Sonora permits small family daycare homes serving up to eight children in residential zones without a use permit, consistent with California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.45. Large family daycare homes serving up to fourteen children may require a use permit.
California law (HSC 1597.45) requires cities to treat small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) as a permitted residential use. Sonora cannot require a conditional use permit or deny home daycare for small operations. Large family daycare homes (9-14 children) may be subject to a use permit and additional parking requirements. All family daycare homes must be licensed by California Community Care Licensing. Fire clearance from the Sonora Fire Department is required. Outdoor play areas must be fenced and supervised. The daycare operator must comply with Sonora's general home business provisions regarding signage and neighborhood impact.
Operating an unlicensed daycare facility may result in state penalties and city code enforcement action. Large daycare homes operating without required use permits face standard zoning violation fines.
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See how Sonora's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
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