Brookline, MA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Brookline ZO § 4.07 (Uses 58, 58A, 59)
- S/SC/T/F Districts Limit
- Less than 25% of total floor area
- M District Limit
- Less than 50% of total floor area
- Contact
- Planning Dept.: (617) 730-2130
Summary
Brookline Zoning By-Law § 4.07 (Uses 58, 58A, and 59) governs home occupations and professional offices in dwelling units. No home occupation may occupy 25% or more of total floor area in S, SC, T, or F districts, or 50% or more in M districts.
Section 3. No zoning ordinance or by-law shall regulate or restrict the use of materials, or methods of construction of structures regulated by the state building code, nor shall any such ordinance or by-law prohibit, unreasonably regulate, or require a special permit for the use of land for the primary purpose of commercial agriculture, aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, floriculture or viticulture, nor prohibit, unreasonably regulate or require a special permit for the use, expansion, reconstruction or construction of structures thereon for the primary purpose of commercial agriculture, aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, floriculture or viticulture, including those facilities for the sale of produce, wine and dairy products, provided that either during the months of June, Jul
Full Breakdown
Under Brookline ZO § 4.07, home occupations (Use 58/58A) and professional offices in residences (Use 59) are accessory uses permitted in residential districts subject to size limits. In S, SC, T, and F districts, the home occupation may not occupy 25% or more of total floor area. In M districts, the limit is 50% of total floor area. The space may not occupy more than the area of the ground floor. Uses must be incidental to the residential use; the home must maintain its residential character.
Violations & Fines
Zoning violations for non-compliant home businesses subject to Inspectional Services enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my home in Brookline?
What zoning restrictions apply to home businesses in Brookline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brookline
How Brookline compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Brookline to another location·View the Massachusetts home business overview
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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Norfolk County handle zoning & home occupation permits.