Home Daycare: Bolingbrook vs Joliet
How do home daycare rules compare between Bolingbrook, IL and Joliet, IL?
Bolingbrook and Joliet have similar restriction levels.
Bolingbrook, IL
Will County
Illinois DCFS licenses home daycares under 225 ILCS 10 and 89 Ill. Adm. Code 406/408. Family daycares (up to 8 children) and group daycares (up to 16 with assistant) operate as home occupations in Will County subject to municipal zoning review.
View full Bolingbrook rules →Joliet, IL
Will County
Home daycare operations in Joliet are regulated through the Zoning Ordinance (Section 47-5.3) as a home occupation and by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing requirements. Home daycares serving up to 8 children (including the provider's own) may be licensed as a Day Care Home by DCFS. The home occupation must be operated entirely within the principal dwelling with no exterior evidence of the business.
View full Joliet rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bolingbrook | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| State License | DCFS 225 ILCS 10 required | - |
| Family Home | Up to 8 children | - |
| Group Home | Up to 16 with assistant | - |
| Zoning | Permitted as of right | - |
| Preemption | 225 ILCS 10/7 | - |
| Zoning Code | - | Section 47-5.3(c) - Home Occupations |
| Floor Area Limit | - | 25% of total floor area on any one level |
| Day Care Home | - | DCFS license for up to 8 children |
| Group Day Care Home | - | DCFS license for 9-16 children; additional requirements |
| State Licensing | - | Illinois DCFS required for all home daycares |
| Exterior Evidence | - | No exterior signage or evidence of business allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bolingbrook FAQ
Can my Bolingbrook HOA ban a licensed family daycare?
Probably not for public-zoning rules, but HOA covenants may still restrict home businesses. 225 ILCS 10/7 preempts only municipal zoning, not private covenants, though courts sometimes limit covenant enforcement for childcare.
How many children can I watch in Will County without a license?
Three or fewer unrelated children do not require DCFS licensing under 225 ILCS 10. More than 3 unrelated children requires a Family Day Care Home license.
Joliet FAQ
Can I run a home daycare in Joliet?
Yes. Home daycare is permitted as a home occupation under Joliet's zoning code, provided it meets home occupation standards. You must also obtain a DCFS license from the State of Illinois.
How many children can I watch in a home daycare in Joliet?
A DCFS Day Care Home license covers up to 8 children (including your own under age 12). A Group Day Care Home license allows 9-16 children with additional staffing and facility requirements.
Do I need both city and state approval for a home daycare in Joliet?
Yes. You must comply with Joliet's zoning ordinance for home occupations (Section 47-5.3) and obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
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