| Zoning / CUP | Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Texas HHSC — Child Care Regulation (CCR) — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — fire marshal approval required before HHSC permit; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Yes — city business license required (no state business license in TX) — fee: Food establishment permit $197-$625/year; no general city license |
| Last verified | FY 2026 (updated October 2025) |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Bexar County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Bexar 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 | San Antonio Planning & Zoning (for city); Bexar County has no zoning authority for unincorporated areas |
| CUP required? | Contact required |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | No statewide preemption of local zoning for childcare centers. Most TX counties lack county-level zoning authority; cities/municipalities zone. |
Most of Bexar County’s unincorporated area has NO county-level zoning (TX counties generally lack zoning authority). Cities within the county (San Antonio (covers most of county)) zone independently. Providers must check city zoning — not county.
Health permit requirements in Bexar 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 | Texas HHSC — Child Care Regulation (CCR) |
| Permit required? | Yes — HHSC CCR permit required statewide |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Annual renewal; periodic unannounced inspections |
| Key requirements | Minimum standards per 26 TAC §746; background checks; director qualifications; staff training; fire marshal approval; zoning compliance |
HHSC CCR is sole licensing authority statewide. No county-level childcare permit. HHSC requires fire marshal approval and local zoning compliance before permit issued.
Fire safety requirements in Bexar County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Bexar County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Bexar County Fire Marshal (unincorporated); San Antonio Fire Dept for City of SA |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — fire marshal approval required before HHSC permit |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual inspection |
| Key requirements | Texas Fire Code (2021 IFC w/ TX amendments); fire marshal approval required before HHSC permit; annual inspection |
Business license requirements in Bexar County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Bexar County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector (for county appraisal); city business license from applicable city |
| Required? | Yes — city business license required (no state business license in TX) |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Food establishment permit $197-$625/year; no general city license |
Texas has no state business license. Childcare centers need city business license from the city where located. San Antonio and other cities in Bexar County each have own requirements.
Frequently asked questions: Bexar County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Bexar County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Texas manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.