Home Daycare: Fullerton vs Huntington Beach
How do home daycare rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Huntington Beach, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Huntington Beach.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Home daycare operations in Fullerton are regulated primarily by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division. Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are permitted as a matter of right in all residential zones under California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.45. Large family daycare homes (9-14 children) require a large family daycare permit. Cities may not prohibit small family daycares in residential zones.
View full Fullerton rules →Huntington Beach, CA
Orange County
Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are permitted by right in all residential zones under California HSC Section 1597.45. Large family daycares (9-14 children) require a city use permit. State licensing from CDSS is required.
View full Huntington Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Small Daycare | Up to 8 children — permitted in all residential zones | - |
| Large Daycare | 9-14 children — may require city use permit | - |
| State License | Required from CDSS Community Care Licensing | CDSS required |
| HOA Protection | HOAs cannot prohibit small family daycares | - |
| Licensing | CDSS Community Care Licensing (657) 258-4700 | - |
| Small (1-8) | - | Permitted by right |
| Large (9-14) | - | Use permit required |
| State Law | - | HSC §1597.45 |
| Business License | - | Required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in Fullerton?
Yes. Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are permitted as a matter of right in all residential zones under California law. You need a license from the CDSS Community Care Licensing Division and a Fullerton business license. No city zoning permit is required for small family daycares.
Can my HOA prevent me from running a home daycare?
No. California law prohibits HOAs from banning small family daycare homes. HOAs may impose reasonable rules (such as requiring notification) but may not effectively prevent the use.
What's the difference between small and large family daycare?
Small family daycare homes serve up to 8 children and are permitted by right in residential zones. Large family daycare homes serve 9-14 children and may require a conditional use permit or administrative review from the city to evaluate neighborhood compatibility.
Huntington Beach FAQ
Can I run a home daycare in Huntington Beach?
Yes. Small daycares (up to 8 children) are permitted by right. Large daycares (9-14) need a city use permit.
What licenses do I need?
A state license from CDSS and a city business license are required for all home daycare operations.
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