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Starting or expanding a Commercial Certified Child Care Business

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Source: Starting or expanding a Commercial Certified Child Care Business ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:11:32 GMT

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This page provides information on establishing a child care business in a commercial building, including churches, community centers, and other non-residential settings. If you are planning to set up a child care business in a private home, please visit the web page on child care business in a home ↗.

Step 1: Talk to your state Child Care Licensing Specialist

Identify your child care type and learn the next steps to start your child care business. Contact the State of Oregon by email at occ.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov or by phone at 800-556-6616.

Step 2: Research property information

  • Before renting, leasing, or buying a property, research the address in Portland Maps ↗. Once the property is identified, select Permits & Zoning, then Zoning & Districts. Limited building permit history is also available on Portland Maps.
  • You can request copies of historic building permits and land use decisions through a formal public records request ↗.
  • Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a city planner ↗:
    • Ask a city planner if your business will be: 1) outright allowed, 2) a limited use, 3) a conditional use, or 4) prohibited on the property.
    • If the business is a limited-use, ask the city planner what information should be included on the building permit plan set.
    • If the business is a conditional use, ask the city planner how to apply for a Conditional Use permit, the timing to process the request, and the cost for the request. Please note that if a Conditional Use approval is required, this must be obtained before applying for a building permit.
    • Also, ask the city planner if a land use approval is required for the installation of a sign.
    • Sometimes, when a building permit is required, site upgrades will be required if the permit value meets the threshold established in Portland City Code Chapter 33.258.070 ↗.
  • Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a commercial building code reviewer ↗. Ask the commercial building code reviewer if the building has existing child care use and whether you will need a building permit for the child care use.
  • Learn how to apply for a sign permit ↗. There are also registration requirements for A-board or portable signs ↗.