Bexar County, TX Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing authority
- Texas HHSC
- Standards
- TX HRC 42, 26 TAC 745
- Fire inspection
- TX State Fire Marshal
- Building review
- Bexar Public Works
- Home registration
- Up to 4 children
Summary
Childcare centers in unincorporated Bexar County must comply with Texas Health and Human Services Commission minimum standards under Texas Human Resources Code 42 and pass building, fire, and sanitation inspections through the Texas State Fire Marshal and Bexar County Public Works before licensure.
CHAPTER 42. REGULATION OF CERTAIN FACILITIES, HOMES, AND AGENCIES THAT PROVIDE CHILD-CARE SERVICES. Sec. 42.001. PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the children of the state who reside in child-care facilities by establishing statewide minimum standards for their safety and protection and by regulating the facilities through a licensing program. It is the policy of the state to ensure the protection of all children under care in child-care facilities and to encourage and assist in the improvement of child-care programs.
Full Breakdown
Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42 and 26 TAC 745 set minimum standards for licensed childcare facilities, including building safety, fire egress, fenced outdoor space, plumbing, and ventilation. Centers must obtain a State Fire Marshal pre-licensure inspection per 28 TAC 1.207 confirming Texas Fire Code compliance. Bexar County Public Works inspects new construction for IBC adopted standards including occupancy, exits, and accessibility. Home-based registered childcare for up to four children requires only HHSC registration; licensed centers (over four children) require commercial occupancy classification. Annual fire drills and CO/smoke detector documentation are mandatory.
Violations & Fines
Operating without HHSC license: Class B misdemeanor; fire code deficiency: license suspension and Texas State Fire Marshal stop-work; building violations: certificate of occupancy revoked; HHSC enforcement up to $1,000 per day per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my home in Bexar County?
How often are childcare buildings inspected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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