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

Newark regulates day care through its zoning chapters. Section 1230.04(43) defines DAY CARE as the providing of personal care and supervision for children or adults or preschool education on less than a twenty-four hour basis, so the term covers preschools and adult programs as well as child care centers. Where a program can locate depends on the district. In the CSI Church, School, Institutional District, Section 1256.02(i) lists "Day care" among the permitted uses. In the LO Limited Office District, Section 1257.02(c) permits "Day care for not more than six." In the GO General Office District, Section 1258.02(c) lists "Day care." The LB Limited Intensity Business District borrows the GO list in Section 1259.02(a), but cuts day care to six clients for that district only. Section 1259.04 then makes day care facilities and pre-schools a conditional use in the LB district, provided that there are no more than forty children. The residential district chapters, including Chapter 1248, carry the phrase "Day care in the home of the provider for not more than six."

Before a center opens, the owner needs a zoning certificate. Section 1232.03 makes it unlawful to begin excavation or construction until the Zoning Inspector issues one, and unlawful to use a structure that is created, changed, converted or enlarged until one is issued. Section 1232.05 adds that no owner, lessee or tenant can occupy such a structure until the Zoning Inspector issues a certificate of use certifying that the building was constructed, altered or improved in compliance with the Code and with all conditions and requirements stipulated by the Board. Under Section 1232.04 the Zoning Inspector must inspect within three business days after being told the work is ready, and an appeal of a Zoning Inspector decision goes to the Board of Zoning Adjustment under Section 1234.04 within sixty days.