Buena Park · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Buena Park?
In Buena Park, a child care center is allowed in 4 base zones (CS, CG, GMU and CBPMU, 2 with a condition), needs a permit in 8 (RS-10, RS-6, RM-10, RM-20, CO and 3 more, 6 with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Buena Park use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: CS, CG, GMU and CBPMU
- Needs a permit: RS-10, RS-6, RM-10, RM-20, CO, CR, EMU and COMU
- Not allowed: RS-16, RS-8 and RMH
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Buena Park 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
Buena Park's code calls this use “Child day care center”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Allowed | § 19.512.010 |
| CG | Allowed | § 19.512.010 |
| GMU | Allowed — see note Note heading: Community Day Care: (1st and 2nd floors only) | § 19.712.010 |
| CBPMU | Allowed — see note Note heading: Community Day Care: (1st and 2nd floors only) | § 19.712.010 |
| RS-10 | Needs a conditional use permit, only as an incidental use to another primary use of the site — see note Note Ci: Permitted with a CUP as an incidental use provided that sufficient parking and circulation can be provided on the property and the hours of operation for the incidental use will not conflict with the primary use. | § 19.312.010 |
| RS-6 | Needs a conditional use permit, only as an incidental use to another primary use of the site — see note Note Ci: Permitted with a CUP as an incidental use provided that sufficient parking and circulation can be provided on the property and the hours of operation for the incidental use will not conflict with the primary use. | § 19.312.010 |
| RM-10 | Needs a conditional use permit, only as an incidental use to another primary use of the site — see note Note Ci: Permitted with a CUP as an incidental use provided that sufficient parking and circulation can be provided on the property and the hours of operation for the incidental use will not conflict with the primary use. | § 19.412.010 |
| RM-20 | Needs a conditional use permit, only as an incidental use to another primary use of the site — see note Note Ci: Permitted with a CUP as an incidental use provided that sufficient parking and circulation can be provided on the property and the hours of operation for the incidental use will not conflict with the primary use. | § 19.412.010 |
| CO | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.512.010 |
| CR | Needs a conditional use permit | § 19.512.010 |
| EMU | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note heading: Community Day Care: (1st and 2nd floors only) | § 19.712.010 |
| COMU | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note heading: Community Day Care: (1st and 2nd floors only) | § 19.712.010 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Residential zones allow small group child day care homes (1-14 children) as P or I; the center row there is more than 14 children in RM.
- 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; Division 3/4/5/6/7 purpose chapters are not included. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Buena Park
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RS-10 zone in Buena Park?
Only with a conditional use permit, only as an incidental use to another primary use of the site. Buena Park's use table lists it that way in RS-10 (§ 19.312.010). The code adds a condition: “Permitted with a CUP as an incidental use provided that sufficient parking and circulation can be provided on the property and the hours of operation for the incidental use will not conflict with the primary use.”
Can I have a child care center in the RS-16 zone in Buena Park?
No. Buena Park's use table does not allow it in RS-16 (§ 19.312.010).
Can I have a child care center in the CS zone in Buena Park?
Yes. Buena Park's use table lists it as allowed in CS (§ 19.512.010).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a child care center at an address in Buena Park
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question