Any preschool operation conducted on property where the primary use is a residence shall be appropriately licensed by the state (if applicable) and the city. Preschools shall comply with the following standards.
(A) The preschool operation shall comply with all provisions of a home occupation, except that a preschool shall be exempt from the limitation on the use of space in and outside the home.
(B) A preschool shall be limited to not more than 12 students at a time in the home. The ratio of students to teachers must follow state standards and regulations, if applicable. All state guidelines are to be followed. One additional provider/teacher can be hired that is not a resident of the home. Both providers shall meet state requirements, if applicable. One of the providers must be a resident of the home.
(C) There shall be a minimum of 35 square feet of interior space provided for each person within the area being used for home preschools. Such space shall be exclusive of any storage, restroom, or hall spaces. A floor plan indicating what area of the home will be utilized for day care shall be submitted with each application. The floor plan shall be reviewed and approved by the city staff prior to operation of the home day care.
(D) Preschools shall follow state guidelines, if applicable, for yard or play area space.
(E) The area(s) used for the preschool shall have two separate means of egress arranged so that if one is blocked, the other will be available.
(F) Exit doors other than the main exit may be 32 inches wide. Main exits shall be 36 inches wide.
(G) When the area being used for a preschool is located in the basement or on the second floor, one of the exits must discharge directly to the outside.
(H) No home preschool shall be operated above the second floor of a residential structure.
(I) Rooms used for sleeping shall have at least one window and door approved for emergency escape.
(J) Closet door latches shall be such that children can open the door from the inside of the closet.
(K) Bathroom door locks shall be readily operable by the provider(s) from the outside.
(L) Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed according to the latest edition of the adopted building code.
(M) Electrical outlets shall be protected or capped with safety devices.
(N) Toxic, hazardous, or flammable materials, medicines, firearms, or other potentially hazardous materials shall be locked in a protected area.
(O) Fireplaces, wood burning stoves, or open face heaters shall be inaccessible to children when in use. Portable space heaters are not permitted when children are on the premises.
(P) Each preschool shall have a written emergency and/or disaster plan which covers natural disasters, power failures, and the like, which may pose a health hazard to the children. Evidence that an emergency drill has been conducted at least on a quarterly basis shall be provided to the County Fire Department at the time of the yearly inspection.
(Q) The area devoted to the preschool shall be provided with at least one fire extinguisher.
(Prior Code, § 68.06) (Ord. 2-92, passed - -1992) Penalty, see § 157.999