| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with Individual town/city planning boards (NH has no county zoning); Manchester City Planning or local planning office — fee: Varies by municipality — no county-level zoning |
| Health permit authority | New Hampshire DCYF — Child Care Licensing Unit — 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: $50–$1,000 (Manchester); varies by town |
| Last verified | 2025 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Hillsborough County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Hillsborough 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 | Individual town/city planning boards (NH has no county zoning); Manchester City Planning |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with Individual town/city planning boards (NH has no county zoning); Manchester City Planning or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Varies by municipality — no county-level zoning |
| State preemption | RSA 170-E:5-a — licensed family day care not subject to more restrictive local regulation than other residential uses |
Health permit requirements in Hillsborough 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 | New Hampshire DCYF — Child Care Licensing Unit |
| Permit required? | Yes — DCYF child care facility license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-licensing and annual inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff qualifications, ratios per He-C 4002 et seq. |
State-level licensing only; local fire marshal and town health officer also inspect
Fire safety requirements in Hillsborough County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Hillsborough County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Manchester Fire Dept; local town fire depts |
| 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 Hillsborough County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Hillsborough County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | Individual town/city clerks — New Hampshire has no county-level business licensing |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | $50–$1,000 (Manchester); varies by town |
Verify whether Hillsborough County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Hillsborough County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Hillsborough County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in New Hampshire manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.