La Porte, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Texas HHSC regulates home daycare through two tiers. A Registered Child Care Home may care for 1 to 6 unrelated children (7 to 12 total including the caregiver's own children). A Licensed Child Care Home may care for 7 to 12 children. Registration and licensing require background checks, safety inspections, and compliance with minimum standards covering child-to-caregiver ratios, outdoor play area requirements, and health and safety protocols. The city of La Porte allows home daycare as a home occupation in residential zoning districts. The operation must comply with the city's general home occupation standards including not generating excessive traffic beyond normal residential levels, providing adequate parking for drop-off and pick-up, and maintaining the residential appearance of the property. A home occupation permit is required from the city's Development Services department. The outdoor play area must be fenced with a minimum 4-foot-high fence. Fire safety standards including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and two means of egress are mandated by state licensing standards. La Porte Fire Department (281) 471-2626 may conduct fire safety inspections as part of the licensing process.