Reedley, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.45 declares that the use of a home as a small or large family daycare home shall be considered a residential use of property and a use by right for purposes of all local ordinances, including zoning. This means Reedley cannot prohibit family daycare operations in residential zones. Small family daycare homes may care for up to 6 children (up to 8 if four specific conditions are met), operated by one adult provider living in the home with an optional assistant. Large family daycare homes serve 7 to 14 children, including the provider's own children under 10. Small family daycare homes are subject to fire safety requirements including a fire extinguisher and smoke detector, but are exempt from more extensive fire code provisions. Large family daycare homes may be subject to additional local conditions, but cities cannot impose requirements that effectively prohibit the use. Licensing is handled by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division, not by the City of Reedley. Local business license requirements may still apply.