5 rules for unincorporated Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Hampshire County has no county government, so home-occupation rules come from each city or town under the Massachusetts Zoning Act. Northampton, Amherst, South Hadley, and Easthampton allow a home business as an accessory use that keeps the dwelling residential.
Home occupations in Northampton, Amherst, and the other Hampshire County towns may not advertise with exterior signs. The zoning goal is no visible evidence of a business on residential streets, preserving New England neighborhood character.
A home occupation in Hampshire County's cities and towns may not generate customer or delivery traffic beyond normal residential levels. Walk-in retail is barred, and any client parking must stay on the property.
Massachusetts has no permit-free cottage food law. To sell home-baked or home-canned goods you register your kitchen as a residential kitchen with your local board of health — Northampton, Amherst, or your own town — which permits and inspects it.
Home child care in Hampshire County is licensed by the state Department of Early Education and Care, not the county. Massachusetts zoning law protects family child care homes: no city or town may zone them out.
MGL c.40A §3
Family child care home and large family child care home as defined in section 1A of chapter 15D shall be an allowable use and no city or town shall prohibit or regulate such use in its zoning ordinances or by-laws.
See every category we cover for Hampshire County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Hampshire County Ordinance Hub →