Mayor Supports Expanded Childcare and Small Business Policies

Published on August 07, 2023

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today said proposed changes to Lincoln zoning ordinances will improve local entrepreneurs’ ability to expand their businesses and improve access to childcare for families. The amendments will be considered by the City Council on August 14.

“The changes to these ordinances make it easier for childcare centers and food service operations to do business - a meaningful next step in the City’s efforts to bolster our business-friendly environment,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird.

The proposed amendments are designed to make it easier for small-scale food and drink establishments to grow, while also recognizing the crucial role daycares play in supporting families and the local community. The proposed amendments are as follows:

• Small scale food and drink businesses – The first proposal is to expand the areas where small scale commercial kitchens are permitted. Currently, small scale kitchens are only permitted in the industrial zoning districts. The proposed change would allow small scale kitchens to be operated in all the commercial and industrial zoning districts.

A commercial kitchen is defined as a kitchen for a commercial building where the kitchen space is rented out or provided for shared or temporary usage. Commercial kitchens typically involve baking, cooking and/or preparing food for delivery, with no on-site sales of products.

An additional proposal would change restrictions on alcohol crafting. Currently, small scale production and distribution cannot exceed 20,000 barrels annually by craft brewers or 100,000 gallons annually of liquor by micro distilleries. Under the proposed change, alcohol crafting would be an allowed use in all the commercial and industrial zoning districts.

• Childcare – This proposal would expand the areas where early childcare facilities are allowed to operate with streamlined permitting. Currently, the use is conditionally permitted in the office and residential transition zoning districts and permitted by special permit in the H-4 commercial district. The proposed change would allow permit the use as permitted without needing a special or conditional permit in these districts.

The anticipated date for the revised ordinances to be implemented is after the City Council approval in early September. This business-friendly priority highlights the City’s continued progress in economic opportunities and community development.