Cary, NC Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence height
- At least 4 feet
- Fence type
- Solid, opaque
- Exemption
- Adult day care homes
- Residential siting
- Must front thoroughfare/collector street
- Governing code
- Cary LDO § 5.2.2(B)
Summary
The Town of Cary's Land Development Ordinance requires day care centers in Wake County to install a solid, opaque fence at least four feet high around outdoor play areas, plus neighborhood-compatible design and siting.
Day care facilities shall comply with all state and federal laws that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare. In addition, all day care facilities shall comply with the following specific requirements: (1) The center shall provide a fenced play area as required by the General Statutes. The fence shall be a solid (opaque) fence at least four (4) feet high. This requirement is not applicable for adult day care homes;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
LDO § 5.2.2(B) requires day care centers to comply with state and federal child health, safety and welfare laws, plus Town-specific standards: a fenced, opaque play-area enclosure at least four feet high (not required for adult day care homes), landscaping that blends the center into the neighborhood and buffers noise, a building design compatible with the area's architecture and setbacks, and, for new centers proposed in a residential district, full compliance with all development standards with no minor modifications or reductions, sited on a lot fronting a thoroughfare or collector street.
Violations & Fines
A day care center built without the required fenced play area or meeting siting/design standards fails its zoning review; Cary's Planning Department can deny or condition permit approval until it complies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Cary day care center need a fenced play area?
Can a new Cary day care center in a residential district get reduced setbacks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina building safety overview
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