Newark · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Newark?
In Newark, a child care center is allowed in 1 base zone (PF), needs a permit in 10 (RL, RM, RH, NC, CMU and 5 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 6 (Newark use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: PF
- Needs a permit: RL, RM, RH, NC, CMU, CR, CC, RC and 2 more
- Not allowed: RS, LI, GI, TS, PK and OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Newark 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
Newark'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 |
|---|---|---|
| PF Public Facilities | Allowed | § 17.10.020 |
| RL | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.07.020 |
| RM | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.07.020 |
| RH | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.07.020 |
| NC | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| CMU | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| CR | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| CC | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| RC | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| PO | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.09.020 |
| BTP | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 1: Permitted only as complementary uses serving industrial and technical campus-like development such as business parks, industrial parks, technology parks, and other master planned industrial subdivisions. | § 17.09.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 17.26.090, Day Care.
- 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: RP (Resource Production, S5) lists only Caretaker Unit, Public Safety, General Industrial, Public Works: none of the 16 uses.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Newark
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RL zone in Newark?
Only with a conditional use permit. Newark's use table lists it that way in RL (§ 17.07.020).
Can I have a child care center in the RS zone in Newark?
No. Newark's use table does not allow it in RS (§ 17.07.020).
Can I have a child care center in the PF zone in Newark?
Yes. Newark's use table lists it as allowed in PF (Public Facilities) (§ 17.10.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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