Multnomah County, OR Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Oregon's Early Learning Division (ELD) regulates home-based childcare under ORS 329A.250-329A.450 and OAR 414-205 through 414-350. Three types: Exempt (up to 3 children unrelated to provider, no license required), Registered Family Child Care (up to 10 children including provider's own under 14, with no more than 2 under 24 months), and Certified Family Child Care (up to 16 children with assistant staff). Registration fees: Registered $120, Certified $250, renewed every 2 years. Requirements include background checks on all adults in household, CPR/First Aid certification, 15 hours of initial training, 24 hours continuing education every 2 years, written health and safety plan, and state-approved fire inspection. Portland City Code 33.203.050 allows Family Child Care as a home occupation by right in all residential zones — no conditional use permit needed for the state-licensed Registered/Certified sizes. Multnomah County MCC 39.7505 similarly classifies state-licensed childcare as a permitted home occupation. Employer contribution under Oregon's Paid Leave Oregon does not apply to sole proprietor providers. Pickup/drop-off traffic must not create congestion; Portland rule is no more than 10 vehicle trips per hour. Outdoor play areas must meet OAR 414-350 minimums (75 sq ft per child). Providers are mandatory reporters under ORS 419B.005.