Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Allentown

Allentown, PA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
Section 660-48.D (Exemptions)
Zoning treatment
Exempt from home-occupation rules; still subject to applicable permits
State licensing
PA Department of Human Services (DHS), OCDEL
Family child care homes
55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290
Group child care homes
55 Pa. Code Chapter 3280

Summary

Family and group child care homes are expressly exempt from Allentown's home-occupation regulations but remain subject to all applicable permitting requirements, and child care licensing is governed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services under state law.

660-48.D EXEMPTIONS. Nonresidential uses that are expressly allowed in conjunction with residential uses (e.g., bed and breakfast inns, family child care homes, and group child care homes) are not subject to home occupation regulations but are subject to all applicable permitting requirements.

Source: City of Allentown Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Allentown's Zoning Ordinance treats in-home child care differently from other home businesses. ' This means a home daycare is not held to the Type 1/Type 2 home-occupation performance standards, but the operator must still obtain any required zoning permit for the use and comply with applicable building, fire, and parking requirements. Child care facility licensing itself is preempted by Pennsylvania state law: family child care homes and group child care homes are certified/licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning, under 55 Pa.

Code Chapters 3290 (Family Child Day Care Homes) and 3280 (Group Child Day Care Homes). Operators should confirm both the state DHS certificate/license and the city zoning permit before opening.

Violations & Fines

Operating a home daycare without the required state DHS certification/license is enforced by the Commonwealth under the child-care licensing regulations. Failing to obtain a required city zoning permit or violating building/parking standards is enforceable by Allentown's zoning officer; civil enforcement under Section 660-123.D can yield a judgment up to $500.00 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a home daycare regulated like other Allentown home businesses?
No. Under Section 660-48.D, family child care homes and group child care homes are exempt from the home-occupation regulations, but they remain subject to all applicable permitting requirements such as zoning, building, and fire approvals.
Who licenses home daycares in Allentown?
Child care licensing is governed by Pennsylvania state law. Family and group child care homes are certified/licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (Office of Child Development and Early Learning) under 55 Pa. Code Chapters 3290 and 3280.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Allentown

Customer Traffic RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions

All Allentown rules

Compare Allentown to another location·View the Pennsylvania home business overview

Get notified when Home Daycare in Allentown, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.