| 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: Varies widely — call for details |
| Last verified | FY 2026 (effective September 1, 2025) |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in El Paso County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in El Paso 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 | El Paso Planning & Zoning (for city); El Paso 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 El Paso County’s unincorporated area has NO county-level zoning (TX counties generally lack zoning authority). Cities within the county (El Paso (city covers nearly all county)) zone independently. Providers must check city zoning — not county.
Health permit requirements in El Paso 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 El Paso County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in El Paso County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | El Paso Fire Department |
| 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 El Paso County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in El Paso County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | El Paso 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 | Varies widely — call for details |
Texas has no state business license. Childcare centers need city business license from the city where located. El Paso and other cities in El Paso County each have own requirements.
Frequently asked questions: El Paso County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in El Paso 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.