| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Tennessee DHS — Child Care Services, 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: $15 annual (minimal activity); varies for standard licenses |
| Last verified | 2025 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Shelby County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Shelby 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 | City of Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | TCA §13-7-303 — homes operated as family day care not subject to additional zoning requirements beyond residential use |
Health permit requirements in Shelby 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 | Tennessee DHS — Child Care Services, Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — DHS child care center license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-licensing and annual unannounced inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff-to-child ratios, background checks per Tenn. Comp. Rules & Regs. Chapter 1240-04-01 |
DHS administers statewide licensing; local fire marshal and county health dept also inspect
Fire safety requirements in Shelby County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Shelby County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Memphis Fire Services (city); Shelby County Rural 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 Shelby County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Shelby County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City of Memphis Finance Division — Privilege License / Shelby County Clerk |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | $15 annual (minimal activity); varies for standard licenses |
Verify whether Shelby County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Shelby County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Shelby County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Tennessee manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.