Home Daycare: Moorpark vs Simi Valley
How do home daycare rules compare between Moorpark, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Moorpark and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Moorpark, 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 Moorpark rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
California state law permits small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) in residential zones as a matter of right. Simi Valley cannot prohibit small family daycare homes but may regulate large family daycare homes serving 9 to 14 children through a use permit process.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Moorpark | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Small Daycare | - | Up to 8 children, permitted by right |
| Large Daycare | - | 9-14 children, use permit required |
| State Licensing | - | Required for all daycare homes |
| HOA Restrictions | - | Cannot prohibit small daycare homes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Moorpark 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).
Simi Valley FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in Simi Valley?
Yes, small family daycare homes for up to 8 children are permitted by right in all residential zones under California law. You need a state license from Community Care Licensing.
Do I need a city permit for home daycare?
Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) do not need a city permit. Large family daycare homes (9-14 children) require a use permit from Community Development.
Can my HOA prohibit my home daycare?
No, California law prohibits HOAs from banning small family daycare homes in residential areas. Large daycare homes may be subject to additional HOA review.
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