HomeMy WebLinkAboutHome Occupation Ordinance Memo (6.29.26)
367 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601 (p) 508-862-4678
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 29, 2026
To: Town Council Zoning and Regulatory Subcommittee
From: Planning & Development Staff
Re: Proposed Home Occupation Ordinance
Since the last meeting of the Town Council Zoning and Regulatory Subcommittee, town staff have
been working to advance edits to the Town’s home occupation ordinance.
To better understand concerns and priorities of the subcommittee, members of the Town’s
Building and Planning departments met with committee members to demonstrate how home
occupation application reviews are currently conducted. Staff have since developed two draft
versions of an amended home occupation ordinance. These drafts have been developed to
reflect both feedback received at previous subcommittee meetings, and additional input from
members in reaction to meeting with town staff.
The first draft ordnance is a response to the comments received by the subcommittee and
includes an additional requirement of site plan approval for home occupations that meet certain
characteristics. This is intended to allow for a more robust staff review of relevant applications
to determine if Special Permit approval is required. A second version was developed in response
to some members expressing that Site Plan Review approval may not be required or appropriate
for these applications. In this version applicants would instead be required to submit additional
materials at application in writing to effectuate a detailed review by staff.
Both versions include the same clarifying and housekeeping edits, such as introducing new
definitions and establishing the requirement of a home occupation license for improved
monitoring.
Attached:
• Existing home occupation ordinance
• Draft amended home occupation ordinance – redlined (with Site Plan Review)
• Draft amended home occupation ordinance – clean version (with Site Plan Review)
• Draft amended home occupation ordinance – redlined (without Site Plan Review)
• Draft amended home occupation ordinance – clean version (without Site Plan Review)
Town of Barnstable
Department of Planning & Development
https://www.townofbarnstable.us/Departments/planninganddevelopment/
Page 1 of 28
§ 240-46. Home occupation. [Added 8-17-1995 by Order No. 95-195; amended 9-15-2022 by
Order No. 2023-011]
A. Intent. It is the intent of this section to allow the residents of the Town of Barnstable to
operate a home occupation within a dwelling, subject to the provisions of this section,
provided that the activity shall not be discernible from outside the dwelling except as
provided herein; there shall be no increase in noise or odor; no visible alteration to the
premises which would suggest anything other than a residential use; no increase in traffic
above normal residential volumes; and no increase in air or groundwater pollution.
B. A home occupation shall be permitted in all zoning districts as of right, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) The activity is conducted by a permanent resident of a dwelling unit, located within that
dwelling unit, or within an accessory structure located on the same lot, subject to the
limitations herein.
(2) Such use is clearly incidental to and subordinate to the use of the premises or occupants
for residential purposes.
(3) Such use occupies no more than 20% of the dwelling unit, including office and storage
areas combined, unless relief is granted by special permit as provided by Subsection
C(1)(a) below. Such use within an accessory structure shall occupy no more than 200
square feet unless relief is granted by special permit as provided by Subsection C(1)(f)
below.
(4) There are no external alterations to the dwelling which are not customary in residential
buildings, and there is no outside evidence of such use except as provided herein.
(5) The use is not objectionable or detrimental to the neighborhood and its residential
character
(6) Traffic generated shall not be more disruptive to the neighborhood than traffic normally
resulting from a residential use, considering volume, hours, vehicle types and other
traffic characteristics.
(7) The use shall not involve the production of offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust or
other particulate matter, odors, electrical disturbance, heat, glare, humidity or other
objectionable effects.
(8) There is no storage or use of toxic or hazardous materials, or flammable or explosive
materials, in excess of normal household quantities.
(9) Any need for parking generated by such use shall be met on the same lot containing the
customary home occupation, and not within the front yard.
(10) There is no exterior storage or display of materials or equipment.
(11) There are no commercial vehicles related to the home occupation, other than one van or
one pickup truck not to exceed one-ton capacity, and one trailer not to exceed 20 feet in
length and not to exceed four tires, parked on the same lot containing the home
Town of Barnstable, MA
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Page 2 of 28
occupation. This section does not apply to residents of a dwelling who park take-home
work vehicles that are not registered to them and that do not have a home occupation
on-premises.
(12) No sign shall be displayed indicating the home occupation.
(13) If the home occupation is listed or advertised as a business, the street address shall not
be included.
(14) No more than one nonresident employee may be employed on the premises of a home
occupation, except pursuant to a special permit in accordance with Subsection C(1)(c)
below.
(15) Home occupations shall not include such uses similar to, and including the following:
(a) Barber- and beauty shops.
(b) Commercial stables or kennels.1
(c) Offices which provide public access, provided that offices that are used only for
administrative purposes shall be permitted.
(d) The sale of retail or wholesale merchandise from the premises, with the exception
of online or mail order sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total
area limits of the home occupation subject to Subsection B(3) above.
(e) The sale of antique or secondhand goods, with the exception of online or mail order
sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total area limits of the home
occupation subject to Subsection B(3) above.
(f) Service or repair of vehicles, and gasoline- or diesel-powered machinery.
(g) Contractor's storage yards. Contractor's storage yard includes the keeping of
materials in trade outdoors, such as: lumber, granite, windows and other such bulk
materials, including but not limited to stone, gravel, mulch, firewood, etc., beyond
the limits of personal use.
(h) Veterinary services.
(i) The manufacture of goods using heavy machinery.
(j) Medical or dental practice.
(k) Fortune-telling or palm reading.
C. Home occupation by special permit. The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special
permit, subject to the provisions of § 240-125C herein, a home occupation subject to the
specific standards for such conditional uses as required in this section:
(1) Home occupations shall comply with all of the requirements of Subsection B(1) through
1. Kennel – Premises used for the harboring and/or care of more than six dogs or other domestic non-farm animals six months old or
over.
Town of Barnstable, MA
§ 240-46 § 240-46
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Page 3 of 28
(11) above, except the Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special permit the
following waivers from the requirements of Subsection B above.
(a) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow an activity to exceed 20% of a dwelling's
gross floor area by special permit but at no time shall allow a home occupation to
occupy more than 40% of a dwelling's gross floor area.
(b) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow one nonilluminated wall sign not
exceeding two square feet in area by special permit.
(c) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow more than one nonresident employee to
be employed on the premises of a home occupation but at no time shall a home
occupation allow for greater than two nonresidents of the household to be
employed on the premises at the same time.
(d) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow the parking of one work vehicle capable
of being operated under a Massachusetts Class B license related to the home
occupation by special permit. All parking generated by the use by special permit
shall be accommodated off-street, screened by a physical or natural barrier so not
to be seen from a public way.
(e) Home occupations shall not include the uses listed in Subsection B(15) above.
However, The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow activities that may not be
customary within a dwelling, provided that the activity meets the intent as specified
herein.
(f) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow a home occupation use to be located
within an accessory structure which may occupy greater than 200 square feet of the
accessory structure, on the same lot as the primary residential dwelling unit
occupied by the applicant. Such use within an accessory structure may occupy
greater than 200 square feet by special permit but at no time shall the use within
the accessory structure occupy an area within an accessory structure that is greater
than 25% of the square footage of the primary residential dwelling unit occupied
by the applicant.
(2) Home occupations requiring a special permit shall require Article IX, Site Plan Review.
(3) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be issued solely to the
applicant at his or her residence, and shall not be transferable to another person, or to
another location.
Town of Barnstable, MA
§ 240-46 § 240-46
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Page 4 of 28
§ 240-46. Home occupation.
A. Intent. It is the intent of this section to allow the residents of the Town of Barnstable to operate
a home occupation within a dwelling, subject to the provisions of this section, provided that the
activities related to such Home Occupationy shall not be discernible from outside the dwelling,
except as provided herein; there shall be nodoes not increase in noise or odor,; does not
involvedno visible alterations to the premises which wouldthat suggest anything other than a
residential usea use other than residential,; does not generateno increase in traffic above beyond
normal residential volumes; and no does not increase in air or groundwater pollution.
B. Definitions.
Building Commissioner – Duly appointed building commissioner or his designee acting as the
zoning enforcement officer.
Commercial Kennel – Premises used for the harboring and/or care of more than six dogs or other
domestic non-farm animals six months old or older.
Commercial Stable – A property, building, or land used to house, board, train, or rent out horses
for financial gain or commercial purposes.
Commercial Vehicle – Any vehicle associated with a Home Occupation that meets the definition
of “Commercial Plates Required Vehicle” as set forth in 540 CMR 2.05(3).
Contractor’s Storage Yard – Keeping of materials in trade outdoors, such as: lumber, granite,
windows and other such bulk materials, including, but not limited to, stone, gravel, mulch and
firewood beyond the limits of personal use.
Front Yard - The open, unoccupied space on a lot that extends across the full width of the
property, situated between the principal building (front building line) and the front lot line adjacent
to the street.
Home Occupation –Business activity conducted within a dwelling unit or accessory structure that
is incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use of the premises and meets the Home
Occupation requirements contained this Ordinance.
Home Occupation License – A license issued to a Responsible Party permitting that individual to
have a Home Occupation within their residence or on their residential property.
Park-and-Ride – a location at which drivers leave their vehicles to get into another vehicle to go to
another location.
Responsible Party – Any individual in possession of a Home Occupation License issued by the
Town of Barnstable.
Trailer – any vehicle or object on wheels and having no motive power of its own, but which is
drawn by, or used in combination with, a motor vehicle that is associated with a Home Occupation.
Page 5 of 28
B.C. A home occupation shall be permitted in all zoning districts as of right, subject to the following
conditions:
(1) There is no other Home Occupation within the dwelling unit, except for as provided in
Subsection E(3).
(2) The Home Occupation is conducted by the owner of the premises where the Home
Occupation is located, or by a residential tenant with written authorization from the owner
to engage in the Home Occupation. The Home Occupation is clearly incidental and
subordinate to the principal residential use of the premises.
(1) The activity is conducted by a permanent resident of a dwelling unit, located within that
dwelling unit, or within an accessory structure located on the same lot, subject to the
limitations herein.
(2) Such use is clearly incidental to and subordinate to the use of the premises or occupants for
residential purposes.
(3) A Home Occupation shall require a Home Occupation License issued by the Building
Commissioner or his/her designee.
(4) Any vehicle associated with the Home Occupation that meets the definition of Commercial
Vehicle above shall display a commercial registration number plate as required by 540
CMR 2.05. A Home Occupation with a Commercial Vehicle associated with it shall
require approval pursuant to Subsection E.
(3)(5) Such use occupies no more than 20% of the dwelling unit, including office and storage
areas combined, unless relief is granted by special permit as provided by Subsection
C(1)(a)F(1)(a) below. Such use within an accessory structure shall occupy no more than
200 square feet unless relief is granted by special permit as provided by Subsection
C(1)(f)F(1)(f) below.
(4)(6) There are no external alterations to the dwelling which are not customary in residential
buildings, and there is no outside evidence of such use except as provided herein.
(5) The use is not objectionable or detrimental to the neighborhood and its residential character
(6)(7) Traffic associated with the Home Occupation shall not be more disruptive to the
neighborhood than traffic normally resulting from a residential use, considering volume,
hours, vehicle types and other traffic characteristics, including, but not limited to, an
increase of traffic, or the presence of vehicles associated with the Home Occupation.
Traffic generated shall not be more disruptive to the neighborhood than traffic normally
resulting from a residential use, considering volume, hours, vehicle types and other traffic
characteristics.
(7)(8) The use shall not involve the production of offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust or
other particulate matter, odors, electrical disturbance, heat, glare, humidity or other effects
not ordinarily associated with residential use that produce negative impacts on the
neighborhood, consistent with the Intent section above.or other objectionable effects.
(8)(9) There is no storage or use of toxic or hazardous materials, or flammable or explosive
materials, in excess of normal household quantities.
Page 6 of 28
(9)(10) No vehicles associated with the Home Occupation shall park on the street or within the
Front Yard, as defined above. Any need for parking generated by such use shall be met on
the same lot containing the customary home occupation, and not within the front yard.
(10)(11) All supplies, materials and equipment associated with the Home Occupation shall be stored
in an enclosed structure or in or on a Commercial Vehicle or trailer allowed on the premises
under this Section. Except as authorized under Subsection E(2).There is no exterior storage or
display of materials or equipment.
Page 7 of 28
(11) There are no commercial vehicles related to the home occupation, other than one van or one
pickup truck not to exceed one-ton capacity, and one trailer not to exceed 20 feet in length
and not to exceed four tires, parked on the same lot containing the home occupation. This
section does not apply to residents of a dwelling who park take-home work vehicles that are
not registered to them and that do not have a home occupation on-premises.
(12) All outdoor lighting associated with the home occupation shall be fully shielded and directed
downward to prevent glare.
(12)(13) No sign shall be displayed indicating the home occupation.
(13)(14) If the home occupation is listed or advertised as a business, the street address shall not
be included.
(15) All employees associated with the Home Occupation reside on the premises, except for as
provided in No more than one nonresident employee may be employed on the premises of a
home occupation, except pursuant to a special permit in accordance with Subsection
C(1)(c)F(1)(c) below.
(14)(16) The property on which the Home Occupation is located shall not serve as a Park and
Ride.
(15)(17) Home occupations shall not include such uses similar to, and including the following:
(a)
(b)
Barber- and beauty shops.
Commercial stables or kennels. [1]
[1] Kennel – Premises used for the harboring and/or care of more than six
dogs or other domestic non-farm animals six months old or over.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
Offices which provide public access, provided that offices that are used only for
administrative purposes shall be permitted.
The sale of retail or wholesale merchandise from the premises, with the exception of
online or mail order sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total area
limits of the home occupation subject to Subsection B(3) above. The storage of
merchandise is included in the total area limits of the home occupation subject to
Subsection C(5) above, except as exempted in Zoning Ordinance 240-8
The sale of antique or secondhand goods, with the exception of online or mail order
sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total area limits of the home
occupation subject to Subsection BC(53) above.
Service or repair of vehicles, and gasoline- or diesel-powered machinery.
Contractor's storage yards. Contractor's storage yard includes the keeping of materials
in trade outdoors, such as: lumber, granite, windows and other such bulk materials,
including but not limited to stone, gravel, mulch, firewood, etc., beyond the limits of
personal use.
Veterinary services.
The manufacture of goods using heavy machinery.
Medical or dental practice.
Page 8 of 28
Fortune-telling or palm reading.
D. Home Occupation License. Applicants shall be required to receive a Home Occupation
License from the Building Commissioner or his/her designee for each Home Occupation
located within a residence or on a residential property.
(1) All Responsible Parties shall make application to renew their Home Occupation
Licenses every three (3) years. Renewals are subject to approval and may be withheld
for violations of the Barnstable Town Code, including, but not limited to, the
requirements set forth in this Section.
(2) Home Occupation License shall be for a term of three (3) calendar years, beginning
on January 1. License fees shall not be pro-rated when obtained after January 1.
(3) Home Occupation Licenses shall include, at a minimum, the following information: A
license number, name and photo of the Responsible Party; the location of the Home
Occupation; license plate numbers of all commercial vehicles associated with the
Home Occupation; telephone number of the Responsible Party; email address of the
Responsible Party; and location of off-premises parking associated with the Home
Occupation.
(4) A Home Occupation License may be revoked by the Building Commissioner or his
designee for cause, including, but not limited to: Violation of any of the provisions of
this Section.
(a) Providing false information in any application associated with the Home
Occupation.
(b) Parking business-associated vehicles in violation of what is allowed by this
Section.
(c) Failing to register vehicles associated with the Home Occupation as required by
Subsection (C)(4).
(d) Failure to timely communicate with the Building Commissioner or his or her
designee during any enforcement action.
(5) A Responsible Party aggrieved by a decision by the Building Commissioner pursuant
to this Subsection D may appeal to the Zoning Board. of Appeals within thirty (30)
days of the decision. Appeals to the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be delivered in
accordance with Massachusetts General Laws c. 40A § 15.
E. Home occupation requiring Site Plan Approval. Home occupations that meet the criteria
listed in Section C, but have special characteristics listed below, shall require Article IX,
Site Plan Review, before a Home Occupation License can be issued for the property.
Special characteristics requiring Site Plan Review approval for a home occupation are the
following:
(1) The Applicant proposes parking a commercial vehicle or trailer on the property where
the Home Occupation is located. Any such commercial vehicle or trailer shall not
exceed one-ton capacity or 20 feet in length, and shall have no more than four tires.
(2) Keeping of materials or equipment in trade outdoors. Materials must be properly
screened with either fencing or vegetation so that materials and/or equipment are not Page 9 of 28
Town of Barnstable,
MA
§ 240-46 § 240-
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visible from the public view, and adhere to applicable setback standards for the
relevant zoning district to limit impacts to noise, odor, or other impacts from non-
residential uses on a residential area.
Materials or equipment shall not be located within the setbacks required by the
residential zoning district the Home occupation is located in. All materials or
equipment associated with the Home occupation are prohibited from locating in the
front yard.
(3) A Home Occupation already exists within the dwelling, but in no event may more
than two Home Occupations be licensed on the same dwelling at the same time.
(4) At the discretion of the Building Commissioner, if the Commissioner determines that
the proposed use is unclear and/or impacts of use cannot clearly be defined at time of
Home Occupation license request.
C.F. Home occupation by special permit. The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special
permit, subject to the provisions of § 240-125C herein, a home occupation subject to the
specific standards for such conditional uses as required in this section:
(1) Home occupations shall comply with all of the requirements of Subsection B(1)C(1)
through (1118) above, except the Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special permit
the following waivers from the requirements of Subsection B above.
(a) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow an activity to exceed 20% of a dwelling's
gross floor area by special permit but at no time shall allow a home occupation to
occupy more than 40% of a dwelling's gross floor area.
(b) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow one nonilluminated wall sign not
exceeding two square feet in area by special permit.
(c) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow more than one nonresident employee to
be employed on the premises of a home occupation but at no time shall a home
occupation allow for greater than two nonresidents of the household to be
employed on the premises at the same time.
(d) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow the parking of one work vehicle capable
of being operated under a Massachusetts Class B license related to the home
occupation by special permit. All parking generated by the use by special permit
shall be accommodated off-street, screened by a physical or natural barrier so not to
be seen from a public way.
(e)(c) Home occupations shall not include the uses listed in Subsection
B(15)C(17) above. However, The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow activities
that may not be customary within a dwelling, provided that the activity meets the
intent as specified herein.
(d) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow a home occupation use to be located
within an accessory structure which may occupy greater than 200 square feet of the
accessory structure, on the same lot as the primary residential dwelling unit
occupied by the applicant,. Such use within an accessory structure may occupy
Page 10 of 28
Town of Barnstable,
MA
§ 240-46 § 240-
46
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greater than 200 square feet by special permit but at no time shall the use within the
accessory structure occupy an area within an accessory structure that isprovided
that at no time shall use within the accessory structure occupy an area within an
accessory structure that is greater than 25% of the square footage of the primary
residential dwelling unit occupied by the applicant.
(f)(e) An additional commercial vehicle or trailer associated with a Home
Occupation. At no time shall there be more than two total commercial vehicles
and/or trailers associated with Home Occupations permitted on the property.
(2) Home occupations requiring a special permit shall require Article IX, Site Plan Review.
(3) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be issued solely to the
applicant at his or her residence, and shall not be transferable to another person, or to
another location.
(4) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be issued solely to the
applicant at his/her residence, and shall not be transferable to another person or location.
Page 11 of 28
Town of Barnstable, MA
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§ 240-46. Home occupation. [Added 8-17-1995 by Order No. 95-195; amended 9-15-2022 by
Order No. 2023-011]
A. Intent. It is the intent of this section to allow the residents of the Town of Barnstable to operate
a home occupation within a dwelling or accessory structure, subject to the provisions of this
section, provided that, activities related to such Home Occupation is not discernible from
outside the dwelling, does not increase noise or odor, does not involve visible alterations that
suggest a use other than residential, does not generate traffic beyond normal residential
volumes, and does not increase air or groundwater pollution.
B. Definitions.
Building Commissioner – Duly appointed building commissioner or his designee acting as the
zoning enforcement officer.
Commercial Kennel – Premises used for the harboring and/or care of more than six dogs or
other domestic non-farm animals six months old or older.
Commercial Stable – A property, building, or land used to house, board, train, or rent out
horses for financial gain or commercial purposes.
Commercial Vehicle – Any vehicle associated with a Home Occupation that meets the
definition of “Commercial Plates Required Vehicle” as set forth in 540 CMR 2.05(3).
Contractor’s Storage Yard – Keeping of materials in trade outdoors, such as: lumber, granite,
windows and other such bulk materials, including, but not limited to, stone, gravel, mulch and
firewood beyond the limits of personal use.
Front Yard - The open, unoccupied space on a lot that extends across the full width of the
property, situated between the principal building (front building line) and the front lot line
adjacent to the street.
Home Occupation –Business activity conducted within a dwelling unit or accessory structure
that is incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use of the premises and meets the
Home Occupation requirements contained this Ordinance.
Home Occupation License – A license issued to a Responsible Party permitting that individual
to have a Home Occupation within their residence or on their residential property.
Park-and-Ride – a location at which drivers leave their vehicles to get into another vehicle to
go to another location.
Responsible Party – Any individual in possession of a Home Occupation License issued by the
Town of Barnstable.
Trailer – any vehicle or object on wheels and having no motive power of its own, but which is
drawn by, or used in combination with, a motor vehicle that is associated with a Home
Occupation.
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Town of Barnstable, MA
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C. A home occupation shall be permitted in all zoning districts as of right, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) There is no other Home Occupation within the dwelling unit, except for as provided in
Subsection E(3).
(2) The Home Occupation is conducted by the owner of the premises where the Home
Occupation is located, or by a residential tenant with written authorization from the
owner to engage in the Home Occupation. The Home Occupation is clearly incidental
and subordinate to the principal residential use of the premises.
(3) A Home Occupation shall require a Home Occupation License issued by the Building
Commissioner or his/her designee.
(4) Any vehicle associated with the Home Occupation that meets the definition of
Commercial Vehicle above shall display a commercial registration number plate as
required by 540 CMR 2.05. A Home Occupation with a Commercial Vehicle associated
with it shall require approval pursuant to Subsection E.
(5) Such use occupies no more than 20% of the gross square footage of the dwelling unit,
including office and storage areas combined, unless relief is granted by special permit
as provided by Subsection F(1)(a) below. Such use within an accessory structure shall
occupy no more than 200 square feet unless relief is granted by special permit as
provided by Subsection F(1)(f) below.
(6) There are no external alterations to the dwelling which are not customary in residential
buildings, and there is no outside evidence of such use except as provided herein.
(7) Traffic associated with the Home Occupation shall not be more disruptive to the
neighborhood than traffic normally resulting from a residential use, considering volume,
hours, vehicle types and other traffic characteristics, including, but not limited to, an
increase of traffic, or the presence of vehicles associated with the Home Occupation.
(8) The use shall not involve the production of offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust or
other particulate matter, odors, electrical disturbance, heat, glare, humidity or other
effects not ordinarily associated with residential use that produce negative impacts on
the neighborhood, consistent with the Intent section above.
(9) There is no storage or use of toxic or hazardous materials, or flammable or explosive
materials, in excess of normal household quantities.
(10) No vehicles associated with the Home Occupation shall park on the street or within the
Front Yard, as defined above.
(11) All supplies, materials and equipment associated with the Home Occupation shall be stored in
an enclosed structure or in or on a Commercial Vehicle or trailer allowed on the premises
under this Section. Except as authorized under Subsection E(2).
(12) All outdoor lighting associated with the home occupation shall be fully shielded and directed
downward to prevent glare.
(13) No sign shall be displayed indicating the home occupation.
(14) If the home occupation is listed or advertised as a business, the street address shall not
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Town of Barnstable, MA
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be included.
(15) All employees associated with the Home Occupation reside on the premises, except for
as provided in Subsection F(1)(C).
(16) The property on which the Home Occupation is located shall not serve as a Park and
Ride.
(17) The following uses shall not be permitted as Home occupations:
(a) Barber- and beauty shops.
(b) Commercial stables or kennels.
(c) Offices which provide public access, provided that offices that are used only for
administrative purposes shall be permitted.
(d) The sale of retail or wholesale merchandise from the premises, with the exception
of online or mail order sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total
area limits of the home occupation subject to Subsection C(5) above, except as
exempted in Zoning Ordinance 240-8
(e) The sale of antique or secondhand goods, with the exception of online or mail order
sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total area limits of the home
occupation subject to Subsection C(5) above.
(f) Service or repair of vehicles, and gasoline- or diesel-powered machinery.
(g) Contractor's storage yards.
(h) Veterinary services.
(i) The manufacture of goods using heavy machinery.
(j) Medical or dental practice.
(k) Fortune-telling or palm reading.
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Town of Barnstable, MA
§ 240-46 § 240-46
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D. Home Occupation License. Applicants shall be required to receive a Home Occupation
License from the Building Commissioner or his/her designee for each Home Occupation
located within a residence or on a residential property.
(1) All Responsible Parties shall make application to renew their Home Occupation
Licenses every three (3) years. Renewals are subject to approval and may be withheld
for violations of the Barnstable Town Code, including, but not limited to, the
requirements set forth in this Section.
(2) Home Occupation License shall be for a term of three (3) calendar years, beginning on
January 1. License fees shall not be pro-rated when obtained after January 1.
(3) Home Occupation Licenses shall include, at a minimum, the following information: A
license number, name and photo of the Responsible Party; the location of the Home
Occupation; license plate numbers of all commercial vehicles associated with the Home
Occupation; telephone number of the Responsible Party; email address of the
Responsible Party; and location of off-premises parking associated with the Home
Occupation.
(4) A Home Occupation License may be revoked by the Building Commissioner or his
designee for cause, including, but not limited to: Violation of any of the provisions of
this Section.
(a) Providing false information in any application associated with the Home
Occupation.
(b) Parking business-associated vehicles in violation of what is allowed by this Section.
(c) Failing to register vehicles associated with the Home Occupation as required by
Subsection (C)(4).
(d) Failure to timely communicate with the Building Commissioner or his or her
designee during any enforcement action.
(5) A Responsible Party aggrieved by a decision by the Building Commissioner pursuant to
this Subsection D may appeal to the Zoning Board. of Appeals within thirty (30) days of
the decision. Appeals to the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be delivered in accordance
with Massachusetts General Laws c. 40A § 15.
Page 15 of 28
Town of Barnstable, MA
§ 240-46 § 240-46
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E. Home occupation requiring Site Plan Approval. Home occupations that meet the criteria listed
in Section C, but have special characteristics listed below, shall require Article IX, Site Plan
Review, before a Home Occupation License can be issued for the property. Special
characteristics requiring Site Plan Review approval for a home occupation are the following:
(1) The Applicant proposes parking a commercial vehicle or trailer on the property where
the Home Occupation is located. Any such commercial vehicle or trailer shall not exceed
one-ton capacity or 20 feet in length, and shall have no more than four tires.
(2) Keeping of materials or equipment in trade outdoors. Materials must be properly
screened with either fencing or vegetation so that materials and/or equipment are not
visible from the public view, and adhere to applicable setback standards for the relevant
zoning district to limit impacts to noise, odor, or other impacts from non-residential uses
on a residential area.
Materials or equipment shall not be located within the setbacks required by the
residential zoning district the Home occupation is located in. All materials or equipment
associated with the Home occupation are prohibited from locating in the front yard.
(3) A Home Occupation already exists within the dwelling, but in no event may more than
two Home Occupations be licensed on the same dwelling at the same time.
(4) At the discretion of the Building Commissioner, if the Commissioner determines that
the proposed use is unclear and/or impacts of use cannot clearly be defined at time of
Home Occupation license request.
F. Home occupation by special permit. The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special
permit, subject to the provisions of § 240-125C herein, a home occupation subject to the
specific standards for such conditional uses as required in this section:
(1) Home occupations shall comply with all of the requirements of Subsection C(1) through (18)
above, except the Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special permit the following waivers
from the requirements of Subsection C above.
(a) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow an activity to exceed 20% of a dwelling's
gross floor area by special permit but at no time shall allow a home occupation to
occupy more than 40% of a dwelling's gross floor area.
(b) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow one nonilluminated wall or freestanding
sign not exceeding two square feet in area by special permit.
(c) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow one nonresident employee to be employed
on the premises of a home occupation but at no time shall a home occupation allow
for greater than one nonresident of the household to be employed on the premises
at the same time.
(d) Home occupations shall not include the uses listed in Subsection C(17) above.
However, The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow activities that may not be
customary within a dwelling, provided that the activity meets the intent as specified
herein.
(e) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow a home occupation use to be located
within an accessory structure which may occupy greater than 200 square feet of the
Page 16 of 28
Town of Barnstable, MA
§ 240-46 § 240-46
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accessory structure, on the same lot as the primary residential dwelling unit
occupied by the applicant, provided that at no time shall the use within the
accessory structure occupy an area within an accessory structure that is greater than
25% of the square footage of the primary residential dwelling unit occupied by the
applicant.
(f) An additional commercial vehicle or trailer associated with a Home Occupation. At
no time shall there be more than two total commercial vehicles and/or trailers
associated with Home Occupations permitted on the property.
(2) Home occupations requiring a special permit shall require Article IX, Site Plan Review prior
to seeking relief.
(3) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall require a condition that the
Home Occupation receive and maintain a Home Occupation License.
(4) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be issued solely to the
applicant at his/her residence, and shall not be transferable to another person or location.
Page 17 of 28
§ 240-46. Home occupation.
A. Intent. It is the intent of this section to allow the residents of the Town of Barnstable to operate
a home occupation within a dwelling, subject to the provisions of this section, provided that the
activities related to such Home Occupationy shall not be discernible from outside the dwelling,
except as provided herein; there shall be nodoes not increase in noise or odor,; does not
involvedno visible alterations to the premises which wouldthat suggest anything other than a
residential usea use other than residential,; does not generateno increase in traffic above beyond
normal residential volumes; and no does not increase in air or groundwater pollution.
B. Definitions.
Building Commissioner – Duly appointed building commissioner or his designee acting as the
zoning enforcement officer.
Commercial Kennel – Premises used for the harboring and/or care of more than six dogs or other
domestic non-farm animals six months old or older.
Commercial Stable – A property, building, or land used to house, board, train, or rent out horses
for financial gain or commercial purposes.
Commercial Vehicle – Any vehicle associated with a Home Occupation that meets the definition
of “Commercial Plates Required Vehicle” as set forth in 540 CMR 2.05(3).
Contractor’s Storage Yard – Keeping of materials in trade outdoors, such as: lumber, granite,
windows and other such bulk materials, including, but not limited to, stone, gravel, mulch and
firewood beyond the limits of personal use.
Front Yard - The open, unoccupied space on a lot that extends across the full width of the
property, situated between the principal building (front building line) and the front lot line adjacent
to the street.
Home Occupation –Business activity conducted within a dwelling unit or accessory structure that
is incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use of the premises and meets the Home
Occupation requirements contained this Ordinance.
Home Occupation License – A license issued to a Responsible Party permitting that individual to
have a Home Occupation within their residence or on their residential property.
Park-and-Ride – a location at which drivers leave their vehicles to get into another vehicle to go to
another location.
Responsible Party – Any individual in possession of a Home Occupation License issued by the
Town of Barnstable.
Trailer – any vehicle or object on wheels and having no motive power of its own, but which is
drawn by, or used in combination with, a motor vehicle that is associated with a Home Occupation.
Page 18 of 28
B.C. A home occupation shall be permitted in all zoning districts as of right, subject to the following
conditions:
(1) There is no other Home Occupation within the dwelling unit, except for as provided in
Subsection E(1)(d).
(2) The Home Occupation is conducted by the owner of the premises where the Home
Occupation is located, or by a residential tenant with written authorization from the owner
to engage in the Home Occupation. The Home Occupation is clearly incidental and
subordinate to the principal residential use of the premises.
(1) The activity is conducted by a permanent resident of a dwelling unit, located within that
dwelling unit, or within an accessory structure located on the same lot, subject to the
limitations herein.
(2) Such use is clearly incidental to and subordinate to the use of the premises or occupants for
residential purposes.
(3) A Home Occupation shall require a Home Occupation License issued by the Building
Commissioner or his/her designee.
(4) Any vehicle associated with the Home Occupation that meets the definition of Commercial
Vehicle above shall display a commercial registration number plate as required by 540
CMR 2.05. A Home Occupation with a Commercial Vehicle associated with it shall be
required to display evidence that the vehicle’s parking is in compliance with all applicable
provisions outlined in this section.
(3)(5) Such use occupies no more than 20% of the dwelling unit, including office and storage
areas combined, unless relief is granted by special permit as provided by Subsection
C(1)(a)E(1)(a) below. Such use within an accessory structure shall occupy no more than
200 square feet unless relief is granted by special permit as provided by Subsection
C(1)(f)E(1)(f) below.
(4)(6) There are no external alterations to the dwelling which are not customary in residential
buildings, and there is no outside evidence of such use except as provided herein.
(5) The use is not objectionable or detrimental to the neighborhood and its residential character
(6)(7) Traffic associated with the Home Occupation shall not be more disruptive to the
neighborhood than traffic normally resulting from a residential use, considering volume,
hours, vehicle types and other traffic characteristics, including, but not limited to, an
increase of traffic, or the presence of vehicles associated with the Home Occupation.
Traffic generated shall not be more disruptive to the neighborhood than traffic normally
resulting from a residential use, considering volume, hours, vehicle types and other traffic
characteristics.
(7)(8) The use shall not involve the production of offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust or
other particulate matter, odors, electrical disturbance, heat, glare, humidity or other effects
not ordinarily associated with residential use that produce negative impacts on the
neighborhood, consistent with the Intent section above.or other objectionable effects.
(8)(9) There is no storage or use of toxic or hazardous materials, or flammable or explosive
materials, in excess of normal household quantities. Page 19 of 28
(9)(10) No vehicles associated with the Home Occupation shall park on the street or within the
Front Yard, as defined above. Any need for parking generated by such use shall be met on
the same lot containing the customary home occupation, and not within the front yard.
(10)(11) All supplies, materials and equipment associated with the Home Occupation shall be stored
in an enclosed structure or in or on a Commercial Vehicle or trailer allowed on the premises
under this Section. If not stored in a structure or trailer, materials must be properly screened
with either fencing or vegetation so that materials and/or equipment are not visible from the
public view, and adhere to applicable setback standards for the relevant zoning district to
limit impacts to noise, odor, or other impacts from non-residential uses on a residential
area.There is no exterior storage or display of materials or equipment.
Page 20 of 28
(11) There are no commercial vehicles related to the home occupation, other than one van or one
pickup truck not to exceed one-ton capacity, and one trailer not to exceed 20 feet in length
and not to exceed four tires, parked on the same lot containing the home occupation. This
section does not apply to residents of a dwelling who park take-home work vehicles that are
not registered to them and that do not have a home occupation on-premises.
(12) All outdoor lighting associated with the home occupation shall be fully shielded and directed
downward to prevent glare.
(12)(13) No sign shall be displayed indicating the home occupation.
(13)(14) If the home occupation is listed or advertised as a business, the street address shall not
be included.
(15) All employees associated with the Home Occupation reside on the premises, except for as
provided in No more than one nonresident employee may be employed on the premises of a
home occupation, except pursuant to a special permit in accordance with Subsection
C(1)(c)E(1)(c) below.
(14)(16) The property on which the Home Occupation is located shall not serve as a Park and
Ride.
(15)(17) Home occupations shall not include such uses similar to, and including the following:
(a)
(b)
Barber- and beauty shops.
Commercial stables or kennels. [1]
[1] Kennel – Premises used for the harboring and/or care of more than six
dogs or other domestic non-farm animals six months old or over.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
Offices which provide public access, provided that offices that are used only for
administrative purposes shall be permitted.
The sale of retail or wholesale merchandise from the premises, with the exception of
online or mail order sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total area
limits of the home occupation subject to Subsection B(3) above. The storage of
merchandise is included in the total area limits of the home occupation subject to
Subsection C(5) above, except as exempted in Zoning Ordinance 240-8
The sale of antique or secondhand goods, with the exception of online or mail order
sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total area limits of the home
occupation subject to Subsection BC(53) above.
Service or repair of vehicles, and gasoline- or diesel-powered machinery.
Contractor's storage yards. Contractor's storage yard includes the keeping of materials
in trade outdoors, such as: lumber, granite, windows and other such bulk materials,
including but not limited to stone, gravel, mulch, firewood, etc., beyond the limits of
personal use.
Veterinary services.
The manufacture of goods using heavy machinery.
Medical or dental practice.
Page 21 of 28
Fortune-telling or palm reading.
(18) At the discretion of the Building Commissioner, if the Commissioner determines that
the proposed use is unclear and/or impacts of use cannot clearly be defined at time of
Home Occupation license request, a Special Permit shall be required pursuant to
requirements of Subsection E.
D. Home Occupation License. Applicants shall be required to receive a Home Occupation
License from the Building Commissioner or his/her designee for each Home Occupation
located within a residence or on a residential property.
(1) All Responsible Parties shall make application to renew their Home Occupation
Licenses every three (3) years. Renewals are subject to approval and may be withheld
for violations of the Barnstable Town Code, including, but not limited to, the
requirements set forth in this Section.
(2) Home Occupation License shall be for a term of three (3) calendar years, beginning
on January 1. License fees shall not be pro-rated when obtained after January 1.
(3) Home Occupation Licenses shall include, at a minimum, the following information: A
license number, name and photo of the Responsible Party; the location of the Home
Occupation; license plate numbers of all commercial vehicles associated with the
Home Occupation; telephone number of the Responsible Party; email address of the
Responsible Party; and location of off-premises parking associated with the Home
Occupation.
(4) A Home Occupation License may be revoked by the Building Commissioner or his
designee for cause, including, but not limited to: Violation of any of the provisions of
this Section.
(a) Providing false information in any application associated with the Home
Occupation.
(b) Parking business-associated vehicles in violation of what is allowed by this
Section.
(c) Failing to register vehicles associated with the Home Occupation as required by
Subsection (C)(4).
(d) Failure to timely communicate with the Building Commissioner or his or her
designee during any enforcement action.
(5) A Responsible Party aggrieved by a decision by the Building Commissioner pursuant
to this Subsection D may appeal to the Zoning Board. of Appeals within thirty (30)
days of the decision. Appeals to the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be delivered in
accordance with Massachusetts General Laws c. 40A § 15.
C.E. Home occupation by special permit. The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special
permit, subject to the provisions of § 240-125C herein, a home occupation subject to the
specific standards for such conditional uses as required in this section:
(1) Home occupations shall comply with all of the requirements of Subsection B(1)C(1)
through (1118) above, except the Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special permit
Page 22 of 28
Town of Barnstable,
MA
§ 240-46 § 240-
46
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05-22
the following waivers from the requirements of Subsection B above.
(a) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow an activity to exceed 20% of a dwelling's
gross floor area by special permit but at no time shall allow a home occupation to
occupy more than 40% of a dwelling's gross floor area.
(b) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow one nonilluminated wall sign not
exceeding two square feet in area by special permit.
(c) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow more than one nonresident employee to
be employed on the premises of a home occupation but at no time shall a home
occupation allow for greater than two nonresidents of the household to be
employed on the premises at the same time.
(c)(d) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow a second Home Occupation
within the same dwelling.
(d) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow the parking of one work vehicle capable
of being operated under a Massachusetts Class B license related to the home
occupation by special permit. All parking generated by the use by special permit
shall be accommodated off-street, screened by a physical or natural barrier so not to
be seen from a public way.
(e) Home occupations shall not include the uses listed in Subsection B(15)C(17)
above. However, The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow activities that may not
be customary within a dwelling, provided that the activity meets the intent as
specified herein.
(f) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow a home occupation use to be located
within an accessory structure which may occupy greater than 200 square feet of the
accessory structure, on the same lot as the primary residential dwelling unit
occupied by the applicant,. Such use within an accessory structure may occupy
greater than 200 square feet by special permit but at no time shall the use within the
accessory structure occupy an area within an accessory structure that isprovided
that at no time shall use within the accessory structure occupy an area within an
accessory structure that is greater than 25% of the square footage of the primary
residential dwelling unit occupied by the applicant.
(f)(g) An additional commercial vehicle or trailer associated with a Home
Occupation. At no time shall there be more than two total commercial vehicles
and/or trailers associated with Home Occupations permitted on the property.
(2) Home occupations requiring a special permit shall require Article IX, Site Plan Review.
(3) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be issued solely to the
applicant at his or her residence, and shall not be transferable to another person, or to
another location.
(4) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be issued solely to the
applicant at his/her residence, and shall not be transferable to another person or location.
Page 23 of 28
Town of Barnstable, MA
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§ 240-46. Home occupation. [Added 8-17-1995 by Order No. 95-195; amended 9-15-2022 by
Order No. 2023-011]
A. Intent. It is the intent of this section to allow the residents of the Town of Barnstable to operate
a home occupation within a dwelling or accessory structure, subject to the provisions of this
section, provided that, activities related to such Home Occupation is not discernible from
outside the dwelling, does not increase noise or odor, does not involve visible alterations that
suggest a use other than residential, does not generate traffic beyond normal residential
volumes, and does not increase air or groundwater pollution.
B. Definitions.
Building Commissioner – Duly appointed building commissioner or his designee acting as the
zoning enforcement officer.
Commercial Kennel – Premises used for the harboring and/or care of more than six dogs or
other domestic non-farm animals six months old or older.
Commercial Stable – A property, building, or land used to house, board, train, or rent out
horses for financial gain or commercial purposes.
Commercial Vehicle – Any vehicle associated with a Home Occupation that meets the
definition of “Commercial Plates Required Vehicle” as set forth in 540 CMR 2.05(3).
Contractor’s Storage Yard – Keeping of materials in trade outdoors, such as: lumber, granite,
windows and other such bulk materials, including, but not limited to, stone, gravel, mulch and
firewood beyond the limits of personal use.
Front Yard - The open, unoccupied space on a lot that extends across the full width of the
property, situated between the principal building (front building line) and the front lot line
adjacent to the street.
Home Occupation –Business activity conducted within a dwelling unit or accessory structure
that is incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use of the premises and meets the
Home Occupation requirements contained this Ordinance.
Home Occupation License – A license issued to a Responsible Party permitting that individual
to have a Home Occupation within their residence or on their residential property.
Park-and-Ride – a location at which drivers leave their vehicles to get into another vehicle to
go to another location.
Responsible Party – Any individual in possession of a Home Occupation License issued by the
Town of Barnstable.
Trailer – any vehicle or object on wheels and having no motive power of its own, but which is
drawn by, or used in combination with, a motor vehicle that is associated with a Home
Occupation.
Page 24 of 28
Town of Barnstable, MA
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C. A home occupation shall be permitted in all zoning districts as of right, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) There is no other Home Occupation within the dwelling unit, except for as provided in
Subsection E(1)(d).
(2) The Home Occupation is conducted by the owner of the premises where the Home
Occupation is located, or by a residential tenant with written authorization from the
owner to engage in the Home Occupation. The Home Occupation is clearly incidental
and subordinate to the principal residential use of the premises.
(3) A Home Occupation shall require a Home Occupation License issued by the Building
Commissioner or his/her designee.
(4) Any vehicle associated with the Home Occupation that meets the definition of
Commercial Vehicle above shall display a commercial registration number plate as
required by 540 CMR 2.05. A Home Occupation with a Commercial Vehicle associated
with it shall be required to display evidence that the vehicle’s parking is in compliance
with all applicable provisions outlined in this section.
(5) Such use occupies no more than 20% of the gross square footage of the dwelling unit,
including office and storage areas combined, unless relief is granted by special permit
as provided by Subsection E(1)(a) below. Such use within an accessory structure shall
occupy no more than 200 square feet unless relief is granted by special permit as
provided by Subsection E(1)(f) below.
(6) There are no external alterations to the dwelling which are not customary in residential
buildings, and there is no outside evidence of such use except as provided herein.
(7) Traffic associated with the Home Occupation shall not be more disruptive to the
neighborhood than traffic normally resulting from a residential use, considering volume,
hours, vehicle types and other traffic characteristics, including, but not limited to, an
increase of traffic, or the presence of vehicles associated with the Home Occupation.
(8) The use shall not involve the production of offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust or
other particulate matter, odors, electrical disturbance, heat, glare, humidity or other
effects not ordinarily associated with residential use that produce negative impacts on
the neighborhood, consistent with the Intent section above.
(9) There is no storage or use of toxic or hazardous materials, or flammable or explosive
materials, in excess of normal household quantities.
(10) No vehicles associated with the Home Occupation shall park on the street or within the
Front Yard, as defined above.
(11) All supplies, materials and equipment associated with the Home Occupation shall be
stored in an enclosed structure or in or on a Commercial Vehicle or trailer allowed on the
premises under this Section. If not stored in a structure or trailer, materials must be
properly screened with either fencing or vegetation so that materials and/or equipment
are not visible from the public view, and adhere to applicable setback standards for the
relevant zoning district to limit impacts to noise, odor, or other impacts from non -
residential uses on a residential area.
Page 25 of 28
Town of Barnstable, MA
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(12) All outdoor lighting associated with the home occupation shall be fully shielded and directed
downward to prevent glare.
(13) No sign shall be displayed indicating the home occupation.
(14) If the home occupation is listed or advertised as a business, the street address shall not
be included.
(15) All employees associated with the Home Occupation reside on the premises, except for
as provided in Subsection E(1)(c).
(16) The property on which the Home Occupation is located shall not serve as a Park and
Ride.
(17) The following uses shall not be permitted as Home occupations:
(a) Barber- and beauty shops.
(b) Commercial stables or kennels.
(c) Offices which provide public access, provided that offices that are used only for
administrative purposes shall be permitted.
(d) The sale of retail or wholesale merchandise from the premises, with the exception
of online or mail order sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total
area limits of the home occupation subject to Subsection C(5) above, except as
exempted in Zoning Ordinance 240-8
(e) The sale of antique or secondhand goods, with the exception of online or mail order
sales. The storage of merchandise is included in the total area limits of the home
occupation subject to Subsection C(5) above.
(f) Service or repair of vehicles, and gasoline- or diesel-powered machinery.
(g) Contractor's storage yards.
(h) Veterinary services.
(i) The manufacture of goods using heavy machinery.
(j) Medical or dental practice.
(k) Fortune-telling or palm reading.
(18) At the discretion of the Building Commissioner, if the Commissioner determines that
the proposed use is unclear and/or impacts of use cannot clearly be defined at time of
Home Occupation license request, a Special Permit shall be required pursuant to
requirements of Subsection E.
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Town of Barnstable, MA
§ 240-46 § 240-46
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D. Home Occupation License. Applicants shall be required to receive a Home Occupation
License from the Building Commissioner or his/her designee for each Home Occupation
located within a residence or on a residential property.
(1) All Responsible Parties shall make application to renew their Home Occupation
Licenses every three (3) years. Renewals are subject to approval and may be withheld
for violations of the Barnstable Town Code, including, but not limited to, the
requirements set forth in this Section.
(2) Home Occupation License shall be for a term of three (3) calendar years, beginning on
January 1. License fees shall not be pro-rated when obtained after January 1.
(3) Home Occupation Licenses shall include, at a minimum, the following information: A
license number, name and photo of the Responsible Party; the location of the Home
Occupation; license plate numbers of all commercial vehicles associated with the Home
Occupation; telephone number of the Responsible Party; email address of the
Responsible Party; and location of off-premises parking associated with the Home
Occupation.
(4) A Home Occupation License may be revoked by the Building Commissioner or his
designee for cause, including, but not limited to: Violation of any of the provisions of
this Section.
(a) Providing false information in any application associated with the Home
Occupation.
(b) Parking business-associated vehicles in violation of what is allowed by this Section.
(c) Failing to register vehicles associated with the Home Occupation as required by
Subsection (C)(4).
(d) Failure to timely communicate with the Building Commissioner or his or her
designee during any enforcement action.
(5) A Responsible Party aggrieved by a decision by the Building Commissioner pursuant to
this Subsection D may appeal to the Zoning Board. of Appeals within thirty (30) days of
the decision. Appeals to the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be delivered in accordance
with Massachusetts General Laws c. 40A § 15.
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Town of Barnstable, MA
§ 240-46 § 240-46
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E. Home occupation by special permit. The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special
permit, subject to the provisions of § 240-125C herein, a home occupation subject to the
specific standards for such conditional uses as required in this section:
(1) Home occupations shall comply with all of the requirements of Subsection C(1) through (18)
above, except the Zoning Board of Appeals may allow by special permit the following waivers
from the requirements of Subsection C above.
(a) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow an activity to exceed 20% of a dwelling's
gross floor area by special permit but at no time shall allow a home occupation to
occupy more than 40% of a dwelling's gross floor area.
(b) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow one nonilluminated wall or freestanding
sign not exceeding two square feet in area by special permit.
(c) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow one nonresident employee to be employed
on the premises of a home occupation but at no time shall a home occupation allow
for greater than one nonresident of the household to be employed on the premises
at the same time.
(d) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow a second Home Occupation within the
same dwelling.
(e) Home occupations shall not include the uses listed in Subsection C(17) above.
However, The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow activities that may not be
customary within a dwelling, provided that the activity meets the intent as specified
herein.
(f) The Zoning Board of Appeals may allow a home occupation use to be located
within an accessory structure which may occupy greater than 200 square feet of the
accessory structure, on the same lot as the primary residential dwelling unit
occupied by the applicant, provided that at no time shall the use within the
accessory structure occupy an area within an accessory structure that is greater than
25% of the square footage of the primary residential dwelling unit occupied by the
applicant.
(g) An additional commercial vehicle or trailer associated with a Home Occupation. At
no time shall there be more than two total commercial vehicles and/or trailers
associated with Home Occupations permitted on the property.
(2) Home occupations requiring a special permit shall require Article IX, Site Plan Review prior
to seeking relief.
(3) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall require a condition that the
Home Occupation receive and maintain a Home Occupation License.
(4) Any special permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be issued solely to the
applicant at his/her residence, and shall not be transferable to another person or location.
Page 28 of 28