Creating Child Care Spaces in Richmond

The City of Richmond acknowledges that quality and affordable child care is an essential service for families. Well-designed child care spaces promote the well-being of children and families and support the overall economic stability and growth of Richmond. The resources and information outlined below offer guidance for those wishing to open a new facility or expand or renovate an existing child care space. Every effort is made to ensure this information is up to date. It is the responsibility of child care operators to know and understand the current regulations and requirements for the delivery of licensed child care in BC. 

Before applying for a provincial child care licence and/or a building permit for a child care space, it is important to do the appropriate research and planning in order to ensure the facility will comply with all zoning, bylaws and regulations. Failure to do this can result in unexpected costs, time delays or challenges with obtaining a Community Care Facilities: Child Care Licence.

When planning to open a new child care facility or renovate or expand an existing one, it is important to review and understand the processes and steps involved. The following resources will support this work:

• Creating Child Care Space in Richmond: This document is a step-by-step guide to creating or expanding a child care facility.
• Child Care Licensing Regulation
• Vancouver Coastal Health:
  • Community Care Facilities Licensing 
  • Child Care Licensing
  • Contact Child Care Licensing Facilities
• Zoning: To check if a property is zoned for the type of child care proposed, contact Zoning or call 604-276-4017.
• Parking Requirements: To check the parking requirements for child care, call the City's Customer Service Department at 604-276-4000.
• Richmond Fire Rescue: Child care facilities must comply with the BC Fire Code and bylaws and require specific fire inspections.
• Business Licensing: If the child care facility will be operated as a private business and licensed for more than 10 children, a business licence is required. Email Business Licence or call 604-276-4328.

• Building Approvals Bulletins: PERMITS-47 - Child Care Facilities and INFO-49 - Converting Industrial Spaces for Assembly Occupancies