Home Daycare: Burbank vs Carson
How do home daycare rules compare between Burbank, CA and Carson, CA?
Burbank and Carson have similar restriction levels.
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 →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Family daycare homes in Carson are protected by California Health & Safety Code §1597.45, which classifies them as a residential use by right in all zones that allow residential use. Carson cannot require a use permit, charge a business license fee for operating the daycare, or impose zoning, building, or fire code standards more restrictive than those applying to other residences in the same district.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | CA SB 234 (2020) | - |
| Small Daycare | Up to 8 children | - |
| Large Daycare | Up to 14 children | - |
| Zoning Permit | Cannot be required by city | - |
| Business License | Cannot be required for daycare | - |
| State authority | - | Cal. HSC §1597.45 — residential use by right |
| Small family daycare | - | Up to 8 children (state cap) |
| Large family daycare | - | Up to 14 children (state cap) |
| Licensing | - | California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care Licensing Program |
| Local fee ban | - | No business license fee specific to operating the daycare |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Carson FAQ
Does Carson require a special use permit for a family daycare in my home?
No. State law (HSC §1597.45) prohibits Carson from requiring a use permit or imposing zoning standards stricter than those applied to any other residence in the same district.
Who licenses my family daycare?
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care Licensing Program, licenses small and large family daycare homes — Carson is served by a CDSS Regional Office covering LA County.
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