Rockville, MD Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Rockville's Chapter 25 Zoning Ordinance explicitly excludes day care facilities from the definition of home-based business enterprises, meaning residential childcare operations require separate zoning approval. Family child care providers serving up to eight children must register with the Maryland Office of Child Care (Region 5, located at 51 Monroe Place, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850). Larger family child care homes serving nine or more children require a state license. Montgomery County zoning regulations classify child care centers serving 13-30 persons as a conditional use that may be permitted through the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings under Section 7.3.1. Before operating, providers must verify that their location's zoning permits child care use and obtain a current Use and Occupancy Certificate. Local government permits are required in addition to state registration or licensing. The facility must meet fire safety, building code, and health department standards. Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services Child Care Resource and Referral Center provides guidance on startup requirements for prospective providers in Rockville.