Arlington, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Home daycare in Arlington is regulated at two levels. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) licenses and registers child-care providers under Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42, which sets minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and facility conditions. A Registered Child-Care Home may care for up to 6 children under age 14 (with limited additional school-age children), while a Licensed Child-Care Home may care for up to 12, depending on ages. Listed Family Homes serve fewer children and have lighter oversight. Arlington's Unified Development Code permits these state-licensed or registered operations as home occupations in residential zones, provided the use remains clearly incidental to the residence. Typical city standards include no more than one nonresident employee, no exterior evidence of the business beyond a small permitted sign, no alteration of the home's residential character, and drop-off/pick-up activity that does not create parking congestion or safety hazards on neighborhood streets. Deed-restricted HOA neighborhoods may further limit or prohibit daycare uses, though Texas Property Code §202.007 prevents HOAs from banning certain family home care situations outright in limited circumstances. Fire safety inspections, playground fencing, and smoke detector requirements also apply under state licensing rules. Operators should register with HHSC before advertising services and confirm Arlington zoning compatibility with the Planning Department.