Glendale, CA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Toilets for day nurseries
- 1 per 10 children (Sec. 8.28.390)
- Classroom air space
- 250 cu ft per pupil minimum
- Rest-room floor area
- 30 sq ft per child minimum
- Classroom heating minimum
- 65 degrees Fahrenheit
- City permit required
- Written health permit, Sec. 8.28.020
- Permit term
- 12 months, renew 10 days prior
Summary
Glendale's Institutional Health Regulations set physical facility standards for licensed day nurseries and day care centers, including toilet ratios, classroom air space and daytime rest-room floor area, under Municipal Code Chapter 8.28. Facilities must also hold a city health permit and file proof of their state license before occupancy.
On each floor of every day nursery or day nursery school building, any part of which is used for the care of children between the ages of two years and four years and six months, there shall be provided one water closet for each ten children, or fractional part thereof, and one lavatory for each ten children or fractional part thereof. Toilets and lavatories should be of suitable height and size as to be reached easily by the children. Adjustable steps for young children shall be available. If children over four years and six months are cared for, separate toilet facilities for boys and girls shall be provided. (Prior code § 18-40)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4983441; v20 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
390 requires every floor of a day nursery or day nursery school caring for children age two through four and a half to provide one water closet and one lavatory for each ten children or fraction of ten, sized so children can reach them easily, with adjustable steps for young children; if children over four and a half are cared for, separate boys' and girls' toilet facilities are required. 430 requires rooms used for daytime rest periods to provide at least 30 square feet of floor area per child, beds or cots kept at least three feet apart, an eight-foot ceiling, and windows equal to at least one-eighth of the floor area with at least half openable.
330 requires at least 15 footcandles of illumination with no direct glare. 040 requires the operator to submit a photocopy of the facility's valid California license; if the state or Los Angeles County later denies, suspends or revokes that license, the city permit is automatically revoked under the same section. 030 sets a 12-month permit term with renewal applications due at least ten days before expiration or the permit lapses.
Violations & Fines
Operating a day nursery or similar facility without the Section 8.28.020 health permit, without current fire permits under Section 8.28.025, or with a lapsed state license under Section 8.28.040, is a code violation; failing to meet the toilet, classroom air-space or rest-room floor-area minimums in Sections 8.28.390, 8.28.320 and 8.28.430 is likewise a violation subject to code enforcement and permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Glendale require a separate city permit for a day care center besides the state license?
How many toilets does a Glendale day nursery need?
How much floor space does a Glendale childcare nap room need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
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