Cal. HSC § 1596.84

The department may issue provisional licenses to operate day care facilities which the director determines are in substantial compliance with the provisions of the licensure requirements and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, provided, that no life safety risks are involved, as determined by the director. In determining whether any life safety risks are involved, the director shall require completion of all applicable fire clearances and criminal record clearances as otherwise required by the department’s rules and regulations. The provisional license shall expire six months from the date of issuance, or at such earlier time as the director may determine. However, the director may extend the term of a provisional license for an additional six months time, if it is determined that more than six months will be required to achieve full compliance with licensing standards due to circumstances beyond the control of the applicant, provided all other requirements for a license have been met. In no case shall a provisional license be issued for more than 12 months.