Springfield, MO Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Family day care home size
- Up to 6 children
- Permitted districts
- R-1–R-4, O, C-1–C-3
- Nonconforming zones
- M-1, M-2 (legal nonconforming only)
- Permit required
- Sec. 36-1133 child day care permit
Summary
Springfield's Land Development Code allows a family day care home for up to six children as a permitted use, no special exception, in R-1 through R-4, O, and C-1 through C-3 zoning districts, plus qualifying nonconforming homes in M-1/M-2.
(a)Zoning. Family day care homes shall be permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, O, C-1, C-2, and C-3 zoning districts provided the requirements of this article are otherwise satisfied. Family day care homes shall be permitted in legal nonconforming residential structures located in M-1 and M-2 zoning districts provided the requirements of this article are otherwise satisfied.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Springfield's Land Development Code, Chapter 36 Article XI, Division 3, treats a family day care home, up to six children cared for in the provider's own residence, as a permitted zoning use, not a special exception. Sec. 36-1114(a) lists R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, O, C-1, C-2, and C-3 as outright-permitted districts, plus legal nonconforming residential structures in M-1/M-2 manufacturing zones. Operators still need a child day care permit under Sec. 36-1133, off-street parking for staff, and a fenced play yard under Sec. 36-1116. Group day care homes (7-10 children) face a narrower permitted-district list.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid child day care permit (Sec. 36-1133) or otherwise violating Article XI draws a fine under Sec. 36-1138: at least $50 first offense, $100 second, $300 third, $500 every offense after, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a home daycare in Springfield, MO?
Which zoning districts allow a family day care home in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
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