Child care businesses, preschools, or schools are allowed in residential zones only by going through an extensive land use review process called a conditional use review. The review includes neighborhood notification and a public hearing. Schools, including primary, elementary and secondary schools that provide state mandated education, always require a conditional use review in residential zones.

Daycare, include preschools, may be located in existing churches in residential zones without a land use review. Portland's commercial and employment zones allow school or child care use, but industrial zones do not. Call one of the planners at (503) 823-7526 to find out how the zoning code would apply to your proposed use.