Your Guide to Code Enforcement's Summer Day Camp Requirements

It's barely spring, but parents are already thinking about ways to occupy their children over summer break. Summer day camps are a popular choice, but if you're interested in opening one, there are some important things to know before you do.

IMPORTANT: Depending on the nature of your summer day camp, the N.C Division of Child Development and the zoning department of the municipality (Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Matthews or Pineville) where the camp will be located may have requirements. You should contact these agencies first. 

In addition, Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement has requirements regarding the facility where the summer camp will be held.

Most summer camps are held in existing buildings -- houses of worship, schools, parks and rec facilities, etc. State rules require that the building being used has a valid Certificate of Occupancy and meets certain life safety and toilet fixture requirements. (In building code terms, we call this a building with an "A" or "E" occupancy.) 

Here are the steps to fulfilling Code Enforcement's requirements:

  1. Have a N.C.-licensed design professional (architect or engineer) write a letter verifying that he or she made a site visit and that the facility conforms to the life safety and toilet fixture requirements of an "A" or "E" occupancy facility for the number of people who will be on site during the camp. Licensed architects and engineers are well-versed in these requirements and will know how to proceed.
  2. The person operating the camp should provide a second letter that outlines the dates of the camp, the number and age of the children who will be attending. Note: The children should have attended school the previous school year -- please contact N.C. DCD for more info.
  3. Submit both letters for review and approval. Letters may be submitted in person to Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, 2145 Suttle Ave., Charlotte, NC. We are open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  4. There is a $145 fee for this service which is due at the time the letters are submitted. We accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards.

These requirements must be satisfied -- along with any requirements from other agencies -- before summer camp activities begin. 

Again, these are the requirements for summer day camps from a building code perspective only. It is critically important to check with the N.C. Division of Child Development and the applicable municipal zoning authority to ensure you are meeting those requirements as well.

For questions about the building code requirements for summer day camps in Mecklenburg County, please contact our Commercial Technical Assistance Center at 980-314-CODE(2633). Follow the menu prompts for "technical assistance" or CTAC.

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