Home Daycare: Houston vs La Porte
How do home daycare rules compare between Houston, TX and La Porte, TX?
Houston and La Porte have similar restriction levels.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Home daycares in Houston are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) under Human Resources Code Chapter 42, not by city ordinance. Three permit tiers exist: Listed Family Home (up to 3 unrelated children), Registered Home (up to 6), and Licensed Home (7-12).
View full Houston rules →La Porte, TX
Harris County
Home daycare operations in La Porte are regulated primarily by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). A registered or licensed family home may care for up to 12 children. The city's zoning ordinance allows daycare as a home occupation in residential districts provided it meets the home occupation standards and does not disrupt the residential character of the neighborhood.
View full La Porte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | La Porte |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | Texas HHS Child Care Regulation | - |
| Listed Family Home | Up to 3 unrelated children; $20/year | - |
| Registered Home | Up to 6 unrelated children; every 2 years | Up to 6 unrelated children |
| Licensed Home | 7-12 children; annual inspections | Up to 12 children total |
| City Zoning | Houston has no zoning restrictions on home daycares | - |
| City Permit | - | Home occupation permit required |
| Fencing | - | Min 4-ft fence for outdoor play area |
| State Agency | - | TX Health & Human Services Commission |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
Do I need a Houston city permit to run a home daycare?
No. Home daycares are regulated by the State of Texas through HHS Child Care Regulation, not the City of Houston. You need a state listing, registration, or license depending on the number of children.
How many children can I watch in my Houston home?
With a Listed Family Home permit, up to 3 unrelated children. Registered Homes allow up to 6 unrelated children. Licensed Homes allow 7-12 children. Caring for only related children is exempt from licensing.
La Porte FAQ
How many children can I watch at my home in La Porte?
A Registered Child Care Home may care for up to 6 unrelated children (up to 12 total including your own). A Licensed Child Care Home may care for 7 to 12 children. Both require HHSC registration or licensing.
Do I need a city permit for a home daycare?
Yes. A home occupation permit from La Porte's Development Services department is required in addition to your HHSC registration or license. Contact (281) 471-5020 for application information.
What fire safety requirements apply to home daycares?
State licensing standards require smoke detectors in each room used by children, at least one fire extinguisher, and two means of egress. The La Porte Fire Department at (281) 471-2626 may conduct inspections.
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