Fountain Valley · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Fountain Valley?
In Fountain Valley, a child care center is needs a conditional use permit in 12 (R1, GH, R2, R3, R4 and 7 more) and not allowed in 3 (Fountain Valley use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R1, GH, R2, R3, R4, R5, C1, C2 and 4 more
- Not allowed: CP, M1 and P/OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Fountain Valley 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
Fountain Valley's code calls this use “Child 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 |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| GH | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R3 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R4 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R5 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| C1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.10.030 |
| C2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.10.030 |
| CM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.10.030 |
| PI | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.12.030 |
| MU-1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.15.030 |
| MU-2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.15.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 21.30.020 (Specific Use Regulations column).
- 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 not stated in the packet text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Fountain Valley
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the R1 zone in Fountain Valley?
Only with a conditional use permit. Fountain Valley's use table lists it that way in R1 (§ 21.08.030).
Can I have a child care center in the CP zone in Fountain Valley?
No. Fountain Valley's use table does not allow it in CP (§ 21.10.030).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a child care center at an address in Fountain Valley
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question