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Lima, OH Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Regulator
Ohio Dept. of Children and Youth (DCY)
Statute
O.R.C. Chapter 5104
Type B home
1 to 7 children at one time
Under age 2
No more than 3 at one time
License
Required from DCY (or certification)
Local layer
Lima zoning may still apply

Summary

In-home child care in Lima is licensed by the state under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5104, administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). A 'Type B' family child care home may care for one to seven children at a time in the provider's residence, with no more

"Type B family child care home" ... a permanent residence of the provider in which care is provided for one to seven children at one time and in which no more than three children are under two years of age at one time.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Family child care homes in Ohio are regulated at the state level under O.R.C. Chapter 5104, now administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). A 'Type B family child care home' is defined as a permanent residence of the provider in which care is provided for one to seven children at one time, and in which no more than three children are under two years of age at one time. Larger operations fall under 'Type A' homes or licensed child care centers, which have additional staffing and facility requirements. Providers must obtain the appropriate state license (or certification) from DCY, meet health, safety, fire-prevention, and background-check standards, and comply with training and ratio rules.

Violations & Fines

Operating a family child care home without the required state license or certification, or exceeding the child-count limits, violates O.R.C. Chapter 5104 and can lead to state enforcement action. Zoning noncompliance is separately enforced by the City.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many children can I watch in a home daycare in Lima?
A Type B family child care home may care for one to seven children at one time, with no more than three under two years of age, per O.R.C. 5104.01. Larger operations require a Type A license or a child
Do I need a state license for an in-home daycare in Ohio?
Yes. In-home child care is licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth under O.R.C. Chapter 5104, with health, safety, background-check, and training requirements. Local Lima zoning may add where-it's-allowed conditions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lima

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Lima rules

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