Alhambra · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Alhambra?
In Alhambra, a child care center is allowed in 1 base zone (PO), needs a permit in 7 (RL, RM, RH, CBD, EMC and 2 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Alhambra use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: PO
- Needs a permit: RL, RM, RH, CBD, EMC, CMU and PF
- Not allowed: AC, I and OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Alhambra 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
Alhambra's code calls this use “Day care centers”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| PO | Allowed | § 23.06.020 |
| RL | Needs a conditional use permit | § 23.04.020 |
| RM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 23.04.020 |
| RH | Needs a conditional use permit | § 23.04.020 |
| CBD | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 3: Not allowed on Main Street, conditionally permitted in other locations. | § 23.05.020 |
| EMC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 23.05.020 |
| CMU | Needs a conditional use permit | § 23.05.020 |
| PF | Needs a minor use permit | § 23.07.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Family day care is accessory (23.22.140). Pet day care is a different use.
- 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.
- Not covered here: Zone names are not stated in the packet text; -PD overlay (23.11) has no table. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Alhambra
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RL zone in Alhambra?
Only with a conditional use permit. Alhambra's use table lists it that way in RL (§ 23.04.020).
Can I have a child care center in the AC zone in Alhambra?
No. Alhambra's use table does not allow it in AC (§ 23.05.020).
Can I have a child care center in the PO zone in Alhambra?
Yes. Alhambra's use table lists it as allowed in PO (§ 23.06.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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