Chico, CA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Required equipment
- Fire extinguisher, smoke detectors
- City inspection
- Housing Code compliance
- Home spacing
- 300 feet apart
- State license
- CA Dept. of Social Services
Summary
Chico requires large family day care homes to have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and pass a City inspection for Housing Code and Fire Marshal compliance.
This section establishes standards for large family day care homes in compliance with State law... Licensing by the Department of Social Services is required for all large family day care homes. ... The home shall contain a fire extinguisher and smoke detector devices and comply with all standards established by the City Fire Department. ... Each home shall be inspected by the City for compliance with the Uniform Housing Code and any regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal which are applicable to large family day care homes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code § 19.76.060 sets local safety and siting standards for large family day care homes, which the State Department of Social Services must also license. The City issues a non-discretionary permit if the home meets these standards, including a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors that satisfy Fire Department requirements, a City inspection for Uniform Housing Code and State Fire Marshal compliance, and a 300-foot buffer from another large family day care home. Commercial 'child/adult day care centers,' as opposed to in-home care, instead need a discretionary Use Permit in every Chico commercial zone under Table 4-6 (§ 19.44.020).
Violations & Fines
Operating a large family day care home without the City's non-discretionary permit or the required State Department of Social Services license is a code violation subject to permit denial or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home day care need a permit in Chico?
What safety equipment must a Chico day care home have?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
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