The following are the minimum fire and life safety requirements of the California Code of Regulations for Large Family Day Care Homes. This includes care of 9 to 14 children, including children who reside there, for periods of less than 24 hours.

ADDRESS: Address numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches in height or greater if needed to be clearly visible.

SMOKE ALARMS:Provide State Fire Marshal approved smoke alarms in all sleeping areas and corridors leading to sleeping areas. Replace batteries at least annually, or as needed. Test alarms monthly, record test results, and repair or replace when necessary..

EXITS: A minimum of two exits are required. All exit doors shall be operable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge. One turn or operation of one lever shall open the door. Secondary locks or latches such as dead bolts and chain locks are not allowed.

YARD GATES:Yard gates blocking the required egress to the public way or area of safe refuge shall be operable from the direction of exit travel without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

BURGLAR BARS:Bars or grills placed over any sleeping room window shall be operable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge. Such releasing devices shall be of the approved type and be clearly visible and readily accessible at all times.

ATTACHED GARAGES:The fire rated separation walls and ceiling between an attached garage and the living area of a home shall be maintained without loss of fire resistive integrity. Any door opening between the garage and the home shall be provided with a self-closing/self latching solid wood door at least 1 3/8 inches thick, a honeycomb core steel door at least 1 3/8 inches thick, or a door that is listed with a 20 minute fire rating.

FIRE DRILLS:A written record of the date and hour of each fire drill shall be maintained at the home.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:Provide a State Fire Marshal approved fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A10BC. They shall be mounted so the top is between 3 to 5 feet from the floor. A state-licensed company shall service all extinguishers annually or after discharge.

MULTI-STORY HOMES: Daycare is not permitted above the first floor unless an approved fire sprinkler system is proved throughout the building.

DAYCARE USE AREAS: Only rooms and areas in a home that were previously approved by the Building Code Official as living areas use (Group R occupancy) shall be used for day care purposes. Non living area such as garages, attics, utility basements and similar utility areas converted to a living area use shall have been approved by the Building Code Official for Group R occupancy prior to use for day care.

DECORATIVE MATERIAL:All decorative material that would tend to increase the fire and panic hazard shall be made from a nonflammable material or shall be treated and maintained in a flame retardant condition by means of a flame retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal. (Christmas trees, banners, etc.)

EMERGENCY PLAN: An emergency plan must be provided including evacuation routes from the structure, designated evacuation areas, fire emergency number, and location of the fire extinguishers and pull alarms. The emergency plan shall be approved by the state licensing agency.

FIRE ALARMS:Provide a device suitable for sounding a continuous fire alarm. The device shall be attached to the structure and be electrically operated. The device shall be audible throughout the structure and have a distinctive tone. A wall mounted, manually activated electric bell is recommended.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS:Only very limited amounts of flammable and combustible liquids are permitted to be used or stored in the house or garage and only when necessary for personal or maintenance purposes or when needed for operation of household equipment.

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING:Every building, portion of a building or yards shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner that is free from any condition which would add to or contribute to the rapid spread of fire or obstruct rapid exit from the home.

HOMES LOCATED NEAR WILDFIRE AREAS: Clear and maintain combustible vegetation and combustible growth of not less than 30 feet or to the property line whichever is nearer from the home.

LOCAL REQUIREMENTSCheck with city in which the day care home is located. Some cities require a business license and may require a fee.

If you have questions about these requirements, please contact the Fire Prevention Division, Schools and Institutions Unit Office in your area:

Institutions Unit-North Office
125 S. Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 574-0949

Institutions Unit-South Office
7733 Greenleaf Avenue
Whittier, CA 90602-2195
(562) 696-2034

Institutions Unit-Lancaster Satellite Office
335-A East Avenue K-6
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 949-6319 County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Institutions Unit-South Bay Satellite Office
1650 West 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 217-8396