Portland, OR Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Portland City Code Ch. 33.203
- Type A
- no employees/customers, no permit
- Type B customers
- up to 15 per day
- Type B visiting hours
- 7 am to 9 pm
- Type B noise limit
- 50 dBA at property line
Summary
Portland allows home-based businesses as an accessory use in any residential zone under City Code Chapter 33.203, split into no-permit Type A and permitted Type B home occupations.
The intent of the regulations of this chapter is to establish performance standards for all accessory home occupations rather than to limit the allowed uses to a specific list. Uses which comply with the standards of this chapter are allowed by right unless specifically listed in Subsection B. below.
Full Breakdown
Accessory home occupations are allowed by right wherever Household Living use is permitted, without a specific zone list, as long as they meet Chapter 33.203's performance standards. Type A occupations (no employees or customers on site) need no permit. Type B occupations (one nonresident employee, customers on site) require a two-year Type B Home Occupation Permit from Portland Permitting & Development plus neighborhood notice, and are capped at 15 customers a day, 7 am-9 pm visiting hours, and 50 dBA noise measured at the property line.
Violations & Fines
A Type B permit can be revoked for violating Chapter 33.203's standards under the enforcement procedure in Code § 3.30.040; once revoked, no new Type B permit issues to that applicant or co-residents for 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Portland restrict home businesses to certain zones?
Do I need a permit to run a business from my Portland home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
How Portland compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon home business overview
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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle zoning & home occupation permits.