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Lorain County, OH Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Type B capacity
One to seven children
Under age two
No more than three
Licensing
State (Children & Youth dept)
Statute
ORC Chapter 5104
Local layer
City/township zoning

Summary

Ohio law licenses in-home child care by size. A Type B family child care home cares for one to seven children at a time (no more than three under age two) in the provider's residence and must be licensed/certified by the state.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lorain County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"Type B family child care home" and "type B home" mean 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.

Full Breakdown

In-home child care in Lorain County is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5104. Section 5104.01 defines a Type B family child care home as the provider's permanent residence where care is provided for one to seven children at one time, with no more than three under two years of age. Larger operations are Type A homes. Providers must be licensed/certified through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and meet health, safety, and background-check rules. Local zoning also matters: Lorain permits child care located within a principal residential use, but check district-specific limits with the city or township zoning office before opening.

Violations & Fines

Operating an unlicensed home caring for more children than allowed, or without required background checks, violates ORC Chapter 5104 and can lead to state enforcement, penalties, and closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kids can a Type B home watch in Ohio?
One to seven children at one time, with no more than three of them under two years of age, per ORC 5104.01.
Do I need a license for home daycare?
Yes. Ohio requires family child care homes to be licensed/certified by the state, with health, safety, and background-check requirements under Chapter 5104.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lorain County

All Lorain County rules

Compare Lorain County to another location·View the Ohio home business overview

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