Boston Zoning Code Article 10 allows home occupations by right if fully subordinate and no customers visit. Anything beyond incidental requires a ZBA conditional use or special permit.
Under Article 10 Section 10-1 of the Boston Zoning Code, a home occupation is permitted by right when it occupies less than 25 percent of the dwelling, has no non-resident employees, generates no customer visits, and produces no external evidence of the use. Home offices for teleworkers, writers, and remote consultants qualify. Any time customers visit, signage is displayed, or non-resident employees work on site, the operator must file with the Inspectional Services Department for a zoning determination and usually a ZBA conditional use permit. The fee is roughly $200 to $500 plus a legal ad. Condo associations may separately prohibit home occupations.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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