National City, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Section 18.30.080 of the National City Land Use Code (Title 18) implements the California Health and Safety Code provisions on both large and small family day care homes. Family day care homes are permitted as set forth in the Land Use Code's zoning division, subject to this section.

The operating standards start with the residence test: the home must be the residence of the day care provider, and the day care must be clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the property for residential purposes. Hours of operation must be less than twenty-four hours a day. The home must comply with all municipal and state laws and regulations regarding single-family residences and day care homes, and it must be maintained to keep the appearance of a home consistent with the general character of the neighborhood.

Safety comes next. The provider must comply with the city fire department's health and safety regulations for day care homes and must keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector device in the home. All state licensing standards must be met, and the provider must keep state licenses and permits current. Noise must stay within the city's noise regulations.

Large family day care homes carry an added parking rule: at least one off-street parking space per employee of driving age who does not live in the home. The residential driveway approach can count, as long as it does not conflict with a required drop-off and pick-up area and does not block the public sidewalk or right-of-way. Indoor and outdoor play areas must satisfy state requirements, and the outdoor play area must be screened and enclosed by a natural barrier, wall or fence at least five feet high and designed to reduce noise impacts on adjacent properties.

Inside a mobile home park overlay zone (§ 18.29.060), small family day care homes are permitted subject to § 18.30.080, and large family day care homes need approval of a minor use permit and must comply with § 18.30.080.