Salinas, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Sec. 120 sets the zoning framework for large family day care homes in Salinas. Subsection (a) requires a large family day care home permit, obtained from community planning and development through the Administrative Permits process (Article VI, Division 4), before anyone may operate the use. Subsection (c) lists the development regulations: the site must be the operator's principal residence, and the day care use must remain clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the property. If the operator temporarily converts a garage for day care activities, the conversion must comply with the Uniform Building Code or Uniform Housing Code, and a signed notice of restriction on temporary conversion of garage must be filed and recorded with the Monterey County recorder's office before a building permit issues for the conversion; the garage conversion is only valid for the life of the licensed day care and must revert to its original use within 45 days after the day care ends.

Homes on arterial streets, as shown on the general plan circulation element, must provide a drop-off and pickup area designed to keep vehicles from backing onto the street. Operators must also comply with all Salinas fire department health and safety requirements, and no on-site sign advertising the day care home is permitted. Subsection (d) adds operational standards requiring the facility to avoid adversely affecting adjoining residences or the character of the neighborhood, and to meet the noise, glare, and other performance standards of Sec. 180.