Business Licensing & Operations in Fall River, MA (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Fall River, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Fall River requires a Zoning Board of Appeals special permit for any adult use in districts that allow one, plus a 750-foot parking/loading setback from residential structures and restricted operating hours.
Fall River Adult Use Special Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsFall River Code § 86-394
In those districts which permit adult use, a special permit shall be required for any such adult use, to be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals pursuant to MGL c. 40A, § 9A.
Tattoo & Body Modification
Fall River confines tattoo and piercing (body art) businesses to the Commercial Mill District and requires a Zoning Board of Appeals special permit tied to Board of Health regulations.
Fall River Body Art Establishment Permit
Significant RestrictionsFall River Code § 86-403(C)
The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a special permit for a body art establishment in the following district only: Commercial Mill District (CMD).
Tobacco Retail License
Fall River requires a City Board of Health permit to sell tobacco or nicotine delivery products, including e-cigarettes, from any retail location. Permits are nontransferable, renew every January 1, and depend on first holding a valid state tobacco sales license.
Fall River Vape Retail Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsFall River Code § 34-314
No person shall sell tobacco products or nicotine delivery products over the counter or by vending machine within the City without a permit for site and sale of tobacco products and nicotine delivery products issued by the City Board of Health for each tobacco retail place of business. The fee for this permit shall be as provided in Chapter A110, Fee Schedule, of the City Code, and is due upon ...
Secondhand Dealers
Anyone dealing in junk, old metals, or secondhand articles in Fall River, Massachusetts must hold a City Council license before opening, with notice, a public hearing, and strict recordkeeping for every transaction.
Fall River Secondhand & Junk Dealer License
Significant RestrictionsFall River Code § 14-371
No person shall carry on the business of a dealer in or keeper of a shop for the purchase, sale, barter or storage of junk, newspapers, old metals or secondhand articles unless he is duly licensed therefor by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of MGL c. 140, §§ 54 through 56.
Pawnbrokers
Fall River, Massachusetts requires anyone operating a pawnshop to hold a City Council license, keep a detailed transaction ledger, and follow set interest-rate caps and a four-month holding period.
Fall River Pawnbroker License Required
Significant RestrictionsFall River Code § 14-501
No person shall carry on the business of a pawnbroker unless he is duly licensed therefor by the City Council.
Towing Companies
Fall River, Massachusetts police may order any illegally parked vehicle towed under MGL c. 40, § 22D authority; the towing contractor is liable for negligent damage, and removal and storage fees cannot exceed state-authorized limits, with towed-vehicle records kept for a year.
Fall River Non-Consent Towing Rules
Some RestrictionsFall River Code § 70-315(A)
In accordance with the provisions of MGL c. 40, § 22D, the City Council hereby enacts the following regulations authorizing the removal to a convenient place of vehicles parked or standing in such manner or in such areas as are described in this section on any way under the control of the City. Vehicles specifically exempt by state law shall not, however, be subject to such removal. B. Autho...
Looking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fall River city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Bristol County →