Daycare and Childcare Facility Zoning Regulations in Concord
In the City of Concord, family day care homes (14 or fewer children) are considered a residential use and are permitted by right in all zoning districts where residential uses are allowed. Larger childcare facilities, such as child day care centers, preschools, and nursery schools (15 or more children), require specific discretionary permits depending on the zoning district, and must meet additional operational and location findings to minimize impacts on neighboring properties.
Permitting Requirements for Childcare Facilities
The requirements for establishing childcare facilities in Concord vary based on the scale of the operation and the specific zoning district.
Family Day Care Homes
Family day care homes, as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78, provide care for 14 or fewer children in the provider's own home [Section 18.20.030]. These facilities are permitted by right in all zoning districts that allow residential uses, provided they operate in accordance with state law [Section 18.200.050(B)(1)].
Child Day Care Centers, Preschools, and Nursery Schools
Child day care centers, preschools, or nursery schools are designed to accommodate 15 or more children [Section 18.20.030]. The permit required to establish these facilities depends on the zoning district as indicated in the land use tables throughout the Concord Development Code.
| Zoning District / Category | Permit Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residential Districts (RR, RS, RL, RM, RH) | UP (Use Permit) [Section 18.30.020] |
| North Todos Santos (NTS) | UP (Use Permit) [Section 18.35.020] |
| Office & Commercial (CO, CMX, NC, SC, RC) | UP (Use Permit) [Section 18.40.020] |
| Downtown Districts (DP, DMX, WMX) | UP (Use Permit) [Section 18.45.020] |
| Public/Quasi-Public (PQP) | AP (Administrative Permit) [Section 18.55.020] |
Note: Permitting requirements are subject to site-specific regulations. Please refer to the specific land use tables for each district.
Operational and Development Findings
To ensure the compatibility of larger child day care centers, preschools, and nurseries, the City of Concord requires that the following findings be made for permit approval, in addition to standard findings required for a minor use permit or use permit:
- The facility must comply with all parking and loading requirements established in Chapter 18.160 [Section 18.200.050(C)(1)].
- The facility must meet all applicable state licensing requirements [Section 18.200.050(C)(2)].
- Drop-off facilities must be designed to avoid interference with traffic and promote the safety of children [Section 18.200.050(C)(3)].
- The facility must comply with all applicable fire and building codes [Section 18.200.050(C)(4)].
- The location of the facility, including outdoor play areas, must be sited to minimize noise impacts on neighboring properties, and noise levels must comply with general plan standards [Section 18.200.050(C)(5)].
- Outdoor play areas must be enclosed by a natural barrier, wall, solid fence, or other solid structure at least six feet in height [Section 18.200.050(C)(6)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.20.030 (Definitions)
- Section 18.30.020 (Residential Districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.35.020 (North Todos Santos district – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.40.020 (Office and commercial districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.45.020 (Downtown districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.55.020 (Public/quasi-public district – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.160 (Parking, Loading, and Access)
- Section 18.200.050 (Child day care facilities)