Chico, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Non-discretionary, by Director
- Spacing rule
- 300 ft from another large day care
- Safety gear
- Fire extinguisher & smoke detector required
- Hours cap
- 14 hrs/day, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Summary
Chico issues a non-discretionary permit for large family day care homes (state-licensed, 9-14 children) and bars siting one within 300 feet of another under Municipal Code § 19.76.060.
This section establishes standards for large family day care homes in compliance with State law, including the limitations on the City's authority to regulate these facilities. ... A large family day care home shall require the approval of a non-discretionary large family day care home permit by the Director. ... No large family day care home shall be located within 300 feet of another.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Large family day care homes are a state-licensed use that Chico regulates through a non-discretionary permit under § 19.76.060: the Director must approve it once the site meets the section's siting and operating standards. Homes must sit at least 300 feet from another large family day care, provide extra parking where street parking is tight, install a fire extinguisher and smoke detector, and cap operation at 14 hours a day between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., with outdoor activity limited to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Smaller family day cares fall outside this permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required permit, or violating its siting, parking, or hours standards, exposes the operator to code enforcement action and possible permit denial or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico require a permit for a home daycare?
How close can two large family day cares be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California home business overview
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