Family child care homes across the DC area
How many children can I care for at home? The rules differ at every jurisdiction line. Here is the short answer for each.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.
| Where | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | A child development home for up to 6 children is allowed by right in houses, flats and townhouses. 7 to 9 is allowed by right as an expanded home. Up to 12 needs BZA approval. OSSE licenses all of them. |
| Montgomery County, MD | Family day care for up to 12 people is a permitted use. The provider must live there and no more than 3 non-resident staff may be on site. The Maryland State Department of Education registers family child care homes. |
| Prince George's County, MD | Small family child care (up to 8 children) and large family child care (9 to 12) are permitted in residential zones. Both must be registered with the Maryland State Department of Education. |
| Alexandria, VA | A child or elder care home for one to five people (counting resident children under 12) is a permitted use, registered with the city. Larger homes need further city approval. |
| Arlington County, VA | A family day care home for up to 12 children is a by-right accessory use in residential districts. Parents must escort children to and from the home. A state license is also required. |
| Fairfax County, VA | By right you may care for up to 7 children (plus your own) in a single-family detached house, or 5 in a townhouse or apartment, with one non-resident helper. Up to 12 needs a BZA special permit. A state license or county permit is also required. |
Towns and cities inside these counties (for example, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Laurel, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church) have their own rules.