Penn Hills's Home Business: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles home business a little differently. In Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Home Occupation Permits

Penn Hills Zoning Ordinance 2420 permits no-impact home occupations by right in all residential zones under PA Act 43 of 2002. A Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance is required before starting any home business. Higher-impact occupations require special zoning approval.

Key details: Code Section: Zoning Ordinance 2420 (PA Act 43/2002). Permit: Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance. Floor Area Limit: 25 percent of dwelling maximum. Employees: Family residents only for no-impact status. Contact: Chief Zoning Officer (412) 342-1192.

Operating without a Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance is a zoning violation subject to fines up to $1,000 per occurrence plus enforcement costs.

Home Daycare

Family home daycare in Penn Hills is permitted subject to PA Department of Human Services licensing and local zoning review. Family child care homes (4-6 children) require a DHS certificate of compliance. Penn Hills requires a Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance for any home-based business.

Key details: State Licensing: PA DHS OCDEL certificate required. Small Home Care: 4-6 children = family child care home. Local Review: Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance. Background Checks: Required for household adults. Contact: Code Enforcement (412) 342-1192.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Penn Hills'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 Penn Hills is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Penn Hills can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.