Home Daycare: Fitchburg vs Madison
How do home daycare rules compare between Fitchburg, WI and Madison, WI?
Fitchburg and Madison have similar restriction levels.
Fitchburg, WI
Dane County
Wisconsin DCF licenses family childcare under Wis. Stat. Ch. 48 and DCF 250/251. Madison (MGO §28.151) treats licensed family daycare up to 8 children as a permitted home occupation. Group daycare (9-15) requires a conditional use permit. Dane County follows the same tiers in unincorporated zoning.
View full Fitchburg rules →Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are allowed as a home occupation in residential zones with state licensing through WI DCF. Group daycare homes (9-12 children) require conditional use approval under MGO Chapter 28.
View full Madison rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Small Family (1-8) | Permitted home occupation | - |
| Group (9-15) | Conditional use permit | - |
| State License | DCF 250/251/252 | WI DCF required |
| Background | Wis. Stat. §48.685 | - |
| Insurance | $300K typical minimum | - |
| Family Home | - | Up to 8 children |
| Group Home | - | 9-12, conditional use |
| Zoning | - | MGO Chapter 28 |
| Fire Inspect | - | Madison FD required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fitchburg FAQ
Can I run a daycare for 6 kids out of my Fitchburg home?
Yes, with a Wisconsin DCF family child care license (DCF 251) and Fitchburg Home Occupation approval. Up to 8 children are permitted by right in residential zones citywide.
What about watching just 3 of my neighbor's kids?
Under Wis. Stat. §48.65, caring for 4 or more unrelated children triggers DCF licensing. Fewer than 4 children may be exempt, but the DCF Certification program (DCF 202) is still recommended for liability and tax purposes.
Madison FAQ
Do I need a Madison permit for a family daycare?
You need a state DCF license. Family daycare is allowed as a home occupation by right in most residential zones, but group daycare homes need a conditional use permit.
How many children can I watch without a state license?
Wisconsin requires certification for 4 or more children under age 7 who are not related to the provider. Watching 3 or fewer unrelated children generally does not require licensing.
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