Starting A Business in Braintree
What Type of Business Are You Opening?
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Restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, caterers, cafés, and other food-related businesses typically require review and approval from the Health Division to ensure compliance with public health and safety regulations.
Additional approvals may include:
Common Victualler License
Board of Health approvals
Building permits
Mechanical permits
Gas, plumbing, and electrical permits
Water and sewer permits
Sign permits
Liquor licenses (if alcohol is served)
Entertainment, if applicable
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Retail stores, salons, professional offices, and service-based businesses may require permits depending on the nature of the business and whether renovations or building modifications are planned.
Requirements may include:
Building permits
Sign permits
Occupancy approvals
Zoning review
Additional departmental approvals
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Businesses providing tattooing, piercing, microblading, or similar services must comply with Board of Health regulations and obtain specific approvals before operating.
These businesses typically require:
Health permits
Special Permit approval
Planning Board review
Building permits (for renovations)
Sign permits
Parking compliance review
Planning Renovations or Building Improvements?
Physical Alterations & Construction
If your business requires renovations, construction, tenant fit-outs, or other physical changes to a property, additional approvals may be necessary.
Requirements depend on:
Project location
Proposed business use
Scope of construction
Building systems involved
Early consultation with the Departments of Planning & Community Development and Municipal Licenses & Inspections is encouraged to help identify requirements and avoid delays. For those just establishing a business, the New Business Form serves as an essential first step.
Understanding Zoning
Is Your Business Allowed at Your Location?
Zoning serves as a strategic roadmap for Braintree’s development, ensuring that new businesses are situated in locations that align with the community’s long-term vision and infrastructure. One of the most important steps in opening a business is confirming that your proposed use is permitted within the property's zoning district.
In Braintree, zoning varies by district:
By Right: Uses that are permitted without discretionary review when standard requirements are met.
Prohibited: Some uses are not permitted in specific zones to protect the established use of the neighborhood or the safety of the infrastructure.
Special Approvals: Other uses may require a Special Permit or Site Plan Review from the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals. View our Special Permit Flow process.
It is vital to confirm which uses are allowed at your prospective location. Understanding whether special permitting applies to your business will directly inform your timeline for opening and help you plan your launch more accurately.
The Town's interactive online Geographic Information System (GIS) enables you to search properties by address to determine which zoning district the property is located in, and the Town's zoning table shows which uses are allowed by district.
To verify which uses are allowed in the location you are planning to open your business, please consult the Department of Municipal Licenses & Inspections.
Need Help Navigating the Process?
Pre-Application Assistance for Building Renovations and Improvements
Town staff is available to help businesses understand permitting requirements before applications are submitted.
For projects involving multiple departments or more complex approvals, Braintree may coordinate a pre-application conference to streamline communication and help applicants understand the review process.
The goal is simple: provide guidance early, reduce uncertainty, and help businesses move forward as efficiently as possible.