Midwest City, OK Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Indoor play space
- 35 sq ft per child minimum
- Outdoor play area
- 75 sq ft/child, 48-in fence
- Annual license fee
- $15 plus $0.50 per child
- Licensing office
- Development Services Department
- Family child care homes
- Exempt; follow state rules instead
Summary
Midwest City requires every licensed child care center and adult day care center to comply with the city's zoning, sanitation, building, electrical, fire prevention and housing codes, and to eliminate fire and explosion hazards on the premises.
Every child care center or adult day care center licensed under this chapter, except for a family child care home or a large family child care home, shall conform to applicable codes and ordinances of the city, including, but not limited to, zoning, sanitation, building, electrical, fire prevention and housing. In addition, the premises shall be free from fire hazards and shall have adequate protection against fire and explosions.(b)Every family child care home and large family child care home licensed under this chapter shall conform and be in compliance with the requirements established in 59 O.S. § 1000.31. (Code 1972, § 10-36; Ord. No. 2569, § 16, 3-22-94; Ord. No. 3604, § 2, 8-26-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 10 requires licensed centers to meet minimum physical standards: an indoor play area of at least 35 square feet per child, outdoor play space of 75 square feet per child enclosed by a fence at least 48 inches high, a safe heating apparatus with fire extinguishers where the fire department requires them, fire escapes on any second floor or attic, and two exits from any basement used. A certificate of occupancy and city license are required before opening. Family child care homes and large family child care homes are exempt from these local physical standards and instead must meet Oklahoma's requirements at 59 O.S. § 1000.31.
Violations & Fines
Operating a child care center or adult day care center without a valid city license, or without state licensing from DHS or the Health Department, is unlawful under § 10-14; violations can result in license revocation or suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Midwest City require a license for a home daycare?
What building and safety codes must a Midwest City child care center meet?
How big must the outdoor play area be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Midwest City
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Childcare Center Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle childcare center rules.