A home day care business is for the regular care, protection and supervision of individuals in the business owner's home for periods of less than 24 hours per day. These businesses must comply with state and city requirements, and the business use must remain incidental to the property’s primary residential use.

Starting your home day care
Lenexa offers two levels of allowable home day care. Both will require evidence that you are registered or licensed with the state.

Limited Home Day Care
If you plan to provide care for no more than six individuals, including your own children, you will need to apply for a Limited Home Day Care/Business License. City staff will review the application and issue the license. If you apply in person at City Hall, you will generally receive immediate approval, provided that you submit complete information, including a copy of the required state license or registration, and that you meet other minimal requirements.

General Home Day Care
If you plan to care for seven to 12 individuals, including your own children, you will need to complete a Special Use Permit General Home Day Care/Business License. This process requires that you submit the information as stated on the application for review by city staff, as well as a notification to surrounding property owners. A public hearing is required before the Planning Commission, with final decision determined by the Governing Body. The process regarding the public hearing is sent to the applicant once the application is submitted and the fee paid. If the Governing Body grants approval, staff will forward the business license portion of the application to Customer Service for processing. Due to the public hearing process of this application, the timeline for approval is typically 48 days. Home day care for more than 12 individuals is not permitted in a residential area.

The Lenexa Fire Department will inspect all homes that are to be used for day care. Contact the Fire Department at 913.888.6380 if you have questions about safety requirements.

See the Home Day Care Business brochure for additional details about the requirements and application process for both types of home day care permits.

Signs
A permitted home day care business is allowed one non-illuminated facade sign that is compatible in color with the house and is no more than one square foot in area. This sign must be mounted on or adjacent to the entrance to the home.

Fees
See the schedule of fees or contact City Hall.

Permit expiration
A Special Use Permit is temporary and is approved for a specified period of time. A business license must be renewed annually. If you make any changes to your business, including increasing the number of children to more than six or changing location within Lenexa, please contact City Hall.

For more information
For information about Limited Home Day Care, contact Lonnie Stafford at 913.477.7727. For information about a Special Use Permit, contact Lu Johnson at 913.477.7729. For code reference, see the Zoning District Regulations section of the Lenexa City Code.