Henrico County, VA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Family day home cap
- Up to 12 children
- Small day home
- Five or fewer children
- Small in residential
- By right (R)
- Large (6-12)
- Conditional use permit
- State by-right rule
- Va. Code § 15.2-2292
Summary
Henrico zoning defines a family day home as in-home care for up to 12 children. A small family day home (five or fewer children) is a by-right accessory use in residential districts; a large one (6-12 children) needs a conditional use permit. State licensing may also apply.
Family day home. A private dwelling where care is provided as an accessory use for up to 12 children, exclusive of the provider's own children and any children who reside in the home. A small family day home provides care for five or fewer children, and a large family day home provides care for six to 12 children.
Full Breakdown
Under Henrico's Chapter 24 zoning, a family day home is a private dwelling where care is provided as an accessory use for up to 12 children, excluding the provider's own resident children. A small family day home serves five or fewer children and a large family day home serves six to 12. The county use table permits small family day homes by right (R) in residential districts, while large family day homes require a conditional use permit (C). Virginia law (Va. Code § 15.2-2292) requires localities to treat a family day home caring for five or fewer children as a by-right residential use, which Henrico follows.
Violations & Fines
Running a large family day home without the required conditional use permit, or exceeding the 12-child cap, is a zoning violation subject to a Henrico notice of violation and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my home in Henrico?
How many children can I care for at home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henrico County
Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia home business overview
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