Home Daycare: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do home daycare rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Buffalo and Clarence have similar restriction levels.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
Buffalo home-based daycare is governed by NY State OCFS licensing. Family day care (up to 8 children) and group family day care (up to 16 children) require state registration or licensing. Local Buffalo zoning permits home daycare in residential districts as an accessory use.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Home daycare in Erie County is licensed or registered by the NY State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), not the county. Family day care is registered; group family day care is licensed, each with set capacity limits.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | NY OCFS state licensing | NY OCFS (state) |
| Family Day Care | Up to 8 children | - |
| Group Family | Up to 16 children | - |
| Buffalo Zoning | Accessory use allowed | - |
| Inspection | Annual OCFS plus BFD | - |
| Family day care | - | Registered, up to 8 kids |
| Group family day care | - | Licensed, up to 16 kids |
| County role | - | None; zoning may apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
Do I need a Buffalo permit for home daycare?
Buffalo zoning allows home daycare as an accessory use. The primary approval is OCFS state registration or licensing, not a city permit.
How many children can I care for?
Family Day Care allows up to 8 children. Group Family Day Care allows up to 16 children with a qualified assistant.
Clarence FAQ
Does Erie County license home daycares?
No. Home daycare is registered or licensed by the NY State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), though local zoning may also apply.
How many children can a home daycare serve?
A registered family day care serves up to eight; a licensed group family day care up to 16 counting school-age children, per OCFS rules.
Compare other topics
See how Buffalo and Clarence compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool