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Macomb County, MI Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Licensed by
State of Michigan (LARA/MiLEAP)
County role
None (no county license)
Family child care home
1–6 children
Group child care home
7–12 children
Zoning
Residential use; cannot be banned

Summary

In-home child care in Macomb County is licensed by the State of Michigan (LARA / MiLEAP), not the county. A family child care home covers 1–6 children and a group child care home 7–12; local zoning may add reasonable standards but cannot ban the use.

City-specific rules exist: Warren has its own home daycare rules that differ from Macomb County's county-level regulations. If you live in Warren, check the city-specific page instead.

Family child care home means a private home in which 1 but fewer than 7 minor children are received for care and supervision for compensation for periods of less than 24 hours a day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Anyone caring for unrelated children in their home in Macomb County must be licensed by the State of Michigan: the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), now under the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). Macomb County does not license daycare homes. A 'family child care home' covers 1 to 6 minor children, and a 'group child care home' covers 7 to 12 (MCL 722.111). Michigan treats a licensed family child care home as a residential use, so a city or township cannot zone it out, though reasonable standards may apply. Licensing requires background checks, safety and fire clearances, and training. Commercial child care centers are licensed separately and usually need local approval.

Violations & Fines

Caring for unrelated children in the home without a state license is illegal in Michigan and can result in license denial, cease-and-desist action, and penalties by the state licensing agency. The county does not license these homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Macomb County license my in-home daycare?
No. In-home child care is licensed by the State of Michigan (LARA Child Care Licensing, now under MiLEAP), not by Macomb County. You apply to the state, not the county.
How many children can I watch?
A family child care home covers 1–6 unrelated children and a group child care home 7–12, under MCL 722.111. More than 12 requires a child care center license instead.
Can my township ban a home daycare?
No. Michigan treats a licensed family child care home as a residential use, so a city or township cannot zone it out of residential districts, though it may apply reasonable, non-discriminatory standards.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Macomb County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSignage RulesHeavy RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesFew Restrictions

All Macomb County rules

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Home Daycare in Cities Across Macomb County

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