Duluth Planning Commission moves to ease ‘Special Use Permits’ for some Childcare Facilities

CITY HALL – The Duluth Planning Commission makes changes to ease requirements of “Special Use Permits” for new childcare facilities.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Duluth Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance changing the zoning definitions of certain childcare facilities. The changes will make it easier for some facilities to operate in residential-zoned areas without a “Special Use Permit.”

A presentation on the ordinance, given before the vote, highlighted the ongoing childcare shortage facing the city.

“The proposed changes will kind of create a shortcut for childcare centers or daycare centers,” said Kyle Demming of the City Planning Office. Demming told board members that special use permits are usually required in “residential districts” but “he proposed change would allow them to bypass the special use permit.”

According to city data, there are 30 childcare facilities of different types across Duluth.