Pittsburgh exempts in-home child care for 3 or fewer children from home occupation rules. Larger operations need a PA DHS license and local Certificate of Occupancy.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) licenses family child care homes under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290 for up to 6 children (plus the providers own). Group child care homes serving 7 to 12 children fall under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3280. Before applying for a DHS certificate, operators must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Pittsburgh Division of Zoning and Development Review confirming the location is properly zoned. Pittsburgh Zoning Code Chapter 912 exempts accessory in-home child care for 3 or fewer unrelated children from the standard home occupation requirements, provided the dwelling remains the operators primary residence. Care for 4 to 12 children requires an in-home day care permit from the PA Department of Labor and Industry. All providers need FBI and state police clearances, child abuse history certifications, and must meet DHS health and safety standards including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and approved outdoor play space.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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