Citrus Heights, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Small Family Daycare
- Up to 8 children, by-right
- Large Family Daycare
- 9-14 children, permitted
- State Law
- HSC §1597.40-1597.46
- Licensing
- CDSS required
- HOA Bans
- Void under state law
Summary
Citrus Heights permits small and large family daycare homes as a matter of right in residential zones under California Health & Safety Code §1597.40-1597.46, which preempts local zoning restrictions. State licensing through CDSS Community Care Licensing is required for all family daycares serving non-relative children.
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that family daycare homes for children should be situated in normal residential surroundings so as to give children the home environment that is conducive to healthy and safe development. It is the public policy of this state to provide children in a family daycare home the same home environment as provided in a traditional home setting. (b) The Legislature declares this policy to be of statewide concern with the purpose of occupying the field. This act, the state building code, and the fire code, and regulations promulgated pursuant to those provisions, shall preempt local laws, regulations, and rules governing the use and occupancy of family daycare homes. Local laws, regulations, or rules shall not directly or indirectly prohibit or restrict the use of a facility as a family daycare home, including, but not limited to, precluding the operation of a family daycare home.
Full Breakdown
Under California Health & Safety Code §1597.40, small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) must be treated as residential uses in all residential zones and cannot be subjected to conditional use permits or business license fees beyond those applied to any home. Large family daycares (9-14 children) may be regulated by the city but must be permitted in residential zones, typically through a ministerial permit or notice-only process. Citrus Heights Municipal Code follows this state framework and does not impose additional use restrictions on licensed family daycare homes. Operators must obtain a state Family Child Care Home License from CDSS, carry required liability insurance or post a bond, and comply with fire and health inspections. Large family daycares typically must provide adequate off-street parking for drop-off/pick-up and a safe outdoor play area. HOA restrictions on family daycares are void under HSC §1597.40(c).
Violations & Fines
Operating unlicensed daycare: state enforcement with fines up to $200/day per CDSS. Zoning violations for unlicensed facilities exceeding occupancy limits: citation under Citrus Heights Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA prohibit me from running a family daycare?
Do I need a conditional use permit in Citrus Heights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus Heights
California rules heatmap·Compare Citrus Heights to another location·View the California home business overview
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle home daycare.