Business Licensing & Operations in Springfield, MA (2026)
7 verified business licensing & operations rules for Springfield, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Springfield confines adult entertainment businesses to Business A, B and C districts by City Council Tier 3 Special Permit, and bans them within 700 feet of homes, schools, churches, libraries, parks or another such use.
Springfield Adult Entertainment Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield Zoning Ordinance § 6.2.20 and § 6.2.41
Uses listed in Section 6.2.30 are allowed by Special Permit in accordance with Tier 3 process described in Section 12.4. in Business A, Business B, and Business C and no other districts... No LOT occupied, or to be occupied, by an ADULT ENTERTAINMENT use shall be located within a seven hundred (700) foot radius from any of the following: A. Any Residential ZONING DISTRICT; B. A BUILDING contain...
Massage Establishments
Springfield requires anyone practicing massage or operating a bath, vapor, pool, or shower establishment for hire to hold an annual license from the Commissioner of Public Health, issued only after a hearing on the application.
Springfield, Massachusetts Massage Establishment License
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 247-1
No person shall practice massage, or conduct an establishment for the giving of vapor, pool, shower, or other baths for hire or reward, or advertise or hold oneself out as being engaged in the business or occupation of massage or the giving of said baths without receiving a license therefor from the Commissioner of Public Health of the City. B. The Commissioner shall have the authority to gr...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Springfield requires an annual $125 permit from Health and Human Services before any body art establishment may operate, tattoo, pierce, brand, or scarify clients under City Code Chapter 131.
Springfield Body Art Establishment Permit
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 131-9(A), (C), (E)
No person may operate a body art establishment except with a valid permit from HHS. B. Applications for a permit shall be made on forms prescribed by and available from HHS. An applicant shall submit all information required by the form and accompanying instructions. The term "application" as used herein shall include the original and renewal applications. C. An establishment permit shall...
Tobacco Retail License
Every tobacco retailer in Springfield, Massachusetts needs a $100-a-year permit from the Health and Human Services Department for each location, and the definition covers e-cigarettes, not just cigarettes.
Springfield, MA Tobacco Retail License
Some RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 362-9(B)
After December 1, 1997, all retailers who are required to hold a state license to sell cigarettes, and retailers who sell any other tobacco products, will also be required to hold and maintain a valid permit for location and sales from the City of Springfield for each location at which tobacco products are sold. C. As part of the tobacco sales permit application process, the applicant will b...
Secondhand Dealers
Springfield, MA requires a Police Department license before anyone can run a shop buying, selling, or bartering secondhand or junk articles.
Springfield Secondhand Dealer License
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 270-2
No person, firm, or corporation shall engage in the business of operating a shop for the purchase, sale or barter of secondhand articles without obtaining a license therefor and complying with the terms of this section. The Police Department may license suitable persons to be collectors of, dealers in or keepers of shops for the purchase, sale or barter of junk, old metal or secondhand articles...
Pawnbrokers
Springfield, MA pawnbrokers need a $200 Police Department license and a CORI background check before doing business.
Springfield Pawnbroker Licensing
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 270-1
The Police Department may license suitable persons to carry on the business of pawnbrokers in this City, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 140 of the General Laws. Upon application of license or renewal of all persons involved in secondhand dealer or as a pawnbroker shall submit to a CORI check of their criminal history. The Police Commissioner or his designee shall determine the suitabilit...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Springfield, Massachusetts bans motor vehicle sales, rental, service, repair, painting and body work as home-based businesses citywide, one of the Zoning Ordinance's flat prohibited-use categories for residential home businesses.
Springfield MA Home Auto Repair Ban
Heavy RestrictionsSpringfield Zoning Ordinance § 4.5.42(C)
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES, RENTALS, SERVICES, REPAIR, PAINTING OR BODY WORK, or TEMPORARY STORAGE; and D. Repair, installation of auto stereos, reconditioning or storage of motorized vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, airplanes, lawnmowers or other