Portland's home occupation rules at PCC 33.203 allow most residential properties to host a small home-based business by right, subject to operating standards. Two tiers exist: Type A (no non-resident employees on-site, no customers visiting) and Type B (limited customers/employees with permit). Both types prohibit retail sales, manufacturing, vehicle repair, restaurants, and any use generating significant traffic or noise; signage is not allowed.
PCC 33.203 establishes two tiers of home occupations. Type A (PCC 33.203.040) is permitted by right in all residential zones with no permit required, provided: only residents work in the business, no clients/customers visit, no exterior storage or display, no signs, no equipment causing noise/vibration/odor detectable off-site, and no more than 25% of the dwelling's floor area is used. Type B (PCC 33.203.050) allows one non-resident employee and up to 8 client visits per day (max 1 vehicle at a time), but requires a Home Occupation Permit through BDS (currently around $310). Both types prohibit retail/wholesale sales on-site, vehicle repair, restaurants, kennels, contracting yards, and any manufacturing beyond small-scale crafts. The 'no exterior evidence' rule (PCC 33.203.040(D)) bars all signage and visible business activity. Day care is regulated separately under Household Living rules in PCC 33.910 and is permitted in all residential zones for up to 16 children.
Operating a home occupation that violates the operating standards is enforced by BDS under PCC 33.700 — notice of violation, 30 days to comply, then $250-$1,000/day in civil fines and possible cease-and-desist orders. Operating a Type B home occupation without the required permit is itself a violation. Persistent violations can trigger zoning-violation lawsuits and abatement orders.
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