Racine County, WI Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning status
- Permitted use, by right
- Permit needed
- None beyond state license
- Governing state law
- Wis. Stat. § 48.65
- Applies in
- Unincorporated towns under county zoning
Summary
Licensed family day care homes are a permitted use in unincorporated Racine County wherever single-family or two-family homes are allowed: no conditional use permit needed, just state licensing.
In any district which allows single-family or two-family residences as a principal use, the following are permitted uses:
(1) Licensed community living arrangements which have a capacity for eight (8) or fewer persons, subject to the limitations set forth in W.S.A., § 59.97(15).
(2) Licensed family foster homes subject to the regulations set forth in W.S.A., § 48.62.
(3) Licensed family day care homes subject to the regulations set forth in W.S.A., § 48.65 and must meet W.S.A., § 91.01(1)(d). (Ord. No. 93-183, 1-11-94; Ord. No. 2015-90, 12-15-15)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Section 20-1019 lists licensed family day care homes among the permitted uses in any zoning district that allows single-family or two-family residences as a principal use, alongside licensed community living arrangements for eight or fewer people and licensed family foster homes. The county doesn't layer on its own capacity or spacing rules: the section ties the use directly to state licensing under Wis. Stat. § 48.65 and requires it to meet Wis. Stat. § 91.01(1)(d). This applies in unincorporated towns operating under the county zoning ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Running an unlicensed day care, or one that doesn't meet the state standards this section cross-references, isn't a permitted use and can draw zoning enforcement in addition to any state licensing action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a conditional use permit to run a home day care in unincorporated Racine County?
Does the county set its own day care capacity limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Racine County
Compare Racine County to another location·View the Wisconsin home business overview
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