Laredo, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- State Agency
- Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation
- Small Home
- Up to 6 children (registered)
- Licensed Home
- 7-12 children
- City Permit
- Certificate of Occupancy required
- Fire Inspection
- Laredo FD required
Summary
Laredo home-based daycare operators must register with Texas HHSC as a Listed or Registered Family Home (up to 6 children) or Licensed Child-Care Home (up to 12). City zoning treats small in-home daycare as a permitted home occupation in residential districts under Laredo Land Development Code.
Sec. 42.041. REQUIRED LICENSE. (a) No person may operate a child-care facility or child-placing agency without a license issued by the department.(b) This section does not apply to:(1) a state-operated facility;(2) an agency foster home;(3) a facility that is operated in connection with a shopping center, business, religious organization, or establishment where children are cared for during short periods while parents or persons responsible for the children are attending religious services, shopping, or engaging in other activities, including retreats or classes for religious instruction, on or near the premises, that does not advertise as a child-care facility or day-care center, and that informs parents that it is not licensed by the state;(4) a school or class for religious
Full Breakdown
Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42 governs child-care home operations statewide and preempts most local licensing. Listed Family Homes care for 1-3 unrelated children; Registered Family Homes cover up to 6 children (plus 6 school-age part-time); Licensed Child-Care Homes serve 7-12. All require HHSC background checks, CPR/first-aid training, and annual inspections. The City of Laredo Planning and Zoning Department treats registered family home daycare as an accessory home occupation in R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts provided the operator lives on site, no exterior alterations are made, and outdoor play areas meet fence standards. Larger licensed homes may require a conditional use permit. Operators must also obtain a City Certificate of Occupancy and comply with Laredo Fire Department life-safety inspection for means of egress and smoke alarms.
Violations & Fines
Operating without HHSC permit is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas HRC 42.041. City zoning violations carry fines up to 500 dollars per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a home daycare in a Laredo HOA neighborhood?
Do I need a city business license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Laredo
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Laredo to another location·View the Texas home business overview
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