posted 08-17-2019 10:54 PM
    Hello everyone!

    I am brand new to NAEYC and look forward to striving for our accreditation. A few weeks ago my family and I purchased an old church building that had been renovated and zoned for residential purposes. The building itself is not on the national register of historic places, but some of the homes in the neighborhood are on it. In order to operate a full-time center, I had to apply for the property to be rezoned, and both the planning and zoning director and a member of the board recommended B - 4, "business operating in a residential area." I am getting lots of pushback from the neighbors about the zoning itself and how it opens up the neighborhood to become a business district. Has anybody ever experienced this issue, and what have you done to remedy? Any legal cases or case studies I can use?

    Yes, I realize I should not have purchased the building without rezoning, but the owner (the P&Z member I referenced earlier) would not sign the application without it being contingent on us purchasing.

    Thanks in advance for your feedback and advice!

    Stacy

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    Stacy Gay
    Haven ELC
    Springville AL
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  • 2.  RE: Zoning Issues

    Posted 08-19-2019 09:52 AM
    Hi Stacy,  I live in MA and do not know the first thing about zoning in AL, but do know under zoning laws in MA child care is seen as more friendly than other businesses and can operate where other businesses can not (there is a specific mention for child care centers in our zoning ordinances). ​ I would recommend consulting with an attorney that handles zoning in your area or if you know of a builder that specifically works on child care centers in your area.  You may also look at DW Arthur Assoc Architects for advice.  We were working with them on a possible relocation of a program that I worked at and their expertise was  highly valued.   Best of luck to you on your new center.

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    Kyla McSweeney
    Children''''''''s Corner
    Worcester MA
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