Dublin, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Family daycare homes are governed by California state law that overrides local zoning. The California Child Day Care Facilities Act and SB-234 (the Keeping Kids Close to Home Act, effective January 1, 2020) provide that use of a home as a small or large family daycare home is a residential use of property and a use by right for purposes of all local ordinances, including zoning. As a result, Dublin cannot require a conditional use permit, a zoning clearance, or a business license/fee/tax for a family daycare home, and the use does not constitute a change of occupancy for building-code purposes. A small family daycare home may care for up to 8 children and a large family daycare home for up to 14 children (including the provider's own children, within state ratios). Licensing, capacity, staffing, and health-and-safety standards are administered by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations - not by the City. Providers must still meet building, fire, and safety standards that apply to the licensed family daycare category under state law.