Lawton, OK Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Under Article 7-7 of the Lawton City Code, no person may conduct, engage in or operate a child care facility without a permit issued under Section 7-7-1-702, and a distinct permit is required for every separate location. The permit must be prominently displayed on the premises, and any public advertisement for the facility must show the City of Lawton permit number. Section 7-7-1-703 adds a locational restriction: no permit issues for a facility applying after November 20, 1984, if it sits within 300 feet of a mixed beverage licensee or tavern, measured point to point, and the site must independently satisfy the zoning requirements in Chapter 18.

Before a permit is granted, Section 7-7-1-705 requires the licensing officer to investigate and report in writing on zoning, sanitation, health, fire and building code compliance, with a fire-and-safety review specifically required for day care centers. Applicants also submit a fire evacuation plan, a lease or deed, and a valid Oklahoma Department of Human Services license under Section 7-7-1-704. Section 7-7-1-707 ties the city permit to the state license: if DHS suspends or revokes its license, the city permit is immediately suspended or revoked until the state license is reinstated.

Permits run for one year from issuance and are subject to review and termination by the city attorney. A nonconforming day care center that predates zoning in an R-1 or R-2 district under Section 7-7-1-708 may keep operating but cannot expand, and it terminates automatically if ownership or the permit holder changes.