| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Reno Planning and Development Dept / Washoe County Community Services or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Nevada DCFS — Child Care Licensing — 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: Calculated by gross receipts/square footage; no fixed fee |
| Last verified | 2025 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Washoe County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Washoe 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 Reno Planning and Development Dept / Washoe County Community Services |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Reno Planning and Development Dept / Washoe County Community Services or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | NRS §278.022 — family day care homes (6 or fewer children) cannot be prohibited by county/city zoning |
Health permit requirements in Washoe 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 | Nevada DCFS — Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — DCFS child care facility license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-licensing and annual unannounced inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff-to-child ratios, health and safety per NAC Chapter 432A |
DCFS administers statewide licensing; county/city health depts issue food service permits
Fire safety requirements in Washoe County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Washoe County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Reno Fire Dept (city); Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (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 Washoe County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Washoe County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City of Reno Business License / Washoe County for unincorporated |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Calculated by gross receipts/square footage; no fixed fee |
Verify whether Washoe County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Washoe County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Washoe County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Nevada manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.