Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do home daycare rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario follows California law classifying small and large family daycare homes as residential uses. State statutes preempt most local zoning, but fire clearance and basic home-occupation registration still apply.
View full Ontario rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino family child care homes are protected by CA Health and Safety Code 1597.40. Licensed small homes up to 8 children and large homes up to 14 are a residential use by right citywide.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Small home capacity | Up to 8 children | - |
| Large home capacity | Up to 14 children | - |
| State license | Required from DSS | - |
| Local zoning | Residential use by right | - |
| Fire clearance | Required for large homes | - |
| State Preemption | - | CA H and S Code 1597.40 |
| Small Home Capacity | - | Up to 8 children |
| Large Home Capacity | - | Up to 14 children |
| Licensing Agency | - | CA Community Care Licensing |
| City Contact | - | (909) 384-5122 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can Ontario ban family daycare in my neighborhood?
No. California state law preempts local bans and treats family daycare homes as residential uses by right in all residential zones.
Do I need a business license from Ontario?
A basic home occupation registration applies, but the city cannot impose daycare-specific restrictions beyond what state law allows.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need a San Bernardino use permit to run a home daycare?
No. California Health and Safety Code 1597.45 treats licensed family child care as a residential use by right. The city cannot require a conditional use permit. You still need a state license and a fire clearance.
Can my neighbors stop me from opening a family child care?
Neighbors can file complaints about noise or parking, but objections solely about the daycare use are preempted by state law. Keep children under the licensed cap and observe quiet hours to avoid valid nuisance claims.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
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