Public Hearing: Amendment to the City of Douglas Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), Chapter 111, Article V, Sec. 111-246 – Day Care / Child Care Center

The City of Douglas hereby notifies its residents and interested parties of a proposed text amendment to the City of Douglas Code of Ordinances, Unified Land Development Code, Chapter 111, Article V, specifically Section 111-246, relating to day care and child care centers.

“AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF DOUGLAS CODES AND ORDINANCES, UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 111, ARTICLE V, BY AMENDING SECTION 111-246 (DAY CARE / CHILD CARE CENTER); TO ALIGN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS WITH THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS OF THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CARE AND LEARNING (BRIGHT FROM THE START); TO ESTABLISH CAPACITY AND SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR AUTOMATIC COMPLIANCE WITH FUTURE STATE REGULATORY CHANGES; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”

Summary of Proposed Amendments:

• Removing the existing fixed requirement of 200 square feet of outdoor recreation space per child and replacing it with standards consistent with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).
• Establishing that the maximum number of children permitted shall not exceed the licensed capacity approved by DECAL.
• Clarifying indoor space requirements by referencing DECAL standards for usable floor area per child.
• Defining usable indoor floor space to exclude kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, storage areas, offices, and other non-activity spaces.
• Providing that all applicable DECAL standards, including future amendments, shall automatically apply within the City without the need for additional ordinance updates.

No changes are proposed to existing fencing, traffic circulation, or general site design requirements.

.

Notice is hereby given that the proposed text amendment will be read for the first time at a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Commissioners of the City of Douglas, Georgia, on April 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM, and will be read for a second time, followed by a public hearing, on May 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at City Hall, located at 302 S. Madison Avenue, Douglas, Georgia 31533. After the public hearing, the ordinance will be voted upon at the regular meeting of the Mayor and City Commissioners. Anyone interested in said ordinance should be in attendance at the meeting on the above-stated dates.

A copy of the text amendment may be reviewed at City Hall in the Community Development Department, Planning & Zoning Division, 302 S. Madison Avenue, Douglas, Georgia 31533, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Holiday hours may differ.

Any person with special needs regarding disability access or foreign language should contact Wynetta Bolder, City Clerk, at (912) 389-3405. Persons with hearing disabilities may consider using the Georgia Relay Service at 1-800-255-0135. For more information, please contact Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director, at (912) 383-0277.