Home Daycare Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in San Diego, San Diego County, California.

$300 -- $800 3–6 months from application to license issuance 7 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

San Diego / San Diego County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City of San Diego — No Separate Zoning Permit Required

California law (Health & Safety Code §1597.40) prohibits the City of San Diego from requiring a zoning permit or use permit for a small family day care home (up to 8 children) in any residential zone. Large family day care homes (7–14 children) are also permitted by right in residential zones with neighbor notification. Contact the City of San Diego Development Services at 619-446-5000 for property-specific questions.

FreeNo zoning approval required
Official government source
2

City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

All businesses operating in San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City of San Diego Office of the City Treasurer. This is a registration/tax requirement, not a license. Apply online through the City Treasurer's portal.

$34–$125 annually (based on number of employees and gross receipts)1–2 weeks
Official government source

California State Requirements

4 requirements
1

California CDSS — Small Family Day Care Home License

Required for serving up to 8 children (including provider's own under age 10). Licensed by the CA Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) — San Diego Regional Office. Requirements: pre-licensing orientation, DOJ/FBI background checks for all household adults, fire safety inspection by San Diego Fire-Rescue, physician health clearance for household members, proof of liability insurance ($300,000 minimum), 15 hours of Preventive Health and Safety Practices training, and a licensing home visit.

$50 application fee; annual renewal fee varies3–6 months
Official government source
2

California CDSS — Large Family Day Care Home License

Required for 7–14 children. Must have held a small family day care license for at least 1 year. An additional qualified adult (not a household member) must be on-site when 7–14 children are in care.

$100 application fee; annual renewal fee applies3–6 months
Official government source
3

Background Check — DOJ and FBI Fingerprints

All adults 18+ living in or regularly present at the facility must submit fingerprints to the CA DOJ and FBI via LiveScan. Results reviewed as part of licensing.

$70–$100 per person2–6 weeks
Official government source
4

Preventive Health and Safety Practices Training (15 Hours)

15 hours of approved training in child CPR, first aid, and health/safety procedures required before license issuance.

$50–$150Completed before license issuance
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

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