| Zoning / CUP | Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Texas HHSC — Child Care Regulation (CCR) — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — fire marshal approval required before HHSC permit; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Yes — city business license required (no state business license in TX) — fee: No general business license; home occupation permit required; fees vary by type |
| Last verified | FY 2025-26 (effective Oct 1, 2025) |
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Zoning requirements in Travis County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Travis County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.
| Zoning authority | Austin Planning & Zoning (for city); Travis County has no zoning authority for unincorporated areas |
| CUP required? | Contact required |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | No statewide preemption of local zoning for childcare centers. Most TX counties lack county-level zoning authority; cities/municipalities zone. |
Most of Travis County’s unincorporated area has NO county-level zoning (TX counties generally lack zoning authority). Cities within the county (Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Lakeway) zone independently. Providers must check city zoning — not county.
Health permit requirements in Travis County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | Texas HHSC — Child Care Regulation (CCR) |
| Permit required? | Yes — HHSC CCR permit required statewide |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Annual renewal; periodic unannounced inspections |
| Key requirements | Minimum standards per 26 TAC §746; background checks; director qualifications; staff training; fire marshal approval; zoning compliance |
HHSC CCR is sole licensing authority statewide. No county-level childcare permit. HHSC requires fire marshal approval and local zoning compliance before permit issued.
Fire safety requirements in Travis County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Travis County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Travis County Fire Marshal (unincorporated) |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — fire marshal approval required before HHSC permit |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual inspection |
| Key requirements | Texas Fire Code (2021 IFC w/ TX amendments); fire marshal approval required before HHSC permit; annual inspection |
Business license requirements in Travis County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Travis County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector (for county appraisal); city business license from applicable city |
| Required? | Yes — city business license required (no state business license in TX) |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | No general business license; home occupation permit required; fees vary by type |
Texas has no state business license. Childcare centers need city business license from the city where located. Austin and other cities in Travis County each have own requirements.
Frequently asked questions: Travis County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Travis County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Texas manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.