Childcare and Daycare Center Zoning in Grass Valley
In the City of Grass Valley, childcare facilities are categorized as small family daycare homes, large family daycare homes, and daycare centers. While small family homes are permitted by right in all residential and several community zones, daycare centers typically require a Use Permit (UP) or Minor Use Permit (MUP) and must adhere to strict location and parking requirements, including a 300-foot separation for large family homes [Section 17.44.060].
Allowable Zoning Districts by Facility Type
The City of Grass Valley Development Code distinguishes between different scales of childcare. A Small Family Day Care Home provides care for 8 or fewer children; a Large Family Day Care Home provides care for 7 to 14 children; and a Day Care Center is any commercial or non-profit facility designed for 15 or more children [Section 17.100.020].
Residential and Traditional Community Zones
The following table outlines the permit requirements for childcare facilities in residential and traditional neighborhood zones.
| Zoning District | Small Family Home | Large Family Home | Day Care Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC (Town Core) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P)² |
| NC (Neighborhood Center) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Minor Use Permit (MUP) |
| NC-Flex (Neighborhood Center Flex) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Minor Use Permit (MUP) |
| NG-3 (Neighborhood General 3) | Permitted (P) | Minor Use Permit (MUP) | Not Listed |
| NG-2 (Neighborhood General 2) | Permitted (P) | Minor Use Permit (MUP) | Not Listed |
| RE (Residential Estate) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Use Permit (UP) |
| R-1 (Single-Family Residential) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Use Permit (UP) |
| R-2 (Two-Family Residential) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Use Permit (UP) |
| R-2A (Medium Density Residential) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Use Permit (UP) |
| R-3 (Multiple Dwelling Residential) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Use Permit (UP) |
² In the TC Zone, Day Care Centers are allowed only on second or upper floors, or behind ground floor uses in specific areas of Mill Street and West Main Street [Table 2.1].
Commercial, Industrial, and Special Purpose Zones
Permission for daycare centers in non-residential areas of the City of Grass Valley is generally restricted to commercial and professional districts.
| Zoning District | Day Care Center | Small/Large Family Home |
|---|---|---|
| C-1 (Community Business) | Use Permit (UP) | Not Allowed |
| C-2 (Central Business District) | Use Permit (UP) | Small Family Home (P) |
| C-3 (Heavy Commercial) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| OP (Office Professional) | Use Permit (UP) | Not Allowed |
| CBP (Commercial Business Park) | Use Permit (UP) | Not Allowed |
| M-1 / M-2 (Industrial) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| REC (Recreation) | Use Permit (UP) | Not Allowed |
| OS / P (Open Space / Public) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
[Table 2-10, Table 2-14]
Development and Operating Standards
The City of Grass Valley enforces specific standards to ensure these facilities do not negatively impact residential character.
Large Family Day Care Home Requirements
Per Section 17.44.060, large family daycare homes must comply with the following:
- Separation: No large family daycare home may be located within 300 feet of an existing large family daycare home or daycare center.
- Abutting Properties: A daycare center cannot be directly abutted by residential properties on two or more sides.
- Drop-Off Area: At least two off-street parking spaces must be provided exclusively for dropping off and picking up children. If located on a street with a speed limit over 30 mph, a dedicated drop-off area must be designed to prevent vehicles from backing into the street.
- Fencing: Outdoor activity areas must be enclosed by a fence or wall to separate children from neighboring properties.
Parking Requirements
All childcare facilities in the City of Grass Valley must provide off-street parking based on the facility type and capacity [Table 3-3].
| Facility Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Day Care Center | 1 space per employee + 1 space per 10 children |
| Large Family Day Care Home | 3 spaces minimum (may include residential requirements) |
Sections Cited
- Section 17.21.040 (Town Core Standards)
- Section 17.22.030 (Residential Zone Allowable Land Uses)
- Section 17.24.030 (Commercial and Industrial Zone Land Uses)
- Section 17.26.030 (Special Purpose Zone Land Uses)
- Section 17.36.040 (Number of Parking Spaces Required)
- Section 17.44.060 (Child Day Care Facilities)
- Section 17.72.060 (Use Permits and Minor Use Permits)
- Section 17.100.020 (Definitions)