AgdaPkt 2021.04.12 Joint SA PFA - Complete Agenda Packet

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6.D. - Page 21 of 25 received public comment in support of the proposed child care changes. Some Commission members encouraged staff to study additional floor area incentives for child care centers within commercial districts and to consider reducing the proposed parking ratio for child care centers. The Commission expressed support for the updates to child care regulations as it would support the City's General Plan Goals and the City Council's Strategic Plan Guiding Principles, while helping address the child care service shortage in Redwood City. The Planning Commission voted unanimously 7-0 for a resolution recommending adoption of child care amendments to the Council (see Attachment B Planning Commission Resolution). ANALYSIS Child care facilities include family child care homes, which are facilities located within a residence and child care centers, which are located within a standalone facility including commercial spaces. Although cities have the ability to impose regulations on these facilities, the State requires a license for each child care facility and heavily regulates health and safety considerations to ensure the site provides safe conditions for children. Child care aligns with one of the City Council's Top Strategic Initiatives (Children and Youth). Based on a San Mateo County 2017 Child Care Needs Assessment there is a large need for all types of child care, see Table 1 below. In Redwood City alone, over 9,000 children below the age of 13 need child care. The intent of the proposed zoning amendments is to increase the number of viable child care locations and streamline the review process to result in more affordable child care across the City to serve local residents and people who work in Redwood City. Table 1- Estimated Child Care Need Large Family Child Care Homes A large family child care home, or daycare, is generally limited to no more than 14 children depending on the age groups. State Bill SB 234 (effective January 1, 2020) prohibits cities from requiring a Use Permit for large family child care homes and requires them to be treated as a residential use of the property consistent with nature of the underlying residential use. Current City regulations for large family child care homes require a Use Permit, limit permissible zoning districts, and include regulations on pickup and drop- off areas, outdoor play time, and playground equipment. Small family child care homes allow up to eight children and are allowed by -right in all dwellings. Page 2 of 6 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.org 261 All Incomes Incomes below 70% State Median Income No. Resident No. Out of County Children Total No. No. Estimated Age Cohort Children with Parents Working in Estimated to Age Cohort to Need Child Needing Care City Needing Care Need Child Care Care 0 - 1 year 758 410 1,168 0 - 2 years 578 2 - 4 years 3,843 619 4,462 3 - 4 years 805 5 - 12 years 3,852 not applicable 3,852 5 - 12 years 1,878 Total 8,453 1,029 9,482 Total 3,261 (Source: 2017 San Mateo County Child Care Needs Assessment) Large Family Child Care Homes A large family child care home, or daycare, is generally limited to no more than 14 children depending on the age groups. State Bill SB 234 (effective January 1, 2020) prohibits cities from requiring a Use Permit for large family child care homes and requires them to be treated as a residential use of the property consistent with nature of the underlying residential use. Current City regulations for large family child care homes require a Use Permit, limit permissible zoning districts, and include regulations on pickup and drop- off areas, outdoor play time, and playground equipment. Small family child care homes allow up to eight children and are allowed by -right in all dwellings. Page 2 of 6 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.org 261