| Zoning / CUP | Possibly — depends on zoning district; centers generally require CUP or use permit in residential zones — fee: Data in Land Development Fee Schedule PDF; specific childcare CUP amounts not displayed in search results |
| Health permit authority | California CDSS — Community Care Licensing Division (state) + County Environmental Health (county facility permit) — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Yes — fee: City of Martinez: $110.00 one-time initial planning review fee for residential businesses; City of Concord fee schedule available online |
| Last verified | 2025-2026 |
Zoning requirements in Contra Costa County
California law preempts local zoning requirements for small family child care homes — operators are not required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from Contra Costa County for this license type. You must still obtain your state childcare license from the state. Other local permits (health permit, fire inspection, business license) may still apply.
For questions about your specific location, contact Contra Costa County Dept of Conservation and Development (unincorporated).
Health permit requirements in Contra Costa County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | California CDSS — Community Care Licensing Division (state) + County Environmental Health (county facility permit) |
| Permit required? | Yes — two layers: (1) state CDSS license; (2) county Environmental Health facility permit |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Annual (CDSS) + county env health inspection per county schedule |
| Key requirements | 35 sq ft indoor/child; 75 sq ft outdoor/child; background checks; health screening; staff ratios; annual renewal |
Two-layer permit system: CDSS (state) + Contra Costa County Environmental Health facility permit. URL: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4601/Environmental-Health
Fire safety requirements in Contra Costa County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Contra Costa County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection required |
| Key requirements | California Fire Code (Title 19 CCR + CBC); annual fire inspection required for licensed childcare centers |
Business license requirements in Contra Costa County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Contra Costa County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City business license for most providers; county for unincorporated |
| Required? | Yes |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | City of Martinez: $110.00 one-time initial planning review fee for residential businesses; City of Concord fee schedule available online |
Business license required from applicable city or county. Contra Costa providers in incorporated cities need city license.
Frequently asked questions: Contra Costa County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Contra Costa County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps small family child care homes in California manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed childcare program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records and billing.
Also in this guide: Contra Costa County Childcare Center Requirements, Contra Costa County Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Contra Costa County Preschool Requirements