Taunton's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business a little differently. In Taunton, Massachusetts, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Signage Rules
Taunton's zoning code cuts two very different paths for home-business signage. An 'accessory business use' registered under § 440-502(B) can't display any sign at all, full stop, while the separate sign ordinance exempts one small 'home occupation' sign, capped at two square feet, from needing a sign permit entirely.
Key details: Accessory business use signage: Banned entirely, § 440-502(B)(1). Home occupation sign exemption: One sign, 2 sq ft max. Permit for exempt sign: None required. Governing sign article: § 440-706. Administering office: City Planner's office.
Displaying any sign for a registered accessory business use, when § 440-502(B)(1) bans signage outright, or exceeding the two-square-foot cap on an exempt home-occupation sign under § 440-706(C)(1)(e), is enforced as a zoning violation under § 440-301B: up to $300 per offense, or a noncriminal fine of $50, $100 and $300 for a first, second and third-plus offense, each day counted separately.
Compared to other cities, Taunton takes a harder line on signage rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Taunton's zoning code lets residents run a limited accessory business, like a professional office or storage for another business, out of a residential structure, but it draws a hard line on foot traffic: customers and clients can never be invited to, or allowed to visit, the home. That single rule makes home-based businesses with walk-in clients off-limits citywide.
Key details: Core rule: No customers/clients invited to the location. Application fee: $25. Allowed business types: Professional offices, storage for other businesses. Vehicle limit: One vehicle, under 7,500 lbs. Registration: City Planner's office approval required.
Running an accessory business that draws customers or clients to a Taunton residence violates § 440-502(B)(4) and is enforced as a zoning violation under § 440-301B: up to $300 per offense, or a noncriminal ticket of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $300 for a third and every one after that, with each day of the violation counted separately.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Taunton actively enforces its customer traffic restrictions requirements.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Taunton allows a limited accessory business use inside a residential structure in any zoning district, but only for professional offices or storage tied to another business, capped at 20% of the home's floor area, and only after the operator registers with and gets approval from the City Planner's office for a $25 fee.
Key details: Size cap: 20% of residential structure. Accessory building cap: 75% of gross floor area. Application fee: $25. Approval authority: City Planner's office. Employees: Must reside at the location.
Operating an accessory business use in a residential structure without registering it with the City Planner's office, or exceeding the 20%/75% floor-area caps, is a zoning violation under § 440-301B: up to $300 per offense, or a noncriminal fine of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $300 for a third and each one after that, with every day of the violation a separate offense.
The Bottom Line
Taunton is tougher than many cities when it comes to home business. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Taunton, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Taunton can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.