Richmond · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Richmond?
In Richmond, a child care center is allowed in 9 base zones (T4N, T4N-O, T4MS, T4MS-O, T5N and 4 more), needs a permit in 12 (RH, RL1, RL2, RM1, RM2 and 7 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Richmond use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: T4N, T4N-O, T4MS, T4MS-O, T5N, T5MS, T5MS-O, T5C and 1 more
- Needs a permit: RH, RL1, RL2, RM1, RM2, CM-1, CM-2, CM-3 and 4 more
- Not allowed: LW, CC and PR
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Richmond 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
Richmond's code calls this use “Day Care Centers / Day Care”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| T4N | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T4N-O | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T4MS | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T4MS-O | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5N | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5MS | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5MS-O | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5C | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5C-O | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| RH | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.201.020 |
| RL1 | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.201.020 |
| RL2 | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.201.020 |
| RM1 Medium Density Multi-family Residential | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.201.020 |
| RM2 High Density Multi-Family Residential | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.201.020 |
| CM-1 | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.202.020 |
| CM-2 | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.202.020 |
| CM-3 | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.202.020 |
| CM-4 | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.202.020 |
| CM-5 | Needs an administrative use permit (not in the industrial buffer zone) — see note Note L14: Allowed with an administrative use permit if not within the Industrial Buffer Zone shown on the Zoning Map. | § 15.04.202.020 |
| CR | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.203.020 |
| PCI Public, Cultural and Institutional | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15.04.205.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 15.04.610.190 Day Care Center (section not in packet).
- CG row 'Day Care Centers' is L7 (S3): only allowed on arterial streets outside the Industrial Buffer Zone, 2,500 sq ft or less unless up to 5,000 sq ft is approved with a CUP.
- 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: Key Terms and Definitions (Article 15.04.104) are not in the packet: Community Assembly, Schools, Group Residential, Outdoor Agriculture, Residential Care Limited vs General; Section 15.04.610 use standards (emergency shelters, day care center, community garden, group residential) are not in the packet; LW (Live-Work) cells of the 'Schools' row are blank in S2; Richmond Bay Specific Plan area and the Interim Study (IS) overlay uses (S10-S12 overlays). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Richmond
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RH zone in Richmond?
Only with an administrative use permit. Richmond's use table lists it that way in RH (§ 15.04.201.020).
Can I have a child care center in the LW zone in Richmond?
No. Richmond's use table does not allow it in LW (Live-Work district) (§ 15.04.202.020).
Can I have a child care center in the T4N zone in Richmond?
Yes. Richmond's use table lists it as allowed in T4N (§ 15.04.402.070).
General information, not legal advice.
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