Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do home daycare rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Penn Hills and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
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.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh exempts in-home child care for 3 or fewer children from home occupation rules. Larger operations need a PA DHS license and local Certificate of Occupancy.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | FBI, state police, and child abuse clearances |
| Contact | Code Enforcement (412) 342-1192 | - |
| Family Child Care | - | Up to 6 children -- 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3290 |
| Group Child Care | - | 7-12 children -- 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3280 |
| Zoning Exemption | - | 3 or fewer children exempt from home occupation rules |
| Local Permit | - | Certificate of Occupancy required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my Penn Hills home?
Yes, with proper credentials. Family child care homes serving 4-6 children must obtain a PA DHS certificate of compliance and undergo safety inspection. Penn Hills requires a Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance before operation begins.
How many children can I care for without a state license?
Care for 3 or fewer unrelated children may be provided without DHS licensing. Caring for 4 or more unrelated children triggers state licensing requirements under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290.
Pittsburgh FAQ
How many children can I care for in my Pittsburgh home?
A family child care home may care for up to 6 unrelated children under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290. A group child care home may serve 7 to 12 children under Chapter 3280. You need a Certificate of Occupancy from Pittsburgh zoning and a DHS license.
Do I need a zoning permit for a small in-home daycare in Pittsburgh?
If you care for 3 or fewer unrelated children and the dwelling is your primary residence, Pittsburgh exempts you from full home occupation standards. For 4 or more children, you need a Certificate of Occupancy and a PA in-home day care permit.
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