Royal Oak, MI Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Royal Oak zoning code § 770-59 sets site standards for day-care centers under the Plan Commission's site plan review authority. Drop-off and pick-up areas must be designed so children are not endangered and traffic does not back up onto public streets. Centers must provide at least 500 square feet of outdoor play space, positioned outside the front yard setback; the Plan Commission may waive this if a public play area sits within 500 feet of the parcel. Play areas require a climb-resistant fence between four and six feet tall.

Operating hours are capped at 16 hours in any 24-hour period, and any activity between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., such as late drop-offs, cannot disturb neighboring residents. Every center must hold and maintain the applicable State of Michigan license. Group day-care homes fall under this same subsection A, while adult day-care facilities are regulated under a separate subsection B with different setback and screening rules, including a 300-foot residential setback the Plan Commission can waive on Master Plan and compatibility findings. Violations of the Zoning Ordinance, including these day-care standards, are municipal civil infractions under § 770-18, punishable by a fine up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for each repeat violation, with every day of continuing violation counted separately. Community Development administers site plan review and can require additional conditions to protect neighboring one-family residential districts.