Childcare Center Permit

Step 1.Check for Specific Use Permit Requirements

New childcare centers must first check with the Planning Division at 972-237-8255 to see if a Specific Use Permit (SUP) is required.

Step 2.Review Requirements for Childcare Center Permit

View Licensed Childcare Inspection Program / Plan Review(PDF, 134KB)

Permit requirements for day care facilities include (but are not limited to):

• A license with the Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services, 214-583-4253 or 1-817-321-8604.
• The applicant is responsible for complying with Human Services Child Care Regulation Division Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers.
• The applicant is responsible for complying with Texas Department of Health’s Texas Food Establishment Rules.
• The applicant is responsible for complying with all zoning, building, fire and health ordinances of the City of Grand Prairie.
• Residential structures may not be permitted as a day care center.
• Outside play areas must be surrounded by a six (6) foot fence.
• The application requires an upload of a drawing or plot plan showing the dimensions of the lot, the location of existing or proposed structures. The drawing shall be in sufficient detail to indicate outside play areas, fencing, rooms within the structure that will be utilized for the facility’s square footage and for what specific purpose(s).

View Childcare (i.e. Day Care) Facility Guidelines(PDF, 180KB) for more information.

Step 3.Submit the following applications:

1. For a new childcare center and/or change of ownership, a Certificate of Occupancy must be submitted online to the Building Inspections Division.
2. For new construction or remodeling, a Commercial Building Permit Application must be submitted online to the Building Inspections Division in addition to the Certificate of Occupancy.
3. For a new childcare center and/or change of ownership, a Childcare Center (i.e. Daycare) Permit Application(PDF, 151KB) must be submitted in person to the Public Health and Environmental Quality Department at City Hall, 300 W. Main Street, 2nd floor. 

Call 972-237-8055 or email environmentalservices@GPTX.org with any questions about the Childcare Center Permit application process. 

What happens next?

After completing the application for a Childcare Center Permit, allow about 48 hours for processing applications. City staff will contact you once the application is received and reviewed with information on next steps.