Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do home daycare rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) and large family daycare homes (up to 14 children) are permitted by right in Mountain View residential zones under California H&S Code 1597.45.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale follows California state law allowing small family daycare (up to 8 children) by right in any residential zone. Large family daycare (9-14) is permitted with a use permit under SMC Chapter 19.70.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Small daycare capacity | Up to 8 children (licensed) | - |
| Large daycare capacity | Up to 14 children (licensed) | - |
| Zoning treatment | Residential use by right | - |
| State law | H&S Code 1597.40-1597.465 | - |
| Use permit required | No, preempted by state | - |
| Small Daycare | - | Up to 8 children by right |
| Large Daycare | - | 9-14 with use permit |
| State License | - | CDSS required |
| State Law | - | H and S Code 1597.40 |
| City Contact | - | (408) 730-7444 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need a Mountain View permit to run a home daycare?
No local use permit is required. You need a state license from California Community Care Licensing and must comply with building, fire, and noise codes.
Can my HOA ban a family daycare?
No. California law protects licensed family daycares from HOA bans, though reasonable rules on parking and noise may apply.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Do I need a Sunnyvale business license for a family daycare?
Yes, Sunnyvale requires a business license tax certificate for any home-based childcare in addition to the state CDSS license.
Can my HOA prohibit a family daycare?
No. California H and S Code 1597.40 prohibits HOAs and local governments from banning licensed small family daycare homes in single-family residences.
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