Fresno · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Fresno?
In Fresno, a child care center is allowed in 14 base zones (RM-2, RM-3, NMX, CMX, RMX and 9 more, 1 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 2 (RS-5 and RM-1) and not allowed in 10 (Fresno use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM-2, RM-3, NMX, CMX, RMX, CMS, CC, CR and 6 more
- Needs a permit: RS-5 and RM-1
- Not allowed: RE, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RM-MH, CH, CRC and 2 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Fresno 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
Fresno'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 |
|---|---|---|
| RM-2 Residential Multi-Unit District | Allowed | § 15-1002 |
| RM-3 Residential Multi-Unit District | Allowed | § 15-1002 |
| NMX | Allowed | § 15-1102 |
| CMX | Allowed | § 15-1102 |
| RMX | Allowed | § 15-1102 |
| CMS | Allowed | § 15-1202 |
| CC | Allowed | § 15-1202 |
| CR | Allowed | § 15-1202 |
| CG | Allowed | § 15-1202 |
| O | Allowed | § 15-1302 |
| BP | Allowed | § 15-1302 |
| RBP | Allowed | § 15-1302 |
| IL | Allowed — see note Note 15: Shall be required to comply with Master Environmental Impact Report mitigation measures MM AIR-2, MM AIR-3, and MM AIR-4 if applicable. | § 15-1302 |
| PI | Allowed | § 15-1402 |
| RS-5 Residential Single-Unit 5 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-902 |
| RM-1 Residential Multi-Unit District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15-1002 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 15-2725 Day Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes.
- Family child care homes are separate rows (small P everywhere residential; large C in RS-1 to RS-5). Downtown districts vary by Activity Class (A/B/C, map Figure 15-1501) and are left out where classes differ: DTN A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTG A/B/C: P(1)/P/P; DTC A/B/C: P(1)/P/P.
- 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 districts and Part II articles other than Articles 8-15 are not in the text; Downtown cells omitted where Activity Class A/B/C differ. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Fresno
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RS-5 zone in Fresno?
Only with a conditional use permit. Fresno's use table lists it that way in RS-5 (Residential Single-Unit 5) (§ 15-902).
Can I have a child care center in the RE zone in Fresno?
No. Fresno's use table does not allow it in RE (Residential Estate) (§ 15-902).
Can I have a child care center in the RM-2 zone in Fresno?
Yes. Fresno's use table lists it as allowed in RM-2 (Residential Multi-Unit District) (§ 15-1002).
General information, not legal advice.
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