Lowell, MA Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions (2026)

Zoning Ordinance Section 4.3.3(6) requires that an as-of-right home occupation 'does not produce any customer, pupil, employee or client trips to the occupation site and has no nonresident employees.' The City's Home Occupation page reiterates that 'There cannot be any non-resident employees reporting to the residence' and that 'the sale of any commodity is not allowed, nor is the storage of any work-related equipment (tools, etc.).' To have customer visits or up to three additional employees, the operator must obtain a Special Permit under Section 4.3.4, which authorizes the Board of Appeals to impose conditions including restriction of hours of operation, maximum floor area, off-street parking, and a maximum number of daily customer vehicle trips. Such a permit lasts no more than five years or until the property is transferred.