California Code § 102416.3(a)(6): Licensed Space Changes

📋Type A Violation🏢Affects: Family Child Care Homes

What Is California Code § 102416.3(a)(6): Licensed Space Changes?

California Code § 102416.3(a)(6)

Any change from an area of the family child care home previously identified as "off limits" to an area where care and supervision will be provided to children in care.

💡Insider's Tips

This one catches providers off guard because they think of it as a construction rule, but it applies to any space reclassification. Moving a baby gate from a hallway to open up a bedroom, converting a home office into a nap room, or letting kids use the backyard patio that was previously marked off-limits all count. Inspectors compare your current floor plan on file with what they observe during the visit. If kids are in a space that's labeled "off-limits" on your approved layout, that's an immediate write-up with no verbal warning. Call your licensing analyst before you move anything. They'll tell you whether you need a new inspection, updated floor plan, or both. Most of the time it's a quick process if you ask first.

facilities cited recently

That's 1 in 3333 facilities

counties affected

most common citation

📉

Decreasing

Last 90 days vs. previous 90 days

11 facilities (was 23)12 facilities

Source: California CCLD inspection records | Data: last 90 days as of Feb 16, 2026

How to Avoid Licensed Space Changes Citations

✓ Prevention Checklist

Submit written request to licensing before making any space changes
Get approval before allowing children into previously off-limits areas
Ensure new areas meet all safety and licensing requirements
Update your floor plan and facility documentation
Complete any required inspections for the expanded space

❌ Common Mistakes

Gradually letting children drift into off-limits areas without formally changing the designation. It starts with "just during naptime" or "only when it rains," but inspectors document where children actually are, not where they're supposed to be.
Updating your own copy of the floor plan without submitting the change to licensing. Your internal records don't matter if CCLD's file still shows the old layout. The official plan on record is what inspectors reference.
Assuming that removing a gate or barrier is a minor change that doesn't need approval. Any shift from off-limits to supervised space requires pre-approval, regardless of how small the area is.
Making changes during a licensing analyst vacancy or transition and assuming nobody will notice. New analysts review the full file when they take over a caseload, and discrepancies between the floor plan and reality surface quickly.
Completing safety upgrades to a new space (outlet covers, cabinet locks) and believing that makes it automatically approved. Meeting safety standards is necessary but not sufficient. You still need written authorization before children use the space.

What's Being Cited in Each Region Over the Past 90 Days

Based on facility inspection reports filed with California's Community Care Licensing Division, here's how this citation appears across different regions in the past 90 days.

San Diego County

3 citations

Los Angeles County

2 citations

Lake County

1 citations

Glenn County

1 citations

Fresno County

1 citations

Orange County

1 citations

San Mateo County

1 citations

San Bernardino County

1 citations

Data updated weekly from CCLD public records. Last update: 2/16/2026

See California Code § 102416.3(a)(6): Licensed Space Changes Citations in Your County

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Licensed Space Changes?

California Code 102416.3(a)(6) requires you to get licensing approval before changing any area of your family child care home from off-limits to a space where children receive care. This covers every type of space reclassification: moving a baby gate, converting a home office into a nap room, or opening the back patio for play. Your approved floor plan on file with CCLD defines where children are allowed, and any deviation from that document triggers this requirement.

How common is this citation?

According to California CCLD inspection records as of February 08, 2026, 11 facilities have been cited for this violation in the past 90 days across 4 California counties. That's roughly 1 in 3,636 inspected facilities. San Diego County leads with 5 citations, followed by Los Angeles with 3, Alameda with 2, and Santa Clara with 1. The concentration in fewer counties suggests this tends to cluster where licensing analysts are actively auditing floor plans against observed conditions.

What triggers this citation during an inspection?

Inspectors compare your approved floor plan on file with what they observe during the visit. Based on CCLD inspection patterns, they document where children actually are, not where they're supposed to be. If a child is playing in a room marked off-limits on your official layout, that's an immediate write-up with no verbal warning. Common triggers include gradually letting kids use a hallway or bedroom during nap time without formal approval, or removing a gate from a previously restricted area. New analysts reviewing inherited caseloads frequently catch these discrepancies.

How can I prevent this citation?

Call your licensing analyst before making any space changes, even small ones like removing a gate or opening a door that was previously kept closed. Ask whether you need a new inspection, an updated floor plan, or both. Most requests are straightforward when you ask first. Keep your approved floor plan posted where staff can reference it daily, and make sure everyone knows which areas are off-limits to children.

What should I do if I receive this citation?

Immediately restrict children from the unapproved space until you get written authorization. Contact your licensing analyst to start the formal approval process, which typically involves submitting an updated floor plan and possibly scheduling an inspection of the new area. Complete any required safety upgrades to bring the space into compliance. Document every step and keep copies of all correspondence with licensing. For complex situations, consider consulting a licensed childcare compliance specialist.

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This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed childcare compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

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