Home Business in Delaware County, PA (2026)

4 rules for unincorporated Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Delaware County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Zoning & Home Occupation Permits

Delaware County issues no home-occupation permit. You apply to your borough, township, or city under its zoning ordinance and the PA Municipalities Planning Code. A true no-impact home business is a permitted use needing no zoning approval in residential districts.

Home Occupation Permits in Delaware County PA

Some Restrictions

53 P.S. § 10107 (MPC § 107)

"No-impact home-based business." A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Signage Rules

Delaware County sets no sign rule for home businesses. Signage is governed by your municipality's zoning ordinance under the MPC. State law's 'no-impact home-based business' allows no outside appearance of a business, including signs or lights.

Home Business Sign Rules in Delaware County PA

Some Restrictions

53 P.S. § 10107 (MPC § 107)

There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cottage Food Operations

Pennsylvania has no cottage food exemption. To sell home-baked goods you register your home kitchen as a 'limited food establishment' with the PA Department of Agriculture, get inspected, and pay a small fee. There is no sales cap. This is a state program, not county.

Cottage Food (Limited Food Establishment) in Delaware County PA

Some Restrictions

PA Dept of Agriculture, Limited Food Establishment program

The Department's Limited Food Establishment program registers home-based and noncommercial food production sites that meet specific guidelines.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Daycare

A home daycare in Delaware County is certified by the PA Department of Human Services, not the county. Caring for four to six unrelated children requires a DHS family child care home certificate of compliance under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, plus compliance with municipal zoning.

Home Daycare Rules in Delaware County PA

Some Restrictions

55 Pa. Code § 3290.11(c)

An applicant shall obtain a valid certificate of compliance to operate a family child care home to care for four, five or six unrelated children at a specific location.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Delaware County ordinances

See every category we cover for Delaware County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Delaware County Ordinance Hub →