San Diego, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Large home max
- 12, or 13-14 children
- Small home max
- 6, or 7-8 children
- Zoning status
- limited use, no CUP needed
- License required
- valid state child care license
- Governing section
- SDMC § 141.0606(b)
Summary
San Diego treats small and large family child care homes as a limited zoning use under SDMC §141.0606, capping capacity at up to 8 or 14 children depending on license type and requiring state licensing compliance.
Large and small family child care homes are a limited use in the zones indicated with an "L" in the Use Regulations Tables in Chapter 13, Article 1 (Base Zones) subject to the following regulations. A large family child care home may provide care for up to 12 children (no more than 4 of whom may be infants), or for up to 14 children as stated in Section 141.0606(b)(1)(B).
Full Breakdown
San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0606(b) makes large and small family child care homes a limited use in zones marked "L" in the Chapter 13 Use Regulations Tables, so no conditional use permit is required. A large home may care for up to 12 children (max 4 infants), or 13-14 children under Health and Safety Code Section 1597.465; a small home caps at 6, or 7-8 children under Health and Safety Code Section 1597.44. Providers must hold a valid state license, and large-home providers must also meet State Fire Marshal standards.
Violations & Fines
Operating a family child care home without a valid state license, or exceeding the licensed child capacity, is not a permitted use under Section 141.0606 and can trigger city code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to run a home daycare in San Diego?
How many kids can a large family child care home serve in San Diego?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California home business overview
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle home daycare.