Child care services are always in demand and often hard to come by. For those looking to start a child care business, there are many requirements that must be met to ensure the safety of children and employees.
When establishing a new child care facility in a home, church, community center, or other commercial building, it is important to ensure that the space in which it operates meets all of the safety requirements in state building codes and is allowed under the zoning rules that apply to its location. The Bureau of Development Services recently published two web pages—one for child care businesses in private homes, and another for child care businesses in commercial buildings--that offer step-by-step information to help a business owner or design professional navigate these rules.
The web pages include information for business owners about:
- Beginning the conversation with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care to identify the type of child care business they seek to operate
- Researching information about what the City’s zoning allows, and what Oregon building codes require
- Researching start-up costs
- Obtaining building permits and inspections
- Receiving a City of Portland business license
- Receiving a Land Use Compatibility Statement, if needed
- Additional resources to assist small businesses
Learn more about establishing a child care business in a home