Porterville · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Porterville?
In Porterville, a child care center is allowed in 2 base zones (D-PO and PO), needs a conditional use permit in 9 (DR-N, DR-S, DR-D, D-MX, DRM-2 and 4 more) and not allowed in 5 (Porterville use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: D-PO and PO
- Needs a permit: DR-N, DR-S, DR-D, D-MX, DRM-2, DRM-3, D-PS, CN and 1 more
- Not allowed: D-GC, CR, CG, IG and IA
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Porterville 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
Porterville'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.
The code defines “Day Care Centers”: “Establishments providing non-medical care for persons on a less than 24-hour basis other than family day care home. This classification includes nursery schools, preschools, and day care facilities for children or adults, and any other day care facil” (§ 701.02)
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| D-PO | Allowed | § 202.02 |
| PO | Allowed | § 204.02 |
| DR-N | Needs a conditional use permit | § 202.02 |
| DR-S | Needs a conditional use permit | § 202.02 |
| DR-D | Needs a conditional use permit | § 202.02 |
| D-MX | Needs a conditional use permit | § 202.02 |
| DRM-2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 202.02 |
| DRM-3 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 202.02 |
| D-PS | Needs a conditional use permit | § 202.02 |
| CN Commercial Neighborhood | Needs a conditional use permit | § 203.02 |
| CMX Commercial Mixed Use | Needs a conditional use permit | § 203.02 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Family daycare homes (small, large) are separate rows and not used. S5 IP P(1) is accessory only.
- 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: PD district (S7); Chapter 701 use-classification definitions (not in packet); Section 301.03/301.04 Animal Keeping, 301.15, 301.18 not in packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Porterville
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the DR-N zone in Porterville?
Only with a conditional use permit. Porterville's use table lists it that way in DR-N (§ 202.02).
Can I have a child care center in the D-GC zone in Porterville?
No. Porterville's use table does not allow it in D-GC (§ 202.02).
Can I have a child care center in the D-PO zone in Porterville?
Yes. Porterville's use table lists it as allowed in D-PO (§ 202.02).
General information, not legal advice.
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