| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Huntsville Planning and Zoning / Madison County Planning or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Alabama Dept of Human Resources (ADHR) — Child Care Services — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — required before opening; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Verify — may be city or county depending on location — fee: Contact required |
| Last verified | May 2026 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Madison County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Madison 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 | City of Huntsville Planning and Zoning / Madison County Planning |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Huntsville Planning and Zoning / Madison County Planning or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | No statewide preemption — local zoning applies to childcare centers |
Health permit requirements in Madison 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 | Alabama Dept of Human Resources (ADHR) — Child Care Services |
| Permit required? | Yes — state license required; no separate county health permit |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Annual state inspection; pre-opening inspection required |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff ratios, health and safety standards per ADHR regulations |
Alabama childcare licensing is administered at state level by ADHR
Fire safety requirements in Madison County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Madison County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Huntsville Fire & Rescue (city); Madison County EMA/Fire (unincorporated) |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — required before opening |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection |
| Key requirements | Exits, emergency lighting, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher certification, fire alarm system (where required) |
Business license requirements in Madison County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Madison County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City of Huntsville Revenue Dept — Business License (city); Madison County Revenue for unincorporated |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Contact required |
Verify whether Madison County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Madison County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Madison County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Alabama manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.