San Carlos · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in San Carlos?
In San Carlos, a child care center is allowed in 14 base zones (RS-3, RS-6, RM-20, RM-59, RM-100 and 9 more, 3 with a condition) and not allowed in 1 (San Carlos use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RS-3, RS-6, RM-20, RM-59, RM-100, MU-D-100, MU-D-120, MU-SC-120 and 6 more
- Not allowed: MU-DC-100
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Carlos 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
San Carlos'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 |
|---|---|---|
| RS-3 Residential Single-Family District | Allowed — see note Note *: Permitted only when in an existing building built for and/or previously operated as a legally established public or semi-public use. | § 18.04.020 |
| RS-6 Residential Single-Family District | Allowed — see note Note *: Permitted only when in an existing building built for and/or previously operated as a legally established public or semi-public use. | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-20 Residential Multifamily District | Allowed — see note Note *: Permitted only when in an existing building built for and/or previously operated as a legally established public or semi-public use. | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-59 Residential Multifamily District | Allowed | § 18.04.020 |
| RM-100 Residential Multifamily District | Allowed | § 18.04.020 |
| MU-D-100 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-D-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SC-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-NB-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SB-100 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-SB-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-N-40 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-N-50 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
| MU-N-120 | Allowed | § 18.05.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 18.23.090, Day care centers and large family child care homes.
- 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): S7 18.10.030, uses follow the PD plan or specific plan; Airport District (table has no shelter row). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Carlos
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the MU-DC-100 zone in San Carlos?
No. San Carlos's use table does not allow it in MU-DC-100 (§ 18.05.020).
Can I have a child care center in the RS-3 zone in San Carlos?
Yes, with a condition. San Carlos's use table lists it as allowed in RS-3 (Residential Single-Family District) (§ 18.04.020). The code adds a condition: “Permitted only when in an existing building built for and/or previously operated as a legally established public or semi-public use.”
General information, not legal advice.
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