Home Daycare: Fallbrook vs San Diego
How do home daycare rules compare between Fallbrook, CA and San Diego, CA?
Fallbrook and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Fallbrook, CA
San Diego County
Home daycare in unincorporated San Diego County is regulated by California Community Care Licensing. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) is allowed by right in residential zones under state law. Large family daycare (9–14 children) may require a use permit. All require state licensing.
View full Fallbrook rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Small family day care homes (up to 8 children) are permitted as an accessory use in residential zones in San Diego. Large family day care homes (9-14 children) require an Administrative Permit per the Land Development Code. The Director may grant the permit upon finding the daycare will not adversely affect neighborhood character. California state licensing through Community Care Licensing Division is also required.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fallbrook | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1–8 kids) | Allowed by right in residential zones | - |
| Large (9–14 kids) | May need county use permit | - |
| State License | Required from CCLD | CA Community Care Licensing Division required |
| State Law | H&S Code §1597.45 | - |
| Fire Clearance | Required from County Fire Authority | - |
| Small Daycare | - | Up to 8 children; permitted as accessory use |
| Large Daycare | - | 9-14 children; Administrative Permit required |
| Finding Required | - | No material detriment to neighborhood character |
| Zoning | - | Permitted in residential zones |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fallbrook FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in unincorporated San Diego County?
Yes. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) is permitted by right in all residential zones under state law. You must obtain a license from California Community Care Licensing Division.
Do I need a county permit for a large daycare?
Large family daycare homes (9-14 children) may require a use permit from the County. Contact County PDS to determine requirements for your specific zoning designation.
What licensing is required?
All family daycare operations require a license from the California Community Care Licensing Division. This involves background checks, facility inspections, fire clearance, and completion of required training.
San Diego FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home?
Small family daycares (up to 8 children) are allowed as accessory uses in residential zones. Larger operations (9-14 children) need an Administrative Permit from the City.
What licenses do I need?
Both a California Community Care License from the state and compliance with San Diego's zoning requirements. Large daycares also need a City Administrative Permit.
Compare other topics
See how Fallbrook and San Diego compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool