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Harrison County, MS Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Cap of 12 children served
UDC § 819.03(m)
Added by amendment, effective 12/8/2008
Case *0810HC269
Must meet all home-employment standards
UDC § 819.03
Conditional-use approval required
UDC § 819.04
Business license + zoning certificate needed
UDC § 819.03(k)

Summary

A home-based child care business in unincorporated Harrison County runs under the county's "home employment" rules, and UDC § 819.03(m) caps it at twelve children: the section that specifically extends the home-employment framework to Child Care Homes.

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

m. Home employment applies to operating Child Care Homes that serve up to twelve (12) children. *0810HC269 12/8/08

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

03(m) reads in full: "Home employment applies to operating Child Care Homes that serve up to twelve (12) children," an amendment added by the Board of Supervisors on 12/8/08 (case *0810HC269). unless the Planning Commission grants an extension (l). 04 requires the operator to file an application with the Zoning Officer, pay the established fee, and secure approval before the daycare can legally operate, approval that the Zoning Officer can revoke for noncompliance or that lapses automatically if the use is abandoned or never commences within a year.

Violations & Fines

A home daycare that exceeds twelve children falls outside what § 819.03(m) covers; the code does not extend the home-employment classification past that number. Approval is revocable by the Zoning Officer for failure to observe the conditions of approval (§ 819.04(c)) and lapses automatically if abandoned or not commenced within a year (§ 819.04(d)). Knowing violations of the UDC are misdemeanors under § 1409.03, punishable by a fine of up to $100, with each continuing day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many children can a home daycare in Harrison County serve?
Up to twelve. UDC § 819.03(m) specifically applies the county's home-employment framework to Child Care Homes serving up to twelve children.
Does a home daycare need a permit?
Yes. Home employment, which covers home daycares under § 819.03(m), is a conditional use under § 819.04 requiring an application to the Zoning Officer and Planning Commission approval, plus a business license and zoning certificate under § 819.03(k).
What if I want to care for more than twelve children at home?
The home-employment allowance in § 819.03(m) only reaches twelve children; the code doesn't extend that classification further, so a larger operation would fall outside this provision entirely.
What hours can a home daycare operate under this rule?
Home employment hours run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. under § 819.03(l), with any extension requiring Planning Commission approval through the § 1404 conditional-use process.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harrison County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsCustomer Traffic RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Harrison County rules

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