National City, CA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Section 18.30.070 of the National City Land Use Code (Title 18) implements state law on child care centers as defined by the California Health and Safety Code, with the stated aim of keeping centers compatible with surrounding uses. Day care centers are permitted as set forth in the Land Use Code's zoning division, subject to this section.

On location, child care facilities are encouraged near schools, trolley stops, major bus stops and employment centers. Every facility needs direct access to a public street with adequate access to a collector or arterial street system, and a new facility must be at least six hundred feet from an existing child day care center.

On operation, the applicant must obtain every license and permit that state law requires and keep them valid and current, and the center must meet every zoning standard applicable to the site. Indoor and outdoor play areas must satisfy state requirements. The outdoor play area must be adjacent to the center and reachable through the center itself, and it must be screened and enclosed by a natural barrier, wall or fence at least five feet high. Where the play area adjoins a single-family residential zone, the separating barrier must be of solid construction, and the design must reduce noise impacts on adjacent properties.

Parking cannot be placed in any required front yard setback, and an adequate on-site loading and unloading area must be reachable from the center without crossing driveways or streets. Children can be dropped off and picked up only on the site's driveway or parking area. A facility that takes access from an arterial street designated by the General Plan must provide a paved drop-off and pick-up area with on-site parking and maneuvering room so vehicles can leave without backing onto the arterial. The city engineer, fire marshal or building official can also impose additional conditions for safety and access, and those must be met. Child day care centers must comply with the city's noise regulations.