---
title: "Local Permits for Small Family Child Care Homes in Philadelphia County"
id: "19354"
type: "page"
slug: "local-permits-for-small-family-child-care-homes-in-philadelphia-county"
published_at: "2026-05-12T23:28:26+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-06-09T21:53:27+00:00"
url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/philadelphia/local-permits-for-small-family-child-care-homes-in-philadelphia-county/"
markdown_url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/philadelphia/local-permits-for-small-family-child-care-homes-in-philadelphia-county.md"
excerpt: "Part of the Philadelphia County and Pennsylvania compliance guides. See Pennsylvania Small Family Child Care Home Requirements for state licensing standards, or Philadelphia County Local Requirements for all permit types. Philadelphia County (Small Family Child Care Home) — Local Permit..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
---

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# Philadelphia County Small Family Child Care Home Requirements (2026)

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

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

Philadelphia County (Small 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: $300 one-time (Business Privilege License for family childcare) |
| Last verified | 2026 |

## Zoning requirements in Philadelphia County

Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Philadelphia 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 | Philadelphia Dept of Planning and Development — City Planning Commission |
| --- | --- |
| 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. |

Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county. Philadelphia has its own childcare licensing process through L&I in addition to state DHS. Providers need City of Philadelphia Child Care Facility License from L&I AND DHS Certificate of Compliance.

## Health permit requirements in Philadelphia 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 |

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia County

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

| Fire authority | Philadelphia Fire Dept — Fire Marshal Division |
| --- | --- |
| 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 Philadelphia County

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

| Licensing authority | Philadelphia Dept of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) |
| --- | --- |
| Required? | Yes — local municipality business license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | $300 one-time (Business Privilege License for family childcare) |

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

## Frequently asked questions: Philadelphia County childcare compliance

Does Philadelphia County require a Conditional Use Permit for small family child care homes?

Possibly — special exception or conditional use may be required Contact Philadelphia Dept of Planning and Development — City Planning Commission to confirm the requirement for your specific address and zone before signing a lease.

What health permit is required to operate a Small Family Child Care Home in Philadelphia 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 Small Family Child Care Home in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Fire Dept — Fire Marshal Division to schedule.

Do I need a business license to operate a Small Family Child Care Home in Philadelphia County?

Yes — local municipality business license required Contact Philadelphia Dept of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) for current requirements and fees.

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

Your Pennsylvania childcare license is issued by the state and covers program standards including staff ratios, background checks, and facility requirements. Local Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia County with brightwheel

Brightwheel helps small 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:** [Philadelphia County Childcare Center Requirements](/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/philadelphia/local-permits-for-childcare-centers-in-philadelphia-county/)
, [Philadelphia County Large Family Child Care Home Requirements](/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/philadelphia/local-permits-for-large-family-child-care-homes-in-philadelphia-county/)
, [Philadelphia County Preschool Requirements](/licensing-requirements/pennsylvania/philadelphia/local-permits-for-preschools-in-philadelphia-county/)

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