Philadelphia County family child care homes (4-6 children) require PA DHS certification under 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3290. Family daycare is permitted in residential zones as a home occupation under Phila. Zoning Code §14-603(13) with registration and fire inspection.
Philadelphia permits family child care homes in RSA residential districts as an accessory use when operated by the resident. Homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children require Pennsylvania DHS registration; group homes (7-12) require full certification. Operators must obtain a Philadelphia Commercial Activity License and pass L&I fire/life safety inspection. Outdoor play area required. Drop-off traffic cannot disrupt neighborhood.
Operating without DHS certification: up to 500 dollars per day plus facility closure. Zoning violation: 300-2000 dollars and cease and desist.
See how Philadelphia County's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
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