Lubbock, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- State Agency
- Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation
- Listed Home
- Up to 3 unrelated children
- Registered Home
- Up to 12 children total
- Zoning
- Permitted as home occupation
- Background Checks
- All adults in household
Summary
Lubbock allows registered family home child care in residential zones under Texas HHSC rules. State registration or licensing applies based on child count.
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: ... (10) a family home, whether registered or listed; ... Sec. 42.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: ... (9) "Family home" means a home that provides regular care in the caretaker's own residence for not more than six children under 14 years of age, excluding children who are related to the caretaker, and that provides care after school hours for not more than six additional elementary school children, but the total number of children, including children who are related to the caretaker, does not exceed 12 at any given time.
Full Breakdown
Family home child care in Lubbock is governed primarily by state law under Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42 and 26 TAC Chapter 745, administered by Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation. Listed family homes care for up to 3 unrelated children. Registered child-care homes may care for up to 6 children under 14 plus up to 6 school-age children part-time, capped at 12 total. Licensed child-care homes require more training and inspections. Lubbock Zoning Ordinance permits family home child care as an accessory home occupation in single-family districts provided the operator resides on-site and the use remains incidental to the residence. Fire inspections from Lubbock Fire Marshal are required for licensed homes. Operators must maintain state background checks on all household members over 14.
Violations & Fines
Operating without state registration: HHSC administrative penalties up to 1000 dollars per day. Zoning violations: Lubbock Code Enforcement citations starting at 200 dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Lubbock business license for in-home daycare?
Can I watch my neighbors kids without registering?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lubbock
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Lubbock to another location·View the Texas home business overview
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