| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with El Paso County Land Use Dept or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Colorado Dept of Human Services — Office of Early Childhood (OEC) — 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: $110 (annual renewal) |
| Last verified | 2026 |
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 County Land Use Dept — Zoning / City of Colorado Springs Planning |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with El Paso County Land Use Dept or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | Limited — municipalities may regulate siting; state licensing governs operations |
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 | Colorado Dept of Human Services — Office of Early Childhood (OEC) |
| Permit required? | Yes — Colorado Child Care Facility license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-opening inspection; annual unannounced inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff-to-child ratios, training hours per 12 CCR 2509-8 |
State-issued license required; county/city may require additional building or health permits
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 | Colorado Springs Fire Dept (city); El Paso County SO / fire districts (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 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 | Colorado Springs City Clerk (city business license); El Paso County for unincorporated |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | $110 (annual renewal) |
Verify whether El Paso County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: El Paso County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in El Paso County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Colorado manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.