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Brownsville, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

By-right capacity
Six children
Seven to twelve children
Special use permit required
Separation
300 feet on same street
Signage
Prohibited
Pre-opening approvals
Zoning clearance plus certificate of occupancy

Summary

Brownsville permits a state-licensed child care home for up to six children by right in residential districts. Caring for seven to twelve children requires a special use permit. Signs are banned, and homes must sit at least 300 feet apart on the same street.

A family child care home may not be established on any lot located within 300 feet of another lot occupied by a family child care home if any boundary of the subject lot abuts the same street.

Source: Brownsville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

The UDC land use chart lists Child Care Home for fewer than six children as permitted with standards across the AG, R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts, while a home for seven to twelve children carries an S designation there and is permitted by right only in commercial districts. The accessory use standards require the home to be accessory to an allowed household living use and licensed by the State of Texas, with a zoning clearance permit and certificate of occupancy before opening. No one may be employed other than a household member or a state-required substitute caregiver. Chapter 42 of the Texas Human Resources Code governs licensing.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a zoning clearance permit, certificate of occupancy, or state license draws code enforcement action; exceeding the child count without a special use permit is a zoning violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many children can I watch at home in Brownsville?
Six, including children related to you, under the by-right accessory use standard. Seven to twelve requires a special use permit in a residential district.
Can I put a sign in the yard advertising my daycare?
No. The UDC expressly prohibits signs advertising a family child care home, and home occupation standards separately bar internally illuminated signs and commercial-looking exterior changes.
Can I hire an assistant who does not live with me?
Only a non-resident substitute caregiver, and only as required for family child care homes by the State of Texas. Other outside employees are not allowed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brownsville

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsFew RestrictionsSignage RulesLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Brownsville rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Brownsville to another location·View the Texas home business overview

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