Cleveland, OH Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Chapter 227 of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances sets the physical building requirements a day care center must satisfy before the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses will issue or renew its annual permit. 13, no room may be used for day care unless its floor is above ground level, "except if the Commissioner of Health and the Division of Fire shall upon a full examination of such room pronounce the same safe, healthful and sanitary", meaning a below-grade room needs an affirmative joint Fire/Health sign-off, not just a passed inspection.

11 requires every room to be adequately heated and ventilated, with a heating apparatus approved by the Commissioner of Health sufficient to maintain at least 68°F at all times children are present, plus windows with glass-and-sash area equal to at least one-eighth of the room's floor area, and screens on all doors, windows and openings from May 15 to November 15 to keep out flies. 12 sets minimum usable indoor floor space at 35 square feet per licensed child, wall-to-wall, excluding any part of the structure where child care is prohibited by the board of building standards, plus a one-foot clearance on all sides of any bed or crib not against a wall.

14 requires a fenced or otherwise hazard-protected outdoor play space of at least 60 square feet per child using it at one time, with stationary equipment like climbing gyms, swings, and slides kept out of main traffic patterns and securely anchored. 05(b) requires the City's Building Department to verify a valid certificate of occupancy and requires the Division of Fire and Division of Health to conduct an annual inspection; a permit issues only after all three certify compliance. 05(a)).