Denver parents and small child-care operators might soon catch a break on paperwork and fees. A proposal headed to City Council on Monday would scrap the city’s separate child-care business license, potentially saving providers up to $200 while keeping health oversight in the hands of public-health officials, according to city staff.
What the ordinance would do
Council Bill 26-0852 would tweak Chapter 11 and Chapter 32 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code to wipe out local child-care licensing rules that city officials say simply repeat what the state already requires. The Health and Safety Committee signed off on filing the measure on June 17, and it is set for a full council vote at 3:30 p.m. Monday, according to the Denver City Council agenda.
Fees and inspections
If the ordinance passes, child-care providers would no longer cut a separate check to the city for business licensing fees that now range from $25 to $200. Instead, they would answer only to state licensing rules. As reported by Denver7, city staff told council members that Denver Public Health would still be on the hook to inspect facilities, chase down complaints and enforce health and sanitation standards.
State licensing remains primary
The Colorado Department of Human Services' Division of Early Care and Learning is already the main referee for child-care in the state, issuing licenses and setting rules for staffing, health and safety that licensed providers must meet. The agency outlines how applications, inspections and appeals work for both family child-care homes and centers, according to the Colorado Office of Early Childhood.
City offices briefed council
Staff from the Office of Childrens Affairs, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection and Denver Public Health walked the Health and Safety Committee through the proposal before it moved forward. The committee took public comment, then voted to file the bill after a briefing and discussion, according to the Health and Safety committee minutes.
Why supporters say it matters
City leaders say stripping out the extra license would shave startup costs and knock down a regulatory hurdle that can slow new child-care sites from opening. Denver7 noted that Denver is one of only two local governments in Colorado that still requires its own child-care business license, and officials argue that syncing city rules with state law would keep oversight intact while cutting repetitive paperwork.
Next steps
The bill is slated for a vote at Monday’s council meeting. If it passes, city staff will set an effective date and unwind the existing city licensing process. Residents who want to weigh in can sign up for public comment through the council's public input portal before the meeting.
