Home Daycare: Fort Collins vs Loveland
How do home daycare rules compare between Fort Collins, CO and Loveland, CO?
Fort Collins and Loveland have similar restriction levels.
Fort Collins, CO
Larimer County
Fort Collins allows licensed home daycare operations with limits on the number of children. State licensing and local zoning approval typically required.
View full Fort Collins rules →Loveland, CO
Larimer County
Loveland UDC Division 18.02.06 expressly addresses 'home child care' as a permitted business use of the home in residential zones. Colorado HB 21-1222 (codified to CRS 26-6-104) requires that family child care homes be treated as a residential use for local zoning, building, and fire-code purposes. Capacity, supervision, and operations are governed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) under 8 CCR 1402-1 - typically up to 6 children under age 12 (with sub-limits on infants/toddlers) for a regular family child care home, and up to 12 for an experienced/expanded license.
View full Loveland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Collins | Loveland |
|---|---|---|
| Small Daycare | 6 to 8 children typical | - |
| Large Daycare | Conditional use permit | - |
| License | State required | - |
| Inspections | Regular state visits | - |
| Local Zoning Reference | - | Loveland UDC Division 18.02.06 (home child care) |
| State Preemption | - | Colorado HB 21-1222 / CRS 26-6-104 - residential treatment required |
| State Licensing Rules | - | 8 CCR 1402-1 (Family Child Care Homes) |
| State Licensor | - | Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) DELLA |
| Standard FCCH Capacity | - | Up to 6 children under age 12 (sub-limits on infants) |
| Experienced FCCH Capacity | - | Up to 12 children with additional qualifications |
| Background Checks | - | Required for operator + all household members 18+ |
| CDEC Phone | - | 1-800-799-5876 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Collins FAQ
How many children can I care for in my home?
Small family daycares in Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins may need a conditional use permit.
Loveland FAQ
How many kids can I watch in a Loveland home daycare?
Up to 6 children under age 12 under a standard Colorado Family Child Care Home license, or up to 12 children under an experienced/expanded license with additional staff and qualifications. Loveland UDC Division 18.02.06 treats home child care as a permitted accessory use in every residential zone, and Colorado HB 21-1222 (CRS 26-6-104) requires Loveland to treat the licensed family child care home as a residential use rather than a commercial use. Capacity is set by state rule 8 CCR 1402-1 (Colorado Department of Early Childhood / DELLA). Background checks are required for the operator and all household members 18 and older.
Do I need a permit from Loveland to open a home daycare?
You need a Colorado state Family Child Care Home license from CDEC DELLA, plus you must comply with Loveland UDC Division 18.02.06 standards. Colorado HB 21-1222 prohibits Loveland from requiring a special-use permit, conditional-use permit, or public hearing solely because of the child-care use - the FCCH must be treated as any other residential use. Normal residential standards apply (parking on existing driveway, building-code compliance, no commercial signage beyond a small placard, no off-premises nuisance from drop-off/pick-up traffic). Larimer County Public Health may also inspect for environmental-health compliance.
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