New Bedford, MA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Under Sections 4900A through 4930A of the Zoning Ordinance, any residentially zoned property may be used for a family day care facility once the owner, lessee or occupant obtains a Certificate of Approval from the Commissioner of Buildings. First-time applicants file a Commissioner-designed application and pay a $50 fee, then must let the Commissioner inspect the premises; the Commissioner has 30 days from filing to conduct that inspection unless a reasonable attempt fails. No certificate issues until the inspection confirms, in the Commissioner's discretion, that the premises complies with the State Building Code for use as a residential property and family day care facility.

The Commissioner sends written notice of any defects, and the applicant has 90 days to cure them; the Commissioner may grant one extension, in his sole discretion, but never beyond an additional 90 days. Once notified the defects are cured, the Commissioner has 30 days to re-inspect, and if defects remain the application is voided and must be refiled. Renewal works on an annual cycle: the Commissioner schedules a reasonable-notice inspection, charges another $50 fee, and gives 30 days to cure any non-emergency defects found, handling emergency defects at his discretion.