5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Suffolk County allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions per MA Zoning Act (MGL c.40A). Home-based childcare has special protections.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40A, sec. 3 (Subjects which zoning may not regulate; residential uses)
No zoning ordinance or by-law shall regulate or restrict the interior area of a single family residential building nor shall any such ordinance or by-law prohibit, regulate or restrict the use of land or structures for religious purposes or for educational purposes on land owned or leased by the commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious sect or denomi...
Home business signage in Suffolk County is strictly limited. Boston Zoning Code Article 11 prohibits most external home-occupation signs, and historic districts (Beacon Hill, Back Bay) impose additional controls through the Boston Landmarks Commission.
Customer visits to home businesses in Suffolk County are strictly limited. Boston Zoning Article 10 restricts home occupations to 25% of dwelling area and prohibits any increase in traffic beyond normal residential levels.
Massachusetts regulates home food production under 105 CMR 500.000 (Good Manufacturing Practices) — there is no 'cottage food' exemption like other states. Most home-prepared foods require a Residential Kitchen permit from the local Board of Health and registration with MDAR. Farmers market sales of home-baked breads, jams, and non-PHF items are allowed with proper licensing.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, sec. 305B (Medical examination of persons handling food; food defined)
Section 305B. The commissioner of public health, on his own initiative or at the request of a local board of health, may require any person working in an establishment engaged wholly or in part in the business of producing, manufacturing, processing, storing or offering or exposing for sale any article of food and whose duties actually involve the handling of food during such production, manufa...
Family childcare in MA requires Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensing under 606 CMR 7.00. Family childcare providers may care for up to 6 children plus 2 additional school-age in their home; Large Family Child Care up to 10. Zoning allows family childcare by right in residential districts per MGL c. 40A, §3. Local zoning cannot prohibit or overly restrict licensed family daycare.
3 cities in Suffolk County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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