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.
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.
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.
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