Haverhill, MA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 3.3.1 permits one home occupation as of right, but only if it is conducted solely within the dwelling by the residents themselves, remains clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use, produces no offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, heat, lighting or electrical interference, keeps all storage and equipment (including commercial vehicles) indoors, shows no exterior sign of its presence, and is registered as a business with the City Clerk. Any occupation that needs a second home business on the same lot, wants to hire outside employees, or otherwise cannot meet those as-of-right conditions must instead go through § 3.3.2 and obtain a special permit from the Board of Appeals.

A special permit allows the resident operators to bring on up to three additional, non-resident employees and permits limited exterior signage in compliance with § 6.2, but the Board can attach conditions covering operating hours, maximum floor area, off-street parking and daily customer trip caps. Critically, that special permit is tied to ownership: under § 3.3.2(4) it automatically expires when the property is sold, and the new owner must apply for a fresh permit rather than inheriting the old one. Applications, permit fees and building permits for any related construction run through the Building Commissioner's office under Section 10.0 of the Zoning Ordinance.