5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Home occupations in unincorporated Multnomah County are governed by Multnomah County Zoning Code Chapter 39. A home occupation must be accessory to the residential use. Multnomah County Code Compliance (503-988-5508) handles violations.
Multnomah County Zoning Code Chapter 39 generally prohibits exterior commercial signs for home occupations in residential zones in unincorporated areas. Residential appearance must be maintained. County sign code applies to all signs.
Home occupation customer traffic in unincorporated Multnomah County must not exceed normal residential levels. High-customer-traffic businesses may not qualify as home occupations under Zoning Code Chapter 39 and may require a conditional use permit.
Oregon's Domestic Kitchen law ORS 616.706 and Farm Direct Marketing law ORS 616.695 allow limited home food sales without commercial licensing. Products are limited to non-potentially hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies, and fruit butters. $50,000 annual gross sales cap. Sales must be direct to consumer; no internet shipping.
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.
3 cities in Multnomah County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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