| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Hillsboro Planning Dept / Washington County Dept of Land Use and Transportation or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Oregon Dept of Early Learning and Care (DELC) — Child Care Licensing — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — required before opening; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Verify — may be city or county depending on location — fee: Contact required |
| Last verified | May 2026 |
Zoning requirements in Washington County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Washington County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.
| Zoning authority | City of Hillsboro Planning Dept / Washington County Dept of Land Use and Transportation |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Hillsboro Planning Dept / Washington County Dept of Land Use and Transportation or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | ORS §10.660 (formerly §455.197) — certified family childcare homes permitted in residential zones; cannot be prohibited by local ordinance |
Health permit requirements in Washington County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | Oregon Dept of Early Learning and Care (DELC) — Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — DELC child care facility certificate required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-certification and annual inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff ratios, health and safety per OAR Chapter 414 |
DELC administers statewide certification; local fire marshal and county health dept also inspect
Fire safety requirements in Washington County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Washington County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Hillsboro Fire Dept (city); Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (most of county) |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — required before opening |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection |
| Key requirements | Exits, emergency lighting, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher certification, fire alarm system (where required) |
Business license requirements in Washington County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Washington County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City of Hillsboro Business Tax; Washington County for unincorporated (no separate license required) |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Contact required |
Verify whether Washington County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Washington County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Washington County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps preschool programs in Oregon manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed childcare program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records and billing.
Also in this guide: Washington County Childcare Center Requirements, Washington County Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Washington County Large Family Child Care Home Requirements