Tennessee DHS licenses home-based childcare at four tiers. Nashville zoning permits Family Home (up to 7 children) in all R-zones; Group Home (up to 12) requires special permit. Metro §17.16.030.
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) licenses home childcare under four classifications per TN Rule 1240-04-01: Family Child Care Home (up to 7 children including operator's own under age 9), Group Child Care Home (8-12 children, two caregivers), Child Care Center (13+), and Drop-In. Metro Nashville Zoning Code §17.16.030 allows Family Child Care Home as an accessory use in all residential districts by right. Group Child Care Home requires a Use Permit from the Metro Zoning Administrator with neighbor notice. Requirements include TDHS background checks (including TBI and FBI), CPR and first aid certification, 30 sq ft indoor play space per child, fenced outdoor play area, working smoke detectors, and annual fire marshal inspection. Metro-Nashville Fire Marshal inspections required for Group Homes. Liability insurance required by TDHS.
Unlicensed operation: TDHS cease and desist, $50-$500 per day civil penalty under TN §71-3-522. Zoning violations: Metro fines up to $50/day. Serious safety violations: license suspension and DCS referral.
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