Sahuarita, AZ Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Type 1 conditional use permit
- Outdoor enclosure height
- 4 ft masonry wall/fence min.
- Hours of operation
- 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- State license required from
- AZ DHS Bureau of Child Care Licensing
- Must be paired with
- religious use, school or membership org
- Max civil penalty
- $750 per offense (individual)
Summary
A child care center attached to a religious use, school or membership organization needs a Type 1 conditional use permit in every rural and residential zone under STC § 18.09.020(E). The outdoor play area must be enclosed by a masonry wall or fence at least four feet tall, hours run 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the center must hold an Arizona Department of Health Services child care license.
E. Child Care Center.
1. Child care centers in conjunction with an existing religious use, school or membership organization shall be a Type 1 conditional use permitted in all rural and residential zones, and subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 18.97 STC;
2. Requirements.
a. A decorative masonry wall, fence, or combination, at least four feet in height, shall be provided for the enclosure of the outdoor play area,
b. Existing off-street parking and loading areas may be utilized; however, they shall be in accordance with Chapter 18.75 STC (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards),
c. Hours of operation shall be between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.,
d. License. The child care center shall be licensed to operate as a child care center by the Bureau of Child Care Licensing of the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4745395; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).
Full Breakdown
97 STC. Once approved, the site must enclose its outdoor play area with a decorative masonry wall, fence, or combination of the two standing at least four feet high. 75 STC's off-street parking and loading standards. , closing the door on overnight or 24-hour care at this type of site. Before opening, the center must obtain and maintain a license to operate as a child care center from the Bureau of Child Care Licensing within the Arizona Department of Health Services, layering state licensing on top of the town's conditional use approval and site standards.
Violations & Fines
Operating a child care center without the required Type 1 conditional use permit, past the 9:00 p.m. cutoff, or without the four-foot play-area enclosure is a zoning violation under STC § 18.95.030, subject to inspection, written notice and citation from the zoning administrator. STC § 18.95.040 caps the penalty at $750 per offense for an individual, with each day of unlicensed or noncompliant operation counted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a stand-alone child care center in a Sahuarita residential zone?
What hours can a Sahuarita child care center operate?
Does the town require a state license too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sahuarita
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