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

Under the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (Health and Safety Code sections 1597.40 et seq.), a licensed family day care home is deemed a residential use of property for zoning purposes. A small family day care home (generally up to 8 children) must be treated like any other single-family residence, and local governments cannot require a use permit, special zoning clearance, or business license solely because the home is used for licensed family child care. Large family day care homes (generally up to 14 children) are also broadly protected; under current state law amendments, they too are treated as a residential use and cannot be subjected to special zoning restrictions that do not apply to other residences. This state preemption overrides any conflicting provision in Lassen County's Title 18 zoning code, so a licensed provider in a residential district does not need a county home-occupation use permit just to operate the day care. The primary requirement is a state license from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Providers must still meet building, fire, and safety standards tied to licensing, and Lassen County retains authority over standard spacing, fire-safety, and building-code matters that apply to all residences. Providers should confirm licensing requirements with the state and any building/fire requirements with the County.