Aliso Viejo, CA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Section 15.22.180 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code applies to child day care centers and preschools in nonresidential districts, and it applies regardless of the number of children served by the facility. Five requirements follow.

First, all facilities must be operated in accordance with state and local health, safety, and other regulations, so state licensing and City of Aliso Viejo rules both bind the operator. Second, outdoor activities are limited to the hours between 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Third, the site must provide an on-site pick-up/drop-off area, and in addition either an on-site vehicle turnaround or separate vehicle entrance and exit points. Fourth, all signs, parking and outdoor lighting must comply with Chapters 15.34 and 15.38 AVMC and AVMC 15.22.110, respectively. Fifth, the facility must comply with the development standards of the district in which it is located, as set out in AVMC 15.10.030.

The zoning code's definitions describe a child day care center, nursery or preschool as a child day care facility used primarily for the provision of daytime care, training or education of children at a nonresidential location. The maximum number of children is determined by state licensing provisions and city use permit conditions. Rooms accessory to a church and used for religious education on not more than two days a week are not considered child day care centers.

Home-based care sits under a different section. Child day care homes in residential districts are governed by AVMC 15.14.160: small homes are permitted in the RL and RM districts without a discretionary permit and care for six or fewer children, while large homes in those districts need an administrative use permit approved by the planning director and care for seven to 12 children. A center in a commercial or business district does not use that path. Planning Services and Code Enforcement in the City of Aliso Viejo handle compliance.