A Pittsburgh zoning change that is one step away from gaining approval would make it easier to open child care businesses in the city’s residential areas.
Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of the proposed zoning amendments, which would allow for child care facilities within neighborhoods zoned for single-family residential uses. It would nix parking requirements for such facilities.
Removing “burdensome zoning and parking requirements” will make it easier “to provide child care services to working families right where they live,” said City Councilman Bobby Wilson, D-North Side, who introduced the proposal last month along with City Councilwoman Deb Gross, D-Highland Park.
Wilson said the goal is to make child care more accessible across the city.
The zoning code now requires the city’s zoning board of administration to issue a special exception to allow for child care facilities in single-family residential neighborhoods.
The amendments would allow for facilities that care for up to six children.
The measure now returns to City Council for final approval.
