Home Daycare: Camarillo vs Ojai
How do home daycare rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Ojai, CA?
Camarillo and Ojai have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
California state law (Health & Safety Code §§1597.40–1597.46) preempts most local restrictions on small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family child-care homes, treating them as a residential use by right. Camarillo accommodates these under CMC Title 19; operators must hold a State Community Care Licensing license and a City business tax certificate.
View full Camarillo rules →Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Family daycare homes in unincorporated Ventura County are treated as a residential use by right under California law (Health and Safety Code Sec. 1597.45). The Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance defines a family daycare home as a state-licensed home caring for 14 or fewer children and lists the use as exempt in residential zones, so no conditional use permit is required.
View full Ojai rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Ojai |
|---|---|---|
| Small Family Daycare | Up to 8 children, by right | - |
| Large Family Daycare | 9–14 children, ministerial review | - |
| State License | Required (CDSS CCLD) | - |
| City Business Tax | Required | - |
| State preemption | - | Residential use by right (HSC Sec. 1597.45) |
| County zoning treatment | - | Exempt use in residential zones (NCZO) |
| Capacity (NCZO definition) | - | 14 or fewer children |
| Local CUP required | - | No conditional use permit |
| Business tax/fee | - | Local jurisdiction may not impose for daycare |
| State license | - | Required from CA Community Care Licensing |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my Camarillo home?
Yes — California state law permits small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) by right in any residential zone and requires Camarillo to allow large family daycare (9–14 children) with at most ministerial review. You will still need a state license and a City business tax certificate.
Ojai FAQ
Do I need a county permit to run a family daycare at home?
No conditional use permit is required. Under HSC Sec. 1597.45 a family daycare home is a residential use by right, and the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance lists it as exempt in residential zones. You do need a state license from California Community Care Licensing.
How many children can a family daycare home serve here?
The Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance defines a Family Day Care Home as a state-licensed home serving 14 or fewer children, including resident children under age ten. The exact capacity is set by your state license category (small or large).
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