Albany · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Albany?
In Albany, a child care center is needs a permit in 9 (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RHD and 4 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 1 (Albany use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RHD, SC, SPC, CMX and 1 more
- Not allowed: WF
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Albany Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a child care center can go
Albany's code calls this use “Day-care center (non-family)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 Residential Single Family | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| R-2 Residential Medium Density | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| R-3 Residential High Density | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| R-4 Residential Towers | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| RHD Residential Hillside Development | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| SC Solano Commercial | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| SPC San Pablo Commercial | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
| CMX Commercial Mixed Use | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note *: See Subsection 20.100.030 for description of distinctions between major and minor use permits. Authority to grant minor use permits is limited to maximum 2,500 square feet (nonresidential), or 6 dwelling units (residential), unless marked with asterisk(s): * = maximum 5,000 square feet; ** = maximum 10 dwelling units. A major use permit is required for any project that exceeds these thresholds. | § 20.12 |
| PF Public Facilities | Needs an use permit (major) | § 20.12 |
Zones where it is not allowed
WF.
What else applies
- State law: A licensed family child care home in a house is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1597.45); this page covers child care centers only.
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Albany
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the R-1 zone in Albany?
Only with an use permit (major). Albany's use table lists it that way in R-1 (Residential Single Family) (§ 20.12).
Can I have a child care center in the WF zone in Albany?
No. Albany's use table does not allow it in WF (Waterfront) (§ 20.12).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a child care center at an address in Albany
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
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