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Paterson, NJ Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Min. lot (B-1)
5,000 sq ft
Max lot coverage
40%
Play space
100 sq ft/child, fenced
Drop-off area
off-street, no street queuing
Governing section
§ 500-4.18, Article V (2016)

Summary

Paterson's zoning ordinance requires child care centers in the B-1 District to provide a fenced play area, off-street drop-off space, and a 5,000-square-foot minimum lot.

Such use shall meet the applicable lot area, setback requirements and other applicable requirements of § 500-2.3 except that the minimum lot area shall be 5,000 square feet in the B-1 District, lot coverage shall not exceed 40%... There shall be provided a recreation/play space equal to at least 100 square feet per child, which area shall be completely fenced in. There shall be provided an off-street area for the drop off and pick up of children sufficient to prevent the queuing of cars within the public right-of-way.

View official code

Full Breakdown

§ 500-4.18 of Paterson's Article V zoning ordinance (certified current through February 2016) sets siting standards for child care centers in non-residential districts: a minimum 5,000-square-foot lot and 40% maximum lot coverage in the B-1 District, at least 100 square feet of fully-fenced recreation/play space per child, and an off-street drop-off/pickup area sized to keep cars from queuing into the public right-of-way. A near-identical residential-district version appears at § 500-5.9. These are land-use siting rules, not building or fire-safety code, actual facility licensing and life-safety standards for a New Jersey child care center are set separately by the state Division of Early Childhood Education, not the city.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliant siting (undersized lot, unfenced play area, missing drop-off space) blocks zoning approval; separately, operating without a state child care license is a licensing matter, not a city one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Paterson day care need outdoor play space?
Yes, § 500-4.18 requires at least 100 square feet of fully-fenced recreation/play space per child.
Does the city or the state license child care centers in Paterson?
The state licenses and inspects child care centers; Paterson's zoning ordinance only sets site requirements like lot size and fenced play area.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Paterson

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All Paterson rules

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