California Code § 102416.3(a)(6): Licensed Space Expansion
📋Type A Violation🏢Affects: Family Child Care Homes
21
facilities cited recently
That's 1 in 2000 facilities
8
counties affected
Statewide issue - not isolated
37
most common citation
Inspectors are watching for this
📈
Increasing
Last 90 days vs. previous 90 days
21 facilities (was 15)+6 facilities
What's Being Cited in Each Region Over the Past 90 Days
Based on analysis of CA facilities, here's where California Code § 102416.3(a)(6): Licensed Space Expansion citations are happening over the past 90 days.
Los Angeles County
8 citations
San Diego County
4 citations
Alameda County
2 citations
San Mateo County
2 citations
Santa Clara County
2 citations
Kern County
1 citations
Merced County
1 citations
Sacramento County
1 citations
Data updated weekly from CCLD public records. Last update: 12/15/2025
What Is California Code § 102416.3(a)(6): Licensed Space Expansion?
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.
Why This Matters
Pro tip: Always call your licensing worker before making ANY space changes, even if it seems minor. A quick phone call can save you a citation and the headache of having to undo changes that don't meet requirements.
See California Code § 102416.3(a)(6): Licensed Space Expansion Citations in Your County
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How to Avoid Licensed Space Expansion Citations
✓ Prevention Checklist
❌ Common Mistakes
- I see this citation ALL the time: providers who think they can just move a gate and start using the garage or basement for kids. Don't be that facility that gets dinged because you expanded without permission - even moving from one bedroom to another counts as a change.
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- 🎯 "YOUR facility: 551 days overdue (longer than 0% of similar facilities)"
- 🚨 "HOT ZONE: 13 nearby facilities visited LAST WEEK"
- ⚠️ "URGENT: Prepare for inspection THIS WEEK (3 active risk factors)"
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Licensed Space Expansion?
Licensed Space Expansion refers to any change that converts an area previously marked as 'off limits' to children into a space where children will be cared for and supervised. This regulation requires you to get approval before changing any part of your family child care home from a no-kids zone to a kids-allowed zone. It's not about redecorating - it's about expanding your licensed childcare space. Whether you're converting a garage, basement, or even just moving from one bedroom to another, you need written permission from licensing before allowing children into these newly designated areas.
How common is this citation?
As of November 23, 2025, 23 facilities have been cited for this violation in the past 90 days. This represents about 1 in 328 facilities statewide (0.30% of the 7,551 facilities inspected). The citations have occurred across 9 counties, with Los Angeles County leading with 9 citations, followed by San Diego and San Mateo counties with 3 citations each. While not the most common violation, it's frequent enough to warrant careful attention to space expansion procedures.
What triggers this citation?
This citation is triggered when inspectors discover that children are being cared for in areas that were previously designated as off-limits without prior licensing approval. Common scenarios include: moving a baby gate and allowing kids into the garage or basement without permission, expanding from one bedroom to another without notification, or starting to use outdoor areas that were marked as restricted. Inspectors look for discrepancies between your approved floor plan and where children are actually being supervised. Even changes that seem minor - like using a hallway that was previously just for passage - require approval if children will now spend time there.
How do I avoid this citation?
Always call your licensing worker before making ANY space changes, even if it seems minor - a quick phone call can save you a citation and the headache of having to undo changes that don't meet requirements. Submit a written request to licensing before making any space modifications, and wait for approval before allowing children into previously off-limits areas. Make sure any new areas meet all safety and licensing requirements before submitting your request. Keep your floor plan documentation current and complete any required inspections for the expanded space. Remember: it's always easier to get permission first than to fix a violation after the fact.
What should I do if I get cited?
If you receive this citation, immediately stop using the unauthorized space for childcare until you receive proper approval. Submit a complete written request to licensing that includes updated floor plans showing the areas you want to use. Ensure all safety requirements are met in the expanded space - this may include smoke detectors, proper exits, adequate lighting, and childproofing. Schedule and complete any required inspections. Work closely with your licensing worker to understand what modifications may be needed. The correction timeline will depend on the complexity of the changes, but maintaining open communication with licensing throughout the process will help resolve the violation more quickly.