Home Daycare: Portland vs Troutdale
How do home daycare rules compare between Portland, OR and Troutdale, OR?
Portland and Troutdale have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
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.
View full Portland rules →Troutdale, OR
Multnomah County
Home-based childcare in Multnomah County requires Oregon Early Learning Division licensing under ORS 329A.260-329A.450. Registered Family Child Care: up to 10 children. Certified Family Child Care: up to 16 children. Portland allows both as home occupations under PCC 33.203 without a conditional use. Multnomah County zoning follows similar pattern under MCC 39.7505.
View full Troutdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Troutdale |
|---|---|---|
| State Licensing Agency | Oregon DELC (ORS 329A.250 et seq.) | - |
| Permit-Free Limit | 3 unrelated children | - |
| Registered Limit | 10 children | - |
| Certified Limit | 16 children with assistants | - |
| Zoning | Permitted in all R-zones (PCC 33.910) | Permitted by right |
| City License | Portland business license + PBLT | - |
| Registered Max | - | 10 children |
| Certified Max | - | 16 children |
| Exempt | - | 3 or fewer |
| State Law | - | ORS 329A.260 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
How many children can I watch in a Portland home daycare?
Up to 3 unrelated children with no license required, up to 10 with a Registered Family Child Care registration through Oregon DELC, and up to 16 with a Certified Family Child Care certification — all allowed in residential zones under PCC 33.910.
Do I need a Portland business license to run a home daycare?
Yes. Even with state DELC registration, Portland requires a city business license under PCC 7.02 and applies the Portland Business License Tax to net business income from the child-care operation.
Troutdale FAQ
How many kids can I watch in my Portland home daycare?
Up to 10 as Registered Family Child Care (ORS 329A.260) or 16 as Certified Family Child Care, both with state licensing. Zoning allows this by right in all Portland residential zones.
Who enforces daycare home rules in Multnomah County?
Multnomah County's code enforcement division is responsible for home business ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Multnomah County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
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