Simi Valley, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Small Daycare
- Up to 8 children, permitted by right
- Large Daycare
- 9-14 children, use permit required
- State Licensing
- Required for all daycare homes
- HOA Restrictions
- Cannot prohibit small daycare homes
Summary
California state law permits small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) in residential zones as a matter of right. Simi Valley cannot prohibit small family daycare homes but may regulate large family daycare homes serving 9 to 14 children through a use permit process.
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that family daycare homes for children should be situated in normal residential surroundings so as to give children the home environment that is conducive to healthy and safe development. It is the public policy of this state to provide children in a family daycare home the same home environment as provided in a traditional home setting.
(b) The Legislature declares this policy to be of statewide concern with the purpose of occupying the field. This act, the state building code, and the fire code, and regulations promulgated pursuant to those provisions, shall preempt local laws, regulations, and rules governing the use and occupancy of family daycare homes. Local laws, regulations, or rules shall not directly or indirectly prohibit or restrict the use of a facility as a family daycare home, including, but not limited to, precluding the operation of a family daycare home.
Full Breakdown
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.40, small family daycare homes caring for up to 8 children (including the provider's own) are permitted in all residential zones as a matter of right and cannot be prohibited or restricted by the city. Large family daycare homes serving 9 to 14 children require a large family daycare home permit from the Community Development Department. All family daycare homes must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division. Providers must meet state requirements for background checks, health and safety standards, staff-to-child ratios, and facility requirements. Parking and traffic impacts are considered in the permit review for large family daycare homes. HOAs cannot prohibit small family daycare homes per state law.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed daycare is a state law violation enforceable by Community Care Licensing. Operating a large family daycare without a city permit is a zoning violation. HOAs that attempt to prohibit small family daycare homes violate state law and may face legal action from providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my home in Simi Valley?
Do I need a city permit for home daycare?
Can my HOA prohibit my home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California home business overview
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle home daycare.