San Antonio, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- City Authority
- San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD)
- State License
- TX Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
- Zoning
- Permitted accessory use in residential zones per UDC
- Inspections
- SAMHD conducts facility inspections
- Contact
- sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SAMHD
Summary
Home daycare operations in San Antonio are regulated by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) and must comply with state licensing through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The UDC allows small home-based daycare as a permitted accessory use in residential zones. SAMHD conducts inspections and requires compliance with health and safety standards. Fees apply for child care facility inspections.
hree or more days a week.(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. The term does not include a home that provides care exclusively for any number of children who are related to the caretaker.(10) "Cottage family home" means a family residential setting with one or more homes operating under the license of a cottage home operation and in whic
Full Breakdown
San Antonio permits home-based childcare subject to state licensing requirements and local zoning. Large family daycares (up to 12-14 children) may require a conditional use permit. Requirements typically include background checks, CPR/first aid certification, minimum square footage per child, outdoor play area, fire safety inspection, and liability insurance. Pickup and drop-off traffic must not create neighborhood disruption. State licensing agencies conduct regular inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my home in San Antonio?
What inspections are required for home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas home business overview
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle home daycare.