Los Angeles vs Santa Monica
How do home daycare rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Los Angeles and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Small family day care homes (up to 8 children) and large family day care homes (up to 14 children) are permitted in any dwelling unit without a zoning change per LAMC 12.22 A.3. State licensing through CA Community Care Licensing is required. Day care centers (15+ children) require a change of use permit from LADBS. Large family homes must have two exits and three detached sides.
View full Los Angeles rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Family daycare homes in Santa Monica are permitted under California state law. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) requires a state license. Large family daycare (9-14) may require local review. CA Community Care Licensing inspection required.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Small Home | Up to 8 children, no zoning change | - |
| Large Home | Up to 14 children, state license | - |
| Day Care Center | 15+ requires change of use permit | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 12.22 A.3 | - |
| Licensing | CA Community Care Licensing Dept | - |
| Small FDC | - | Up to 8 children, state license |
| Large FDC | - | 9-14 children, local review |
| Inspection | - | CCLD pre-licensing required |
| State License | - | CA Community Care Licensing |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
How many children can I care for in my home?
Small family daycares in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles may need a conditional use permit.
Santa Monica FAQ
How many children can I care for in my home?
Small family daycares in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica may need a conditional use permit.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and Santa Monica 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