Fort Wayne permits home-based daycares as a home occupation when licensed by the Indiana FSSA. Class I homes care for up to 12 children and must meet IC 12-17.2 licensing, safety, and staff ratio standards.
Fort Wayne Zoning Ordinance treats licensed family child care homes as an accessory use in residential districts. State law IC 12-17.2-4 requires FSSA licensure for anyone caring for more than 5 unrelated children. Class I homes (up to 12 children) and Class II homes (13 to 16 children) must comply with ratio requirements, background checks for all adults in the home, CPR and first aid certification, and annual fire and health inspections. Fort Wayne additionally requires a home occupation registration with the Department of Planning Services and may require drop-off and pick-up parking accommodations that do not obstruct neighbors. Sign restrictions apply; no employees beyond household members are permitted without a special exception.
Operating without FSSA license: state-level penalties up to 500 dollars per day plus closure. Zoning violation: fines up to 2,500 dollars per occurrence under Fort Wayne City Code.
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