| Zoning / CUP | Possibly — depends on zoning district; centers generally require CUP or use permit in residential zones — fee: Contact required |
| 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: Not located — typically issued by City of San Diego or incorporated cities within county |
| Last verified | 2025-2026 |
Zoning requirements in San Diego County
California law preempts local zoning requirements for large family child care homes — operators are not required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from San Diego 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 San Diego County Planning & Development Services (unincorporated).
Health permit requirements in San Diego 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) + San Diego County Environmental Health facility permit. URL: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/deh/
Fire safety requirements in San Diego County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in San Diego County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | San Diego County Fire Authority (unincorporated); city fire depts for incorporated cities |
| 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 San Diego County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in San Diego County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City or county issuing authority varies by jurisdiction |
| Required? | Yes |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Not located — typically issued by City of San Diego or incorporated cities within county |
Business license required from applicable city or county. San Diego providers in incorporated cities need city license.
Frequently asked questions: San Diego County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in San Diego County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps large 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: San Diego County Childcare Center Requirements, San Diego County Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, San Diego County Preschool Requirements