DeKalb County permits home daycares licensed by Georgia DECAL. Family Child Care Learning Home (up to 6 children) permitted in residential zones with state license. Group Home (7-12 children) may require conditional use.
Home-based childcare in DeKalb County requires licensing by Georgia Bright from the Start / Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Two tiers: Family Child Care Learning Home (up to 6 children including provider's own under age 13) permitted by right as a home occupation in most DeKalb residential zones; and Group Child Care Learning Home (7-12 children) which typically requires a conditional use permit from DeKalb Zoning Board of Appeals. State requirements include background checks (FBI fingerprint), CPR/First Aid certification, 40-hour pre-service training, annual health/safety training, and periodic DECAL inspections. DeKalb zoning Code Chapter 27 home occupation rules require that childcare not create excessive traffic, noise, or change the residential character of the neighborhood. Drop-off/pickup must not obstruct streets or neighbors' driveways.
Operating without DECAL license: closure, fines $500-$5,000, criminal charges possible. Exceeding capacity: license suspension. Zoning violations without conditional use: Recorder's Court citations up to $1,000.
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