Commercial enterprises may need additional licenses or permits not listed here. If you have questions, please ask City staff. Download a printable version of this checklist. 

☐ ASK FOR HELP.

The City's Director of Economic Development John Sisson provides local business services. Please call or text John at (617) 831-0103, or email jsisson@newtonma.gov

☐ PERFORM YOUR DUE DILIGENCE.^*ISD  

Before you sign a lease, purchase commercial property, or buy an existing business, it is in your best interest to confirm:

(1) The proposed commercial operation is allowed in that location by City regulations.

(2) The space complies with State and local codes, especially the specialized energy "stretch codes" (as updated in 2024) and Newton's electrification ordinance (effective January 1, 2025). If you're unsure, please seek guidance from an architect, engineer, or another building professional familiar with commercial construction.

Call Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at (617) 796-1060, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, or email isd@newtonma.gov. *Also contact ISD as noted below.

☐ CREATE A USER ACCOUNT.  

Most City permitting processes are online. Please open and save the following links for future reference.

• User Guide: newtonma.gov/permit
• Create a user account. 

☐ OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.^*ISD 

This mandatory process ensures your commercial space is properly inspected and permitted for the safety of employees and customers.  Start by applying for a building permit. 

• If doing construction, complete a "Building Permit Application."
• Otherwise, use the "Building-Commercial: Change of Tenant Only Application."

☐ APPLY FOR A COMMERCIAL SIGN PERMIT

The Urban Design Commission approves commercial signage, which is regulated by the City's zoning ordinance (Section 5.2 - Signs).

For guidance with this process, please contact Urban Designer Shubee Sikka at (617) 796-1139 or ssikka@newtonma.gov

☐ REGISTER A HOME-BASED BUSINESS:^*ISD

Residents operating a commercial enterprise in a house, condo, or apartment should register a home-based business.  This requirement does not apply to employees working from home for businesses located elsewhere.

☐ OBTAIN A "DBA" BUSINESS CERTIFICATE.

State law requires anyone conducting business under a name other than their own or corporate name must file a Business Certificate, commonly known as a "doing business as" or "DBA" certificate.

If you have questions, please call the City Clerk’s office at (617) 796-1200 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, or email clerk@newtonma.gov

This guidance is provided courtesy of Mayor Ruthanne Fuller
and the Economic Development Commission

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