Merced County · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Merced County?
In Merced County, a child care center is needs an administrative permit in 5 (CP, C-1, C-2, C-3 and MU) and not allowed in 1 (Merced County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: CP, C-1, C-2, C-3 and MU
- Not allowed: H-I-C
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Merced County 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
Merced County's code calls this use “Childcare, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CP | Needs an administrative permit | § 18.14.020 |
| C-1 | Needs an administrative permit | § 18.14.020 |
| C-2 | Needs an administrative permit | § 18.14.020 |
| C-3 | Needs an administrative permit | § 18.14.020 |
| MU | Needs an administrative permit | § 18.14.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 18.60.150 Childcare facilities.
- 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: Castle Commerce Center and Airport SPZ (S5) and Fox Hills Community Specific Plan (S6) zones: separate specific-plan tables, not used; Article 8 definitions (Places of Assembly, Farm Animal Keeping/Raising) are not in the packet; Chapters 18.60, 18.12.040, 18.10.040 use standards are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Merced County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the CP zone in Merced County?
Only with an administrative permit. Merced County's use table lists it that way in CP (§ 18.14.020).
Can I have a child care center in the H-I-C zone in Merced County?
No. Merced County's use table does not allow it in H-I-C (§ 18.14.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a child care center at an address in Merced County
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