Sunnyvale, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

58 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code implements the state mandate that cities cannot single out family daycare for special zoning treatment. 72 et seq. 465. Both operate out of the licensee's residence, defined by Government Code Section 244, including a detached single-family dwelling, a townhouse, a unit within a dwelling, or a unit within a covered multifamily dwelling where the underlying zoning allows residential uses. 030(a) is the operative rule: running a small or large family daycare home "shall be considered a residential use of property and a use by right for all purposes under this code," meaning no zoning permit application, hearing, or neighbor notice is required regardless of which residential zoning district the property sits in.

that apply to any home in the district), and must comply with all health and safety requirements of the state fire marshal. The licensee itself must hold a license from the California Department of Social Services or its designated state licensing agency and be primarily involved in providing the care.