Glenn County, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Family day care homes in unincorporated Glenn County are governed primarily by California state law - the California Child Day Care Facilities Act, Health & Safety Code 1597.30 through 1597.621 - which strongly preempts local zoning. State law provides that 'the use of a home as a small or large family day care home shall be considered a residential use of property and a use by right' for purposes of all local ordinances, including zoning. The County's own zoning tables reflect this; for example, residential zones list 'small family home, family care home' uses (caring for up to six, expandable to eight) as permitted. A 'small family day care home' (up to 8 children) must be treated as a permitted residential use in any residential zone. For a 'large family day care home' (up to 14 children), the County may not prohibit it on lots zoned for single-family dwellings but must either classify it as a permitted use or apply a non-discretionary permit with limited standards (spacing, traffic, noise, parking) identical to those for other homes. Local health, safety, and building standards must be the same as for other residences in that zone, and the County cannot impose a business license, fee, or tax for the privilege of operating a family day care home. Licensing of the provider is handled by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Operators should confirm with the Planning Division only to verify residential-zone status and any allowed large-family standards.