Who needs a zoning approval, building permit and certificate of occupancy in Massachusetts?
Issued by Your city or town building department (inspector of buildings, under the state building code 780 CMR) and zoning board, at step 3 of 6 in the opening sequence: approve the space.
Every kind of business in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts table lists this for every kind of business.
Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections. The board of health, the licensing authority and the liquor license all ask for it, and a restaurant also needs the fire department’s sign-off.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 3 of 6: Approve the space
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Your city or town building department (inspector of buildings, under the state building code 780 CMR) and zoning board.
Sources and dates
Board of Building Regulations and Standards (780 CMR); M.G.L. c. 40A (zoning); municipal zoning bylaws and ordinances. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use or any build-out needs a building permit and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Your city or town building department (inspector of buildings, under the state building code 780 CMR) and zoning board.
Step 3 of 6, approve the space. The steps before it: set up the business and register for tax.
Who needs a zoning approval in Massachusetts? | DoorWorthy
