Home Daycare: Boulder vs Longmont
How do home daycare rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder and Longmont have similar restriction levels.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder allows licensed home daycare operations with limits on the number of children. State licensing and local zoning approval typically required.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
Family child care homes in Longmont are licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood under 8 CCR 1402-1, and state law requires written zoning approval from the City before a license is issued. Standard FCCH license allows up to 6 children, large FCCH up to 12, and Experienced Child Care Provider (ECCP) up to 9.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Small Daycare | 6 to 8 children typical | - |
| Large Daycare | Conditional use permit | - |
| License | State required | - |
| Inspections | Regular state visits | - |
| State Regulation | - | 8 CCR 1402-1 (Colorado Dept. of Early Childhood) |
| Local Zoning Reference | - | LMC Title 15 (home occupation) |
| Standard FCCH License | - | Up to 6 children |
| Large FCCH License | - | Up to 12 children + qualified assistant |
| ECCP License | - | Up to 9 children (experienced provider) |
| Required Before State License | - | Written zoning approval from Longmont Planning |
| Planning Contact | - | (303) 651-8330 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
How many children can I care for in my home?
Small family daycares in Boulder typically allow 6-8 children with a state license. Larger operations need additional permits.
Do I need a zoning permit for a home daycare?
Small daycares are often allowed by right in residential zones. Larger operations in Boulder may need a conditional use permit.
Longmont FAQ
How many kids can I watch in a Longmont family child care home?
It depends on your state license type from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood: a standard Family Child Care Home (FCCH) allows up to 6 children, a Large FCCH allows up to 12 with a qualified assistant, and an Experienced Child Care Provider (ECCP) license allows up to 9. Special licenses exist for infants and toddlers only or for three children under age two.
Do I need anything from the City of Longmont to open a home daycare?
Yes. State regulation 8 CCR 1402-1 requires written zoning approval from Longmont Planning & Development Services before the state will issue your family child care license. The daycare also counts as a home occupation under Title 15 of the Land Development Code, so a Home Occupation Affidavit is required and the standard home occupation limits (employees, signage, traffic) apply.
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