Arcadia, CA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Section 9104.02.080 of the Arcadia Municipal Code applies to new general day care facilities. Division 9 defines the use as establishments providing non-medical care for persons on a less than 24-hour basis, other than limited day care, and lists nursery schools, preschools, and day care facilities for children or adults licensed by the State of California. The definition adds that these establishments can be accessory to an industrial, commercial or institutional use where Division 2 allows. The standards apply in addition to requirements imposed by the California Department of Social Services and other regulatory agencies, with the Fire Department named as an example.

Licensing comes first. The operator must obtain and maintain a valid license from the California Department of Social Services under California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6. The application is then reviewed by the responsible Review Authority for compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 1597.46(a)(3) and the subsection. Approval is available only if the facility complies with the applicable sections of the Health and Safety Code, the subsection, all applicable City ordinances, and any regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshall.

Location is restricted: general day care uses are not permitted in Residential Zones. Site design carries two more requirements. Fences or walls must provide for safety with controlled points of entry. A facility on a through street classified as a collector or arterial street must provide a drop-off and pick-up area that does not require backing into the street.

Home-based care is a different category. Large and small family child day care homes have their own standards in Sections 9104.02.090 and 9104.02.100 and are not covered by this subsection.