The City of Newton’s Zoning Ordinances permit modestly sized businesses to be operated out of a business person's home so long as the business is limited in size and the number of employees and/or customers; while at the same time prohibiting businesses that create noise, odor, or traffic uncharacteristic of a residential area. The purpose of the "Home Business / Office Affidavit" is to legally register your home business use with the Inspectional Services Department. Home business owners should also complete a Business Certificate (aka DBA Certificate) form with the Newton City Clerk at City Hall per Massachusetts General Law, chapter 110, section 5. Instruction on how to determine if you need to file a Business Certificate, along with Instructions and forms for filing, can be found on the City Clerk’s website.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Sign up by creating an ID and password through our online portal here: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/sign-up

    

2. Once account has been created, submit the Home Business/Office Affidavit through the online portal here: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1071/record-types/1006668

    

3. Once submitted, a building inspector will review the form for compliance with the ordinance. Once you have received approval, then you will print the "Home Business/Office Affidavit" document to sign. Once, you have signed the document, you must attach/upload to your application. 
4. Then you will proceed by coming in person to the Inspectional Services Department in Room 202, City Hall to file the Business Certificate. The building inspector at this time will conduct another review for zoning compliance for your Business Certificate. At this time, the building inspector will also confirm that the Home Business/Office Affidavit has been approved.
5. Then, to complete the process you will file the Business Certificate with City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, including paying the $35.00 filing fee. The Business Certificate is valid for a period of four years. 

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact City Clerk at (617) 796-1200 or the Building Inspector at (617) 796-1060