Suffolk County, MA Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions (2026)

Suffolk County does not regulate home businesses. Boston Zoning Code Article 10 (Home Occupations) imposes the following limits: activity confined to no more than 25% of the dwelling's gross floor area (typically capped at 400 sq ft); no employees other than household members; no retail sales with walk-in customers; no increase in vehicular or pedestrian traffic beyond that normal for the residential district. Where customer visits are permitted (consulting, tutoring, licensed professional services), the rule of thumb is no more than one client at a time and limited daily visits. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, beauty parlors with multiple chairs, food production for off-site sale without commissary, and any use generating commercial deliveries. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop each enforce similar limits under their local zoning bylaws. MGL c. 40A §5 gives residents standing to appeal zoning decisions at the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal. Massachusetts Town Meeting tradition (though not applicable in Boston/Chelsea/Revere cities) gives neighbors strong community standing on home occupation disputes.