Arlington County, VA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Chapter 52 of the Arlington County Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 2-741 (§ 52-2). Before a center can begin operating, its premises must have passed every inspection and obtained every permit required by the Code of Virginia and the Arlington County Code, including building, plumbing and electrical permits and a certificate of occupancy (§ 52-29(A)). Operating without the license required by § 52-4 and without a valid certificate of occupancy issued under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code is unlawful, and the license must be posted where parents can see it.

On building maintenance, indoor and outdoor areas and equipment must stay clean, safe and operable, with unsafe conditions specifically defined to include splintered or deteriorating wood, chipped or peeling paint, cracked or warped equipment, head entrapment hazards, and protruding nails or bolts that could snag skin or clothing (§ 52-29(B)(1)). Heating systems must meet the Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-62), be installed so children cannot access the system, and carry barriers against burns, shock or injury, with portable heaters allowed only in an emergency and under the manufacturer's instructions (§ 52-29(B)(2)).

Indoor areas occupied by children may not fall below 65°F, and fans or cooling systems must run once indoor temperatures pass 80°F (§ 52-29(B)(3)-(4)). Centers must also provide accessible drinking water, outside lighting at entrances used before sunrise or after sunset, and an in-service, non-pay telephone (§ 52-29(B)(5)-(6)). Fire officials must inspect each facility at least once a year under the emergency-provisions section that follows (§ 52-30(A)).