Business Licensing & Operations in Methuen, MA (2026)
2 verified business licensing & operations rules for Methuen, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
In the City of Methuen, Massachusetts, an adult bookstore, adult entertainment establishment or adult motion-picture theater needs a special permit from the Community Development Board, and applications are allowed only in the BH and IL Zoning Districts. Population caps apply, along with quarter-mile and half-mile separations from residential districts, other adult uses and Chapter 138 licensed establishments.
Methuen Adult Entertainment Facility Special Permit
Significant RestrictionsMethuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 11.10
B. Applicability. ... An application for an adult entertainment facility special permit shall be allowed in the BH and IL Zoning Districts. ... D. Requirements. ... (1) There shall be no more than one adult bookstore permit granted per 20,000 residents of the municipality, nor more than one adult motion-picture permit granted per 30,000 residents of the municipality, nor more than one adult ent...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
In the City of Methuen, Massachusetts, motor vehicle repair is expressly excluded from the home occupation definition in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. A repair business cannot qualify as a customary home occupation in a residential district, and the ordinance separately defines general repairs, body repair and light service as premises uses.
Methuen Home Auto Repair: Excluded as Home Occupation
Heavy RestrictionsMethuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 2.2
HOME OCCUPATION ... Home occupations do not include barbershops, funeral homes, commercial stables or kennels, the conducting of a convalescent or nursing home for more than four persons, restaurants, motor vehicle repair, landscaping yards or contractor's yards or small engine repair. ... MOTOR VEHICLE GENERAL REPAIRS Premises for the servicing and repair of autos, but not to include fuel sale...