Ordinances You Need to Know in Boston, MA
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to Boston, MA.
Local jurisdiction: City of Boston, Massachusetts.
Accessory Home Occupation Must Be Resident-Operated
Boston's zoning materials define an accessory home occupation as a business carried on in a home by someone who lives there.
Source: City of Boston Zoning Materials
Code section: Boston Zoning Code accessory home occupation definition
Official city zoning document: 2021
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
No Nonresident Employees and Household-Type Equipment
Boston's accessory home occupation definition requires the activity to be conducted in the main building, use equipment normally found in a home, and not require help from people who do not live there.
Source: City of Boston Zoning Materials
Code section: Boston Zoning Code accessory home occupation definition
Official city zoning document: 2021
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Merchandise Sales Not Part of Accessory Home Occupation
Boston's accessory home occupation definition excludes home businesses that involve selling merchandise.
Source: City of Boston Zoning Materials
Code section: Boston Zoning Code accessory home occupation definition
Official city zoning document: 2021
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.