Home Daycare: Altadena vs Burbank
How do home daycare rules compare between Altadena, CA and Burbank, CA?
Altadena and Burbank have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Licensed family daycare homes in unincorporated LA County are protected by CA HSC 1597.40. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) requires no local use permit. Large family daycare (up to 14 children) requires state licensing. The county cannot ban licensed daycare in residential zones.
View full Altadena rules →Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Family child care homes are protected by CA SB 234 (effective 2020). Cities cannot require zoning permits, special spacing, or concentration limits for family daycare. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) and large family daycare (up to 14 children) are permitted in residential zones by right.
View full Burbank rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| Small Daycare | Up to 8 children, no local permit | Up to 8 children |
| Large Daycare | Up to 14 children, state license | Up to 14 children |
| State Preemption | HSC 1597.40 | - |
| Zoning | Cannot ban in residential zones | - |
| State Law | - | CA SB 234 (2020) |
| Zoning Permit | - | Cannot be required by city |
| Business License | - | Cannot be required for daycare |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can I run a daycare from home in unincorporated LA County?
Yes. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) is permitted in all residential zones by state law and cannot be prohibited by zoning or HOAs. You need a license from California Community Care Licensing.
Do I need a zoning permit for a home daycare?
Not for small family daycare (up to 8 children). Large family daycare (9-14 children) may require a use permit from the Department of Regional Planning depending on the zone. State licensing is separate.
Who licenses home daycares in LA County?
California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Contact the local regional office for unincorporated LA County at (323) 981-3400 for application information and requirements.
Burbank FAQ
How many children can I care for in my home?
Small family daycares in Burbank typically allow 6-8 children with a state license. Larger operations need additional permits.
Do I need a zoning permit for a home daycare?
Small daycares are often allowed by right in residential zones. Larger operations in Burbank may need a conditional use permit.
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