Home Daycare: Roswell vs Sandy Springs
How do home daycare rules compare between Roswell, GA and Sandy Springs, GA?
Sandy Springs has fewer restrictions than Roswell.
Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Georgia law requires registration or licensure of family day care homes through the Department of Early Care and Learning and limits how strictly local zoning can ban these uses in residential areas.
View full Roswell rules →Sandy Springs, GA
Fulton County
Sandy Springs allows licensed home daycare operations with limits on the number of children. State licensing and local zoning approval typically required.
View full Sandy Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Roswell | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Georgia DECAL | - |
| Registration | 3-6 children | - |
| License | 7-12 children | State required |
| Background checks | Required statewide | - |
| Small Daycare | - | 6 to 8 children typical |
| Large Daycare | - | Conditional use permit |
| Inspections | - | Regular state visits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Roswell FAQ
Can a Georgia city ban a family day care home in a single-family zone?
Cities may apply zoning, but state law generally favors home-based child care. Outright bans of registered homes in residential zones face legal challenges and are often unenforceable.
Do I need a state license for watching a few neighborhood kids?
If you regularly care for three or more unrelated children for pay, you must register with DECAL even in a private home. Casual occasional babysitting is generally exempt.
Sandy Springs FAQ
How many children can I care for in my home?
Small family daycares in Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs may need a conditional use permit.
Compare other topics
See how Roswell and Sandy Springs compare on other ordinance categories.
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