Los Angeles, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Small home capacity
- Up to 8 children; state license only required
- Large home capacity
- Up to 14 children; state license + LAMC conditions
- Spacing (large homes)
- ≥ 300 feet between large day care homes
- Notice filing
- Notice of Intention to City Planning Dept.: no fee, no hearing
- Play equipment
- Must be located in rear yard only
- Loudspeakers
- No public address system on open portions of premises
Summary
Los Angeles allows family day care homes in any residential zone with a California state license; small homes for up to 8 children face minimal requirements, while large homes for up to 14 children must meet spacing, notice, and operational conditions.
3. Family Day Care Homes. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,085, Eff. 3/19/00.) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article to the contrary, and in all zones wherein residential uses are permitted by right the following shall apply: (a) Small Family Day Care Homes: Any dwelling unit may be used as a small family day care home, with up to eight children, as defined in Section 12.03, if it is licensed by the State of California as a small family day care home. (Amended by Ord. No. 176,545, Eff. 5/2/05.) (b) Large Family Day Care Homes: Any dwelling unit may be used as a large family day care home, with up to 14 children, as defined in Section 12.03, if it is licensed by the State of California as a large family day care home, and if it complies with the conditions set forth in Subparagraph (1) below. (1) Conditions. A large family day care home shall comply with the following conditions: (i) Provide drop-off facilities, such as curb spaces or driveway area, which are necessary to avoid interference with traffic and promote the safety of the children; (ii) Comply with any standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Subdivision (d) of Section 1597.46 of the California Health and Safety Code relating to large family day care homes; (iii) Comply with all provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Code relating to large family day care homes and dwelling units;
Full Breakdown
Under LAMC § 12.22 A.3, a small family day care home for up to 8 children needs only a valid state license. A large family day care home for up to 14 children also requires state licensing plus conditions: adequate drop-off facilities, state fire marshal safety compliance, no loudspeakers in open areas, maintenance of the residential exterior, no structural alterations to the floor plan, and at least 300-foot spacing from any other large day care home measured along the street. A Notice of Intention must be filed with City Planning with no fee and no hearing required. The Zoning Administrator may order modification or discontinuance if conditions are violated.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Administrator may require modification of operating conditions or order discontinuance of a large family day care home if it violates conditions, constitutes a public nuisance, or endangers public health or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate a home day care in an R1 zone?
What is the spacing requirement for large family day care homes?
Do I need to file paperwork with the city for a large day care?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle home daycare.