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

California state law grants strong preemption over family day care homes operated from private residences. Under Health & Safety Code sections 1597.30 through 1597.621, cities cannot require conditional use permits, public hearings, or discretionary approvals for small family day care homes (1-8 children including the provider's own). Large family day care homes (9-14 children) must also be treated as a permitted residential use, though cities may impose non-discriminatory standards for spacing (typically 300-foot separation between large day cares), fire safety, and on-site drop-off parking. San Ramon implements these requirements through its zoning code by classifying both small and large family day cares as permitted residential uses in all zones where single-family dwellings are allowed. Operators must obtain a California Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) license before opening, which requires background checks for all adults in the household, CPR and first aid certification, a pediatric health and safety training course, and a home safety inspection covering pools, fencing, smoke alarms, and emergency exits. Homes with swimming pools or spas must comply with Health & Safety Code 115920 barrier requirements. HOAs in San Ramon communities (Canyon Lakes, Gale Ranch, Windemere) cannot prohibit licensed family day care as state law preempts CC&R restrictions on this specific use. However, the City business license is required, and large family day cares must provide one additional off-street parking space plus a safe drop-off area.