San Bernardino, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Under California Health and Safety Code 1597.40 through 1597.47, a licensed family child care home operating in a provider residence is treated as a residential use. San Bernardino cannot require a conditional use permit, business license fee beyond what ordinary home businesses pay, or neighborhood notice solely because the home provides child care. Small family child care serves up to 8 children and large family child care serves up to 14 children, each licensed by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division. The San Bernardino Fire Department must perform a pre-licensing inspection that verifies smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, a fire extinguisher, two exits, and a posted evacuation plan. Providers must keep an approved outdoor play area, typically 75 square feet per child outdoors and 35 square feet indoors. Parking impacts are handled through staggered drop-off windows rather than off-street parking mandates, because state law forbids requiring additional parking for family child care. The San Bernardino Municipal Code still requires the home to comply with general building safety and noise standards, and any structural changes or accessory buildings used for care require city permits through the Community and Economic Development Department at 909-384-5122. Zoning complaints are screened through Code Enforcement but dismissed if the home holds a valid state license.