Home Business in Beaverton, OR: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Beaverton or are thinking about moving there, home business are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Beaverton has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of home business, and some of them might surprise you.
Home Daycare
Running a Beaverton home daycare that has parents or kids visiting requires a Home Occupation Two approval, capped at 8 daily clients and one non-resident staff member.
Key details: Permit required: Home Occupation Two approval. Max daily clients: 8 customers or clients per day. Visiting hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Non-resident staff limit: One employee or volunteer. Space cap: 700 square feet of the home.
Operating a client-visited home daycare without Home Occupation Two approval is a Development Code violation, enforceable as a Class 1 City infraction under Development Code § 10.70.
Signage Rules
Beaverton caps home-business signage at one name plate no larger than two square feet: no other exterior advertising signs are allowed under the Development Code.
Key details: Sign limit: 1 name plate, ≤ 2 sq ft. Other signage: Not allowed. Applies to: Home Occupation One & Two. Governing code: Development Code § 60.40.15.
Failing to meet the no-signage criterion means the Home Occupation application can be denied, or an approved permit revoked for noncompliance, and the city can require removal of any unauthorized sign.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Beaverton requires a Home Occupation Type 1 or Type 2 land-use permit for any home-based business, with the tier set by whether outside customers or employees visit the property.
Key details: Permit tiers: Home Occupation One or Two. HO-1 floor area cap: 700 gross square feet. HO-1 review: Type 1, Director decision. HO-2 review: Type 2 procedure required.
Running a home-based business without an approved Home Occupation One or Two permit violates Development Code section 40.40.15 and can draw a code enforcement notice, a retroactive permit requirement, or citation from the City.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Beaverton limits home-business client visits to 8 per day between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and requires a Home Occupation Two permit before any customers may visit.
Key details: Max daily clients: 8 per day. Visit hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.. Permit needed: Home Occupation Two. Non-resident staff: 1 employee/volunteer max.
Exceeding 8 daily clients, allowing visits outside 7 a.m.-10 p.m., or having more than one non-resident worker breaks the approval criteria and can get the Home Occupation Two permit denied or revoked.
The Bottom Line
Beaverton's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Beaverton is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Beaverton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.