West Hartford Complies With State Childcare Mandate

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's top elected body has approved a new ordinance making it easier to open and operate childcare operations in town, especially in residential neighborhoods.

The West Hartford Town Council unanimously voted on Jan. 23 to amend its code of ordinances regarding so-called "group and family childcare homes."

This was done in response to a decrease in access to affordable and reliable childcare for many, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, the state legislature approved a public act that allows towns to easily amend their regulations to incentivize more childcare operations in a community.

West Hartford's zoning rules had conflicted with the state mandate.

Before the council vote, such operations required a special use permit from the town and carried with them added parking requirements different for those in residences.

Essentially, the new ordinance approved by the council eliminates the need for a West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission special permit.

It also eliminates any added parking requirements for residential area childcare centers outside of what is required for standard, residential use.

The ordinance was subject to a brief public hearing before the council vote, with no one speaking on the matter.

West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith said the purpose of the ordinance is so West Hartford's regulations comply with the state mandate.

He said, currently, no such home childcare operations exist in West Hartford.

"There are no homes in West Hartford at this present time meeting this definition," Ledwith said.

He said childcare operations in residential zones should be allowed with no restrictions and should be treated as any other residential use.

With the approval, Ledwith said the town will notify the state Office of Policy Management (OPM) of the development, which has already been endorsed by the PZC and the Capital Region Council of Governments.

"We have to comply with the state statute," Ledwith said.

For the full text of the ordinance, click on this link.

For the minutes of the Jan. 23 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.