West Sacramento · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in West Sacramento?
In West Sacramento, a child care center is allowed in 8 base zones (R-2, R-2.5, R-3, CBD, MU-NC and 3 more), needs a minor use permit in 5 (RE, RRA, R-1, C and WF) and not allowed in 2 (West Sacramento use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-2, R-2.5, R-3, CBD, MU-NC, MU-C, PQP and RP
- Needs a permit: RE, RRA, R-1, C and WF
- Not allowed: CH and POS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the West Sacramento 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
West Sacramento'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 |
|---|---|---|
| R-2 | Allowed | § 17.08.020 |
| R-2.5 | Allowed | § 17.08.020 |
| R-3 | Allowed | § 17.08.020 |
| CBD | Allowed | § 17.09.020 |
| MU-NC | Allowed | § 17.09.020 |
| MU-C | Allowed | § 17.09.020 |
| PQP | Allowed | § 17.11.020 |
| RP | Allowed | § 17.11.020 |
| RE | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| RRA | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| R-1 | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.08.020 |
| C | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.09.020 |
| WF | Needs a minor use permit | § 17.09.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Family Day Care (Small, Large) is a separate residential row.
- 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: Overlay zone tables (GG overlay S7, PD overlay S8, cannabis overlay S6) are not base zones and are left out. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in West Sacramento
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RE zone in West Sacramento?
Only with a minor use permit. West Sacramento's use table lists it that way in RE (§ 17.08.020).
Can I have a child care center in the CH zone in West Sacramento?
No. West Sacramento's use table does not allow it in CH (§ 17.09.020).
Can I have a child care center in the R-2 zone in West Sacramento?
Yes. West Sacramento's use table lists it as allowed in R-2 (§ 17.08.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a child care center at an address in West Sacramento
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question