Lake Forest · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Lake Forest?
In Lake Forest, a child care center is needs a permit in 10 (C, I, PA, UA, CAN and 5 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 1 (Lake Forest use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: C, I, PA, UA, CAN, A1, MU 32, MU 43 and 2 more
- Not allowed: OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Lake Forest 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
Lake Forest's code calls this use “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 |
|---|---|---|
| C Commercial | Needs a site development permit | § 9.72.090 |
| I Industrial | Needs an use permit | § 9.72.090 |
| PA Professional and Administrative Office | Needs a site development permit | § 9.72.090 |
| UA Urban Activity | Needs a site development permit | § 9.72.090 |
| CAN Canyon Commercial | Needs a site development permit — see note Note 4: Subject to regulations in Chapter 9.228 (Canyon Commercial District). | § 9.72.090 |
| A1 Agriculture | Needs an use permit | § 9.72.090 |
| MU 32 | Needs an use permit Code row: “Day care center” | § 9.73.065 |
| MU 43 | Needs an use permit Code row: “Day care center” | § 9.73.065 |
| UI 25 | Needs an use permit Code row: “Day care center” | § 9.73.065 |
| UI 43 | Needs an use permit Code row: “Day care center” | § 9.73.065 |
Zones where it is not allowed
OS.
What else applies
- CAN (Canyon Commercial): "Child care facility and/or veterinary office with a maximum total building square footage of 7,000 square feet" with a site development permit (§ 9.228.020 B, S38). "Dog Daycare" is a separate 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: PD Planned Development (no table); MUO (see zones). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Lake Forest
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the C zone in Lake Forest?
Only with a site development permit. Lake Forest's use table lists it that way in C (Commercial) (§ 9.72.090).
Can I have a child care center in the OS zone in Lake Forest?
No. Lake Forest's use table does not allow it in OS (Open Space) (§ 9.72.090).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a child care center at an address in Lake Forest
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
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