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Kootenai County, ID Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Center use section
LUDC 8.5.107
Zones permitted
Ag, Rural, Ag Suburban, residential
Small home daycare
Reviewed as home occupation
Site plan
Required for centers
State licensing
Idaho DHW (separate)

Summary

A small in-home daycare typically operates as a home occupation under the county Land Use Code, while a larger child-care center is a defined land use permitted only in specific zones with a site plan. State child-care licensing through Idaho Health and Welfare applies separately.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Kootenai County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

8.5.107: CHILD CARE CENTER, PRESCHOOL, OR HEAD START FACILITY: A. Zones Permitted: Agricultural, Rural, Agricultural Suburban, Restricted Residential, High Density Residential.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

The Kootenai County Land Use and Development Code treats a full child-care center, preschool, or Head Start facility as a distinct use under section 8.5.107, permitted in the Agricultural, Rural, Agricultural Suburban, Restricted Residential, and High Density Residential zones. Such a facility may not be located in a floodplain or adjacent to industrial or hazardous land uses, and must submit a site plan showing structures, fencing, and playground plus a parking and circulation plan. A small family daycare in a home is generally reviewed as a home occupation under 8.4.501. Separately, child-care providers are licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Inside cities, the city zoning code governs.

Violations & Fines

Operating a center in a prohibited zone or without the required site plan is a land-use violation; operating without required state child-care licensing is a separate Idaho enforcement matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a daycare from my home?
A small in-home daycare is generally reviewed as a home occupation under section 8.4.501, while a larger child-care center is a defined use under 8.5.107 permitted only in specific zones with a site plan.
Do I need a state license too?
Yes. County zoning approval is separate from child-care licensing, which is handled by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. You may need both depending on the size of the operation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kootenai County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Kootenai County rules

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