Home Business in Portland, OR (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Portland's home occupation rules at PCC 33.203 allow most residential properties to host a small home-based business by right, subject to operating standards. Two tiers exist: Type A (no non-resident employees on-site, no customers visiting) and Type B (limited customers/employees with permit). Both types prohibit retail sales, manufacturing, vehicle repair, restaurants, and any use generating significant traffic or noise; signage is not allowed.
Portland Home Occupation Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Portland's home occupation rules at PCC 33.203 explicitly prohibit signs and external evidence of the home business. PCC 33.203.040(D) requires that home occupations 'show no exterior evidence' from off-site, which means no business signs, no window signs, no exterior lighting, no merchandise display, and no special parking signage. This is one of the strictest home-business signage rules in the Pacific Northwest.
Portland Home Occupation Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Portland Type B Home Occupation Permits allow up to 15 customers or clients per day at the residence, during hours 7 AM–9 PM only. One non-resident employee is permitted. No exterior storage of goods or equipment is allowed.
Portland Home Business Customer Traffic Rules
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Oregon ORS 616.706 (Domestic Kitchen Bakery rule) allows Portland home bakers to sell up to 20,000 dollars per year of low-risk baked and confection goods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen.
Cottage Food Rules in Portland
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Family child care homes in Portland are licensed by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) under ORS 329A.250-329A.450 and OAR 414-205. Portland zoning treats Registered Family Child Care (up to 10 children) as a permitted Household Living use in all residential zones under PCC 33.910 definitions. Certified Family Child Care (up to 16 children) is also allowed in single-dwelling zones as an accessory use. Local business licensing through the City of Portland Revenue Division also applies.
Portland Family Child Care Home Rules
Some RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
PCC 33.203 allows home occupations in Portland residential zones by right when they occupy under 25 percent of floor area, generate no outside employees, and produce no detectable off-site impacts.
Home Occupation Permit Rules in Portland
Some RestrictionsLooking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Home Business in Multnomah County →