Jackson County, MO Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- State and County licensing
- Outdoor play area
- Must be enclosed
- CUP trigger
- Over 5 non-resident children
- Applies in
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Jackson County requires family day care homes to be state-licensed, fenced, and capped at five non-resident children before a conditional use permit is needed.
Family Day Care Home. A family day care home, as defined by State law, shall be registered and licensed, by the State and County, as applicable and required by law.
1. All facilities shall provide an enclosed outdoor play area.
2. Any family day care home providing care to more than five (5) non-resident children in an urban or suburban area shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit.
c. Group Day Care Home and Child Day Care Center.
1. A group day care home providing care for up to twenty (20) children or a child day care center, as defined by State law, shall be registered and licensed, by the State and County, as applicable and required by law.
2. A group day care home providing care for up to twenty (20) children or a child day care center shall be located on a site that will accommodate and provide space for an off-street passenger loading zone and circular drive to provide for the safe delivery and pick-up of passengers, capable of accommodating 2 cars for every ten (10) children, in addition to applicable parking requirements, pursuant to Section 24006.7.
3. A group day care home providing care for up to twenty (20) children or a
Full Breakdown
Jackson County's Unified Development Code treats a family day care home as a zoning use: it must be registered and licensed by the State and County as required by law, must provide an enclosed outdoor play area, and if it cares for more than five non-resident children in an urban or suburban area, the operator must obtain a conditional use permit from the County. This applies only in unincorporated Jackson County. Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown and Grandview enforce their own zoning codes for home day cares.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required state/county license, or exceeding five non-resident children without a conditional use permit, is a zoning violation subject to county enforcement and permit denial or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply if I live in Kansas City?
How many kids can I watch before I need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson County
Compare Jackson County to another location·View the Missouri home business overview
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