---
title: "Local Permits for Small Family Child Care Homes in Shelby County"
id: "19519"
type: "page"
slug: "local-permits-for-small-family-child-care-homes-in-shelby-county"
published_at: "2026-05-12T23:27:34+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-06-10T18:16:33+00:00"
url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/tennessee/shelby/local-permits-for-small-family-child-care-homes-in-shelby-county/"
markdown_url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/tennessee/shelby/local-permits-for-small-family-child-care-homes-in-shelby-county.md"
excerpt: "Part of the Shelby County and Tennessee compliance guides. See Tennessee Small Family Child Care Home Requirements for state licensing standards, or Shelby County Local Requirements for all permit types. Shelby County (Small Family Child Care Home) — Local Permit..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
---

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# Shelby 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 Shelby County, Tennessee.

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

Shelby County (Small Family Child Care Home) — Local Permit Quick Reference

| 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 |

## 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

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

Varies by zone — confirm with City of Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development or local planning office Contact City of Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development 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 Shelby County?

Yes — DHS child care center license required Contact Tennessee DHS — Child Care Services, Child Care Licensing 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 Shelby County?

Yes — required before opening — a pre-opening fire inspection is required and is typically a prerequisite for your state childcare license. Contact Memphis Fire Services (city); Shelby County Rural Fire Dept to schedule.

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

Verify — may be city or county depending on location Contact City of Memphis Finance Division — Privilege License / Shelby County Clerk for current requirements and fees.

How does my Tennessee state childcare license relate to local permits in Shelby County?

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

Brightwheel helps small family child care homes in Tennessee 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 Tennessee providers](https://mybrightwheel.com/childcare-centers/)

**Also in this guide:** [Shelby County Childcare Center Requirements](/licensing-requirements/tennessee/shelby/local-permits-for-childcare-centers-in-shelby-county/)
, [Shelby County Large Family Child Care Home Requirements](/licensing-requirements/tennessee/shelby/local-permits-for-large-family-child-care-homes-in-shelby-county/)
, [Shelby County Preschool Requirements](/licensing-requirements/tennessee/shelby/local-permits-for-preschools-in-shelby-county/)

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