Home Daycare: Fort Worth vs Haltom City
How do home daycare rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Haltom City, TX?
Fort Worth and Haltom City have similar restriction levels.
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Home daycares in Fort Worth must obtain a state HHSC permit and may operate under the home occupation standard in Zoning Sec. 5.116.A. Family Day Homes (caring for 4 or more unrelated children) require a registered or licensed status from Texas HHSC and zoning sign-off from Fort Worth Development Services.
View full Fort Worth rules →Haltom City, TX
Tarrant County
Haltom City permits registered family home daycares in residential zones as a home occupation. Providers must hold the applicable Texas HHSC permit, and larger group homes over 12 children need a specific use permit.
View full Haltom City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Haltom City |
|---|---|---|
| City Zoning | Fort Worth Sec. 5.116.A | - |
| State Permit | Texas HHSC (Reg. or Licensed Home) | - |
| Reg. Home Capacity | Up to 6 + 6 school-age | - |
| Lic. Home Capacity | Up to 12 | - |
| State Agency | - | Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation |
| Registered Home | - | Up to 6 children under 14 |
| Licensed Home | - | Up to 12 children with ratios |
| City Permit | - | SUP for 12+ children |
| Background Check | - | FBI fingerprint required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my Fort Worth home?
Yes, if you hold the appropriate Texas HHSC permit and comply with the home occupation standard in zoning Sec. 5.116.A, including indoor operation and occupancy limits.
How many children can I care for in a registered home?
A Texas Registered Child Care Home may care for up to 6 children plus 6 additional school-age children; a Licensed Child Care Home can serve up to 12 children.
Haltom City FAQ
How many children can I care for without a state license in Haltom City?
Under Texas law you may care for up to 3 unrelated children in your home without a state permit. Caring for more children requires registration or licensure through Texas HHSC, and the Haltom City zoning ordinance must also permit the home occupation.
Can I operate a daycare in a Haltom City apartment?
Multi-family zoning in Haltom City permits registered family child-care in apartments subject to HHSC rules and landlord approval. Check with the Haltom City Planning Department at (817) 222-7700 and review your lease before applying for state registration.
Do I need a sign for my home daycare?
Haltom City home occupation rules prohibit exterior signage other than one small non-illuminated nameplate. Your home daycare cannot advertise with yard signs, banners, or lighted signs visible from the street.
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