Lowell, MA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

The Zoning Ordinance defines a 'Home Occupation' as an activity customarily carried on by the permanent resident of a dwelling unit, inside the dwelling unit, requiring only customary home or hobby-type equipment, but excluding the sale of articles produced elsewhere for sale, exterior storage of materials, and motor-vehicle repair, landscaping yards or contractor's yards. Listed examples include recognized professions, fine-art studios, dressmaking, and teaching of not more than four pupils simultaneously. Home occupations are governed as accessory uses under Article IV, Section 4.3. A home occupation that needs more than the as-of-right limits - notably up to three additional employees beyond the residents - may be allowed by Special Permit issued by the Board of Appeals under Section 4.3.4, subject to conditions such as restricted hours, maximum floor area, off-street parking, and maximum daily customer vehicle trips; such a permit is limited to five years or the transfer of the property, whichever first occurs.