Santa Monica, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Hours of Operation
- Not limited in hours or days
- Operator Residency Required
- Yes, must be a full-time resident of the dwelling
- State Licensing Required
- Yes
- Additional Parking Required
- No: only normal residential parking needed
- Children's Play Noise
- Customary from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Code Section
- SMMC § 9.31.135
Summary
Large family day cares are permitted in Santa Monica residential dwellings without hour or day restrictions, provided the operator lives full-time in the home and the facility is state-licensed.
A. Structures. A large family day care shall conform to all property development standards of the zoning district in which it is located unless otherwise provided in this Section.
B. Noise. The operation of a large family day care shall comply with noise standards contained in Chapter 4.12, Noise, of the Municipal Code. Noise from the operation of any large family day care may not exceed that which is customary in residential neighborhoods during daytime hours. Prolonged and abnormally loud noises shall not be considered customary, while the periodic sounds of small groups of children at play shall be considered customary in residential neighborhoods from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
C. Hours of Operation. Large family day cares shall not be limited in hours or days of operation.
D. On-Site Parking. On-site parking for large family day cares shall not be required except for that required for the residential building in accordance with Chapter 9.28, Parking, Loading, and Circulation.
E. Passenger Loading. Curbside loading shall be presumed adequate for drop-off and pick-up of children. A passenger loading plan shall be required in accordance with Section 9.28.080(C) subject to the approval of the Director.
H. Residency. The operator of a large family day care must be a full-time resident of the dwelling unit in which the day care is located.
Full Breakdown
Large family day cares must conform to all applicable zoning development standards for the district unless § 9.31.135 provides otherwise. Noise must comply with Chapter 4.12, though ordinary sounds of children at play are deemed customary from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No additional on-site parking beyond the normal residential requirement is needed. The operator must be a full-time resident of the dwelling unit, and the facility must be state-licensed and operated under all applicable state and local regulations.
Violations & Fines
Operating a large family day care without state licensing or in violation of zoning standards is subject to code enforcement and loss of operating ability. Neighbor complaints about noise may trigger review under SMMC Chapter 4.12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a large family day care operate on weekends or in the evenings?
Does a large family day care need extra parking spaces?
Does the day care operator need to live in the same home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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