| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with Salt Lake City Planning Division / Salt Lake County Planning and Development Services or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Utah 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: Contact required |
| Last verified | FY 2026 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Salt Lake County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Salt Lake 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 | Salt Lake City Planning Division / Salt Lake County Planning and Development Services |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with Salt Lake City Planning Division / Salt Lake County Planning and Development Services or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | Utah Code §10-9a-403 — licensed family day care homes (8 or fewer) permitted in all zoning classifications |
Health permit requirements in Salt Lake 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 | Utah DCFS — Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — DCFS child care program license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-licensing and annual inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff ratios, health and safety per Utah Admin. Code R430 |
DCFS administers statewide licensing; county fire marshal and environmental health dept also inspect
Fire safety requirements in Salt Lake County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Salt Lake County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Salt Lake City Fire Dept — Fire Marshal’s Office; Salt Lake County Fire Dept |
| 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 Salt Lake County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Salt Lake County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | Salt Lake City Business Licensing; Salt Lake County Clerk for unincorporated |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Contact required |
Verify whether Salt Lake County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Salt Lake County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Salt Lake County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Utah manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.