---
title: "Local Permits for Large Family Child Care Homes in Delaware County"
id: "19825"
type: "page"
slug: "local-permits-for-large-family-child-care-homes-in-delaware-county"
published_at: "2026-05-13T00:34:28+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-06-09T22:03:27+00:00"
url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/delaware/local-permits-for-large-family-child-care-homes-in-delaware-county/"
markdown_url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/delaware/local-permits-for-large-family-child-care-homes-in-delaware-county.md"
excerpt: "Part of the Delaware County and Pennsylvania compliance guides. See Pennsylvania Large Family Child Care Home Requirements for state licensing standards, or Delaware County Local Requirements for all permit types. Delaware County (Large Family Child Care Home) — Local Permit..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
---

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# Delaware County Large Family Child Care Home Requirements (2026)

## Local zoning, health permit, fire safety, and business license requirements for large family child care homes in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

**Part of the Delaware County and Pennsylvania compliance guides.** See [Pennsylvania Large Family Child Care Home Requirements](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-large-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/)
 for state licensing standards, or [Delaware County Local Requirements](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/delaware/)
 for all permit types.

Delaware County (Large Family Child Care Home) — Local Permit Quick Reference

| Zoning / CUP | Possibly — special exception or conditional use may be required — fee: Contact required |
| --- | --- |
| Health permit authority | Pennsylvania DHS — Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — fire inspection required for DHS license; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Yes — local municipality business license required — fee: Example: Chadds Ford $50 admin fee for building permit (2026) |
| Last verified | Township-specific |

## Zoning requirements in Delaware County

Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Delaware 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 | Municipality-level zoning (boroughs/townships in Delaware County — no county zoning ordinance) |
| --- | --- |
| Permitted zones | Varies by local municipality zoning ordinance; childcare centers generally permitted in commercial/institutional zones; residential zones may require special exception or variance |
| CUP required? | Possibly — special exception or conditional use may be required |
| CUP application | Apply or inquire here |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | No statewide preemption. Zoning is at municipality (borough, township, city) level — not county level. DHS requires Certificate of Occupancy and local zoning compliance. |

Delaware County (Philadelphia suburbs) — 49 municipalities; all zoning at borough/township level.

## Health permit requirements in Delaware 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 | Pennsylvania DHS — Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) |
| --- | --- |
| Permit required? | Yes — DHS Certificate of Compliance (childcare license) required statewide |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Annual renewal; DHS inspections + local building/fire inspections |
| Key requirements | Minimum standards per 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3270; Certificate of Occupancy required; local zoning compliance; staff background checks; training; group size and ratio requirements |

Delaware County served by PA DHS statewide licensing. DHS requires Certificate of Occupancy (showing childcare use) from local municipality before Certificate of Compliance issued.

## Fire safety requirements in Delaware County

Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Delaware County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.

| Fire authority | Local fire companies; PA State Fire Marshal |
| --- | --- |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — fire inspection required for DHS license |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection |
| Key requirements | PA State Fire Prevention Regulations (34 Pa. Code Ch. 403); local fire authority inspection required for DHS licensing; annual inspection |

## Business license requirements in Delaware County

A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Delaware County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.

| Licensing authority | Municipality business license |
| --- | --- |
| Required? | Yes — local municipality business license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Example: Chadds Ford $50 admin fee for building permit (2026) |

PA has no state business license. Childcare centers need license from borough/township/city where located. Delaware County: all zoning and licensing at municipality level.

## Frequently asked questions: Delaware County childcare compliance

Does Delaware County require a Conditional Use Permit for large family child care homes?

Possibly — special exception or conditional use may be required Contact Municipality-level zoning (boroughs/townships in Delaware County — no county zoning ordinance) to confirm the requirement for your specific address and zone before signing a lease.

What health permit is required to operate a Large Family Child Care Home in Delaware County?

Yes — DHS Certificate of Compliance (childcare license) required statewide Contact Pennsylvania DHS — Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) for current requirements, fees, and to schedule a pre-opening inspection.

What fire inspections are required before opening a Large Family Child Care Home in Delaware County?

Yes — fire inspection required for DHS license — a pre-opening fire inspection is required and is typically a prerequisite for your state childcare license. Contact Local fire companies; PA State Fire Marshal to schedule.

Do I need a business license to operate a Large Family Child Care Home in Delaware County?

Yes — local municipality business license required Contact Municipality business license for current requirements and fees.

How does my Pennsylvania state childcare license relate to local permits in Delaware County?

Your Pennsylvania childcare license is issued by the state and covers program standards including staff ratios, background checks, and facility requirements. Local Delaware County permits — including zoning/CUP, health permits, fire inspections, and business licenses — are separate requirements set by local authorities. Both the state license and applicable local permits are required to legally operate a childcare program.

### Stay compliant in Delaware County with brightwheel

Brightwheel helps large family child care homes in Pennsylvania manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed childcare program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records and billing.

**Digital attendance tracking**Satisfies CCDBG documentation requirements for subsidy-funded families

**Staff & compliance records**Keep training hours, background checks, and credentials organized

**Billing & subsidy management**Track subsidy family billing alongside private pay families

[See how brightwheel works for Pennsylvania providers](https://mybrightwheel.com/childcare-centers/)

**Also in this guide:** [Delaware County Childcare Center Requirements](/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/delaware/local-permits-for-childcare-centers-in-delaware-county/)
, [Delaware County Small Family Child Care Home Requirements](/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/delaware/local-permits-for-small-family-child-care-homes-in-delaware-county/)
, [Delaware County Preschool Requirements](/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/delaware/local-permits-for-preschools-in-delaware-county/)

**Disclaimer:** This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Childcare licensing and local permit requirements in Delaware County change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the applicable agency before making compliance decisions. Brightwheel is not responsible for errors or omissions.