Union City, CA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Capacity covered
- 9 to 14 children
- Zoning status
- Permitted use in residential districts
- Local process
- Administrative use permit required
- Neighbor notice
- Property owners within 100 feet
Summary
Union City permits large family day care homes (9-14 children) by right in residential districts but requires an administrative use permit and 100-foot neighbor notice in single-family zones.
Large family child care homes in all areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily residential uses subject to approval(s) from the State of California.
Q. Duplexes on corner lots when constructed as part of the affordable housing obligation as provided in Chapter 18.33. Duplexes shall meet the front, rear and street side yard setback of the district in which they are located. Exceptions to the setback standards may be granted by approval of a use permit.
R. Repairs to automobiles and other vehicles or equipment shall be limited to minor repair on vehicles or equipment owned by a resident of the premises that may be stored within a private garage. Minor repair shall include minor adjustment or repair to mechanical, electrical systems, small parts replacement, brake pad and wheel replacement or repair, and shall not include engine, transmission or drive train removal or replacement, frame or body and fender work, welding or painting. Minor repair work when done in public view shall be completed in a timely manner and no vehicle shall be left unattended on lacks or temporary supports. Repair work shall not be done in the public right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940544; v16 updated 2026-06-23).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code Section 18.32.020(P) lists large family child care homes as a permitted use in all areas zoned for single-family or multifamily residential, 'subject to approval(s) from the State of California.' In single-family districts, Section 18.54.030(A) requires an administrative use permit for homes caring for nine to 14 children under a State Department of Community Care Licensing license, with the applicant mailing notice to property owners within 100 feet under Section 18.54.050(B). Approval turns on limited findings -- no over-concentration nearby, and no significant traffic, parking, or noise impact -- consistent with state law protecting family day care as a residential use.
Violations & Fines
Operating a large family day care home without the required administrative use permit, or exceeding the licensed child count, is a zoning code violation enforceable independent of the state care license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a large family day care home in a Union City residential zone?
Does a small family day care home (up to 8 children) need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle home daycare.