In the state, zoning and land use regulations largely vary from town to town. As a result, in some communities, operating in-home child care in a residential zone is either limited to certain areas or completely prohibited altogether. In some towns, such businesses are restricted to specific neighborhoods or banned outright, forcing families to travel long distances to find available providers. Removing these barriers is expected to expand access, increase provider numbers, and improve affordability.

Examples of the problem include municipalities where child care was prohibited on certain properties unless special, one-off zoning changes were approved, and others where in-home child care was banned entirely in residential zones. State regulations compounded the challenge by requiring on-site outdoor play space, making it nearly impossible for urban providers—especially in downtown buildings without playgrounds—to open facilities, even when nearby parks were available.

To address these barriers, legislation was introduced and ultimately approved to:

1. Allow child care in all residential zones in Maine and 

2. Allow nearby parks and recreational areas to satisfy the outdoor space requirements imposed by the state child care in all residential zones statewide.

Impact or how it will be measured:

There are several communities in the state that either limit or prohibit in-home child care in residential zones. It is not possible to measure how many people would operate in-home child care if these limitations or prohibitions are lifted, but we have anecdotal evidence of folks who would like to start such a business.