Home Daycare: Cedar Hill vs Irving
How do home daycare rules compare between Cedar Hill, TX and Irving, TX?
Cedar Hill and Irving have similar restriction levels.
Cedar Hill, TX
Dallas County
Dallas County does not license or zone home daycares — child-care regulation is handled by Texas DFPS / HHSC under Tex. Human Resources Code Ch. 42. Care for up to 3 unrelated children is exempt from state registration; 4-12 children requires a Registered or Licensed Child-Care Home permit from HHSC Child Care Regulation. Inside city limits, the city's home-occupation code may add rules.
View full Cedar Hill rules →Irving, TX
Dallas County
Texas HHSC licenses home daycares. Registered homes may care for 1-6 children; listed homes 1-3 children from one household. Irving zoning must permit the use in the district.
View full Irving rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cedar Hill | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| County Permit | None (no county zoning) | - |
| State Authority | HHSC Child Care Regulation | - |
| Exempt | ≤3 unrelated children (Listed Home) | - |
| Registered Home | 4-12 children (state permit) | 1-6 children |
| HHSC Hotline | 1-800-862-5252 | - |
| Listed Home | - | 1-3 from one household |
| Licensed Home | - | 7-12 children |
| State License | - | Required from HHSC |
| Zoning | - | Must be permitted in district |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cedar Hill FAQ
Do I need a Dallas County permit to run a home daycare?
No. Dallas County has no zoning authority and issues no home-business permits in unincorporated areas. Child care is regulated solely by Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation under Tex. Human Resources Code Ch. 42. Care for ≤3 unrelated children only needs a free Listing; 4-12 children requires Registered or Licensed Home status from HHSC (1-800-862-5252).
How many children can I watch in my home without a state permit?
Up to 3 unrelated children at a time qualifies as a Listed Family Home — free listing only, no inspection. Once you regularly care for 4 or more unrelated children, you must apply for a Registered Child-Care Home permit (4-6 plus part-time school-age, max 12) or a Licensed Child-Care Home (7-12) through HHSC. Inside city limits, the city's home-occupation ordinance may add rules.
Irving FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my Irving home?
Yes, with proper HHSC licensing. Registered homes may care for up to 6 children. Verify your zoning district permits the use.
Do I need a city permit for a home daycare?
You need HHSC licensing. Check with Irving's Planning Department at (972) 721-2424 to confirm your zoning district allows home daycare.
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