Selma, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.45, the use of a home as a small family daycare (up to 8 children) or large family daycare (up to 14 children) is considered a residential use of property and a use by right for purposes of all local ordinances, including zoning. Selma may not require a conditional use permit, variance, or special zoning approval for a licensed family daycare home. The city is prohibited from imposing a business license, fee, or tax for the privilege of operating a family daycare home. Use of a home as a daycare does not constitute a change of occupancy under building codes. Selma may apply the same building height, setback, and lot dimension restrictions to daycare homes as it applies to all other residences in the same zone, but may not impose stricter requirements. Small family daycare homes (1-8 children) need only a license from the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division. Large family daycare homes (7-14 children) require a fire clearance and may need to comply with additional parking or drop-off requirements.