Sioux Falls, SD Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 26-6 sets the licensing and registration framework for child care: (1) 'Family day care home' — typically up to 12 children in the provider's home, requires registration with the SD Department of Social Services Child Care Services Division; (2) 'Group family child care home' — slightly larger, requires more rigorous licensing; (3) 'Child care center' — institutional, must be licensed and typically requires commercial zoning. Specific child counts and licensing thresholds are set by SDCL and the Department's administrative rules (ARSD Article 67:42); verify current numbers with SD DSS before opening. Sioux Falls's zoning code (Shape Sioux Falls 2040 / Title 160) treats compliant family child care homes as a permitted accessory use in most residential districts, recognizing that state law and federal Fair Housing Act considerations favor treating in-home child care as a residential use. Group child care centers and large facilities exceeding the family-care threshold require a conditional/special use permit or commercial zoning. State requirements for family child care typically include: background checks for the provider and all adult household members, minimum supervision ratios, immunization records for enrolled children, safe sleep practices for infants, fire/safety inspection compliance, indoor and outdoor space minimums, and provider training. Sioux Falls does not impose a separate city-level child care license, but does enforce its zoning, fire code (Title 50), and building code as applicable.