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SetbackIQ

Family child care homes in 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.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Fairfax County before you build.

The details

  • The provider must live there. One non-resident helper, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.High confidence
  • Special permit: up to 12 children, more helpers or longer hours. The BZA reviews drop-off and parking.High confidence
  • No sign except yard signs, and no outside evidence beyond normal play equipment.High confidence

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SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.

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Common questions

How many children can I care for at home in Fairfax County?
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.

Sources

  1. Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance § 4102.7.I, home day care facility. Checked 2026-10-21
    Seven children when the facility is located in a single-family detached dwelling; Five children when the facility is located in a single-family attached, stacked townhouse, or multifamily dwelling... One nonresident person... The hours of the nonresident pe…

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.