Hartford, CT Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot area
- 6,000 sq ft
- Area per child
- 250 sq ft minimum
- Open play space
- 100 sq ft per child
- Residential setback
- 25 ft in N/NX districts
- State law tie-in
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-77 applies
Summary
Hartford requires child day care centers to sit on at least 6,000 square feet, provide 250 square feet of lot area per child, and set back 25 feet from adjacent residential neighborhoods.
(2)Minimum Lot Size. There shall be a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet.(3)Area Per Child. There shall be a minimum lot area for each child of 250 square feet.(4)Open Space. There shall be provided a minimum of 100 square feet of open play space on the lot for each child, or the applicant shall obtain approval from the zoning administrator of a play schedule, which shall identify the number of children that will use the play area at particular times and the proximity of the facility to a public park.(5)Additional Setbacks. In addition to the zoning district setback requirements, every building shall be set back a minimum distance of 25 feet from any adjacent residential property which is located in a Neighborhood (N or NX) District.H.Community Service. A public or not-for-profit service or activity undertaken to advance the welfare of citizens in need that provides food and goods distribution to private citizens.I.Drinking Places. Establishments selling alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor for on-site consumption. When noted as subject to conditions ("◐") or requires a special permit ("◯") in Figure 3.2 -A Table of Principal Uses, the following regulations apply:
Full Breakdown
Hartford's form-based Zoning Regulations set numeric operating standards for child day care centers wherever the use is allowed by Figure 3.2-A's Table of Principal Uses. Section 3.3.5.G folds in every state day-care requirement from Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-77, then adds city-specific dimensional rules: a 6,000-square-foot minimum lot, 250 square feet of lot area per enrolled child, 100 square feet of open play space per child (or an approved staggered play schedule), and an extra 25-foot building setback from any adjacent residential parcel in a Neighborhood (N or NX) district.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the lot, play-space or setback standards are zoning code violations enforced by Hartford's zoning administrator, who may deny or revoke a zoning permit; state day-care licensing standards under § 19a-77 are enforced separately by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hartford require child day care centers to meet state licensing rules?
How much outdoor play space must a Hartford day care provide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hartford
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