| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Madison Planning Division / Dane County Planning and Development or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Wisconsin DCF — Licensing Section, 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: Varies by City of Madison or county; check municipality |
| Last verified | 2025 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Dane County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Dane 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 Madison Planning Division / Dane County Planning and Development |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Madison Planning Division / Dane County Planning and Development or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | Wis. Stat. §66.1015 — licensed family day care homes (8 or fewer children) not prohibited by local zoning |
Health permit requirements in Dane 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 | Wisconsin DCF — Licensing Section, Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — DCF 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 ratios, background checks per Wis. Admin. Code DCF 250/251/252 |
DCF administers statewide licensing; county/city fire marshal and health dept also inspect
Fire safety requirements in Dane County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Dane County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Madison Fire Dept — Fire Prevention Unit |
| 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 Dane County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Dane County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City of Madison Finance Dept — Business Registration |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Varies by City of Madison or county; check municipality |
Verify whether Dane County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Dane County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Dane County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Wisconsin manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.