5 rules for unincorporated Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Chester County does not zone - your borough or township does, under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Most allow a home occupation as an accessory use if it stays incidental to the residence. In West Chester, the county seat, a home occupation may use no more than 25% of the
Home business signs are regulated by your municipality, not Chester County. Rules differ by borough and township. In West Chester Borough, a home occupation sign may show only the resident's name or profession and may not exceed two square feet, and it requires a sign permit.
Pennsylvania has no classic cottage food law and Chester County does not license home food producers. Instead you register a Limited Food Establishment with the PA Department of Agriculture, pay a $35 annual fee, and pass a home inspection. Only non-hazardous foods that need no refrigeration are allowed.
PA Dept. of Agriculture - Limited Food Establishment
These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product.
A family child care home caring for four, five, or six unrelated children is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, not by Chester County. It needs a Certificate of Compliance and passes annual unannounced inspections. Municipal zoning may also apply.
55 Pa. Code §3290.4 (Family child care home)
A home other than the child's own home, operated for profit or not-for-profit, in which child care is provided at any one time to four, five or six children unrelated to the operator.
Home occupation permits are issued by your municipality, not Chester County. In West Chester Borough you must obtain a home occupation permit before starting, and everyone working in the home must live there - off-site employees who never report to or park at the house are allowed.
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