Anchorage, AK Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

A 'child care home' is defined at AMC Section 16.55.030 as a facility authorized to care for no more than eight children; anything larger becomes a 'child care center' under the same section, which is licensed and zoned differently. Section 16.55.050 makes licensing mandatory: no person or entity may operate a facility regulated by Chapter 16.55 without first getting a license from the Anchorage Health Department, unless the operation falls under one of the narrow exemptions incorporated from 7 AAC 57.015, such as supervised programs where a child attends no more than six hours a week.

Under Section 21.05.040B.2.a of the zoning code, a licensed child care home is treated as a distinct residential use rather than a 'home occupation' under Section 21.05.070D.12, so it does not need a separate home-occupation permit, but it must still provide the usable outdoor space required by Section 16.55.450 and must not place an undue burden on the surrounding street or utilities. Applicants and staff also go through the barrier-crimes background check required by Section 16.55.065, and the department can suspend, revoke, or close a facility under Section 16.55.070 if it violates the chapter. Parents can check licensing status and inspection history through the department's records under Section 16.55.090.