Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown FAQ Sources More in Penn Hills

Penn Hills, PA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

State Licensing: PA DHS OCDEL certificate required
Small Home Care: 4-6 children = family child care home
Local Review: Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance
Background Checks: Required for household adults
Contact: Code Enforcement (412) 342-1192

Summary

Family home daycare in Penn Hills is permitted subject to PA Department of Human Services licensing and local zoning review. Family child care homes (4-6 children) require a DHS certificate of compliance. Penn Hills requires a Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance for any home-based business.

If you are looking for help to pay child care expenses, or if you need help figuring out how to care for and educate your young child, Child Care Works can help. For more information, call the Child Care Works helpline at 1-877-4-PA-KIDS. You can also find help and information at your local Early Learning Resource Center . We share the concern of parents that child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes in Pennsylvania meet basic health and safety standards. Through our Certification Services Bureau, we certify and register child care facilities to make sure they meet these standards.

Source: Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaView official code

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania regulates home-based child care through the Department of Human Services Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290. Family child care homes serving 4 to 6 unrelated children require a DHS certificate of registration or compliance and must undergo safety inspections. Group child care homes (7-12 children) require additional licensing. Penn Hills treats residential child care as a home occupation requiring administrative zoning review and a Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance. Operators must ensure that daycare activity does not generate customer traffic, noise, or parking demand beyond normal residential levels if seeking no-impact home occupation status. Outdoor play areas may require fencing, and pool barriers must comply with PA UCC if a swimming pool is on the property. Liability insurance is strongly recommended, and background checks are required for all adult household members under the PA Child Protective Services Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a daycare from my Penn Hills home?

Yes, with proper credentials. Family child care homes serving 4-6 children must obtain a PA DHS certificate of compliance and undergo safety inspection. Penn Hills requires a Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance before operation begins.

How many children can I care for without a state license?

Care for 3 or fewer unrelated children may be provided without DHS licensing. Caring for 4 or more unrelated children triggers state licensing requirements under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290.

Sources & Official References

[1]Source
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Other rules in Penn Hills

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Zoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome Restrictions Signage RulesSome Restrictions Customer Traffic RestrictionsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningLight Restrictions

All Penn Hills rules

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