How to Open and Grow a business
Your success is our business. Wakefield is a great place to start, grow, and invest, offering a strategic location, skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, strong industry connections, high quality of life, and affordable commercial real estate. The Town has compiled the resources below to help you research requirements and navigate the steps to opening or expanding a business with confidence.
Your first step is to make an appointment with Erin Kokinda, our Community and Economic Development Director, to become acquainted with Wakefield and the location of our departments. Be prepared to discuss the intended use of the space you would like to rent, build, or purchase.
At this stage, prospective business owners are also encouraged to review the Town’s Available Spaces webpage, which highlights commercial spaces currently for lease or sale in Wakefield. This resource can help you identify potential locations and better understand what opportunities may be available before proceeding further in the permitting and approval process.
The Building Inspector will determine if your proposed business is allowed “by-right” or requires action by either the Zoning Board or the Planning Board prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. Many buildings and uses in Wakefield are “pre-existing, non-conforming” as defined by Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), Ch. 40A, Section 6, and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals is usually necessary prior to opening a new business. If either a Zoning Board of Appeals or a Planning Board approval is necessary, a formal application and submittal of professionally prepared plans are required.
At this point you should determine if you will need legal, architectural, or engineering assistance to proceed with the project. All applications to the Zoning Board of Appeals require surveys prepared and sealed by a registered land surveyor. Building plans must be prepared by registered professionals.
Next Step
- Need approvals? Proceed to Step 2: Obtain Zoning or Planning Board Approval
- Business is allowed “by right”?
- If you will sell or prepare food, proceed to Step 3: Food Sales and Preparation Requirements.
- If your business will not sell or prepare food, proceed to Step 4: Permits and Inspections.
If Zoning Board or Planning Board approval is required, the next step is to complete and submit your application(s). Our zoning bylaws indicate the number of plan sets required for complete applications.
You must observe the application deadlines in order to be placed on the agenda for either Board. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the second and fourth Wednesday of every month and the Planning Board meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. If you require action from both boards, a joint public hearing may be held.
If meeting agendas are full, your application could take several months to be featured. Check to confirm the deadline for application submittals and possible meeting dates. Your attendance is required at the public hearing, and professional representation is recommended.
Next Step
- Will your business sell or prepare food? Proceed to Step 3: Food Sales and Preparation Requirements.
- No plans to sell food? Proceed to Step 4: Permits and Inspections.
If your business involves the sale, distribution, or preparation of food, contact the Health Department at 781-246-6375. You’ll discuss their Plan Review Application and review the application fees, annual permits, and inspections they will perform. A site plan showing the building and the location of outside equipment is required with your Plan Review Application. You will also need to provide a floor plan and other documentation, like proposed menus and certifications. Subsequent follow-up meetings may be necessary depending on the complexity of the issues that are raised by your application.
Obtain a complete list of all additional Health Permits you’ll need and submit your applications. The Board of Health has 30 days from the date a complete application is submitted to either approve or reject it.
Wakefield has bylaws that limits the use of plastic bags, plastic cutlery, stirrers, and drinking straws (read bylaw Section 154-10 in full) and prohibits the use of foam polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers and packaging by food service establishments and the sale or use of those products by any business in Wakefield (read the Section 192 bylaw in full).
Next Step
Proceed to Step 4: Permits and Inspections.
Permits
Submit applications for any permits your business will need, including sign, plumbing, gas, electrical, and fire prevention. When Building Permit plans are submitted for a larger project, like a restaurant, the plans are circulated to appropriate departments for review and approval. However, each department has a separate process and code requirements, so be sure you become familiar with each.
If your business requires a permit from the Health Department, the Health Department will notify the Building Inspector’s office when the review is complete and the plans are approved.
Inspections
During construction, multiple inspections are required. Most of these are detailed on your Building Permit and the inspector will initial the permit card as each inspection is completed. If you are preparing food, an inspection must be scheduled with the Health Inspector prior to your anticipated opening.
Next Step
Proceed to Step 5: Apply for a Business Certificate.
If you are opening a new business in Wakefield, you may be required to apply for a business certificate pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, c. 110, section 5. The Business Certificate application, if required, can be filed after a Building Permit has been issued and should be done in person at the Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall. The Business Certificate may be issued immediately when the application is filed with a required Federal Tax Identification number.
Next Step
- Serving food or need to obtain a license? Continue to Step 6: Licenses Issued by the Town Council.
- If your business will not serve food, and you do not need to obtain licenses to sell beer and wine or offer entertainment, proceed directly to Step 7: Certificates of Occupancy.
Our Town Council can issue licenses that may be required for your establishment. Be sure to determine the date and time your application will be considered; you will be required to attend the Council’s meeting the night your application is heard.
Common Victualer’s License
A Common Victualer’s License is granted by Wakefield’s Town Council, and approval requires M.G.L. c. 140, section 6 compliance and resolution of all Health, Fire, and Building Department issues. The application for a Common Victualer’s License should be filed at least four weeks prior to the planned opening of your establishment.
Alcohol Licenses
Contact the Town Administrator’s office at the beginning of the permit process to determine Alcohol License availability and obtain assistance. Note that beverages are considered food and proper plans must be submitted to the Board of Health.
Entertainment License
An Entertainment License is required for any form of entertainment, whether a cable television installation or live performances.
Next Step
Proceed to Step 7: Certificate of Occupancy.
Once construction is complete and the local Building Inspector has made the appropriate final inspections, an application for a Certificate of Occupancy can be requested with our Inspectional Services and Zoning Department. A Certificate of Occupancy is required even if no Building Permits are needed.
In general, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued when all of the departments listed on the Certificate Form determine that your business meets the standards and regulations established by that department. If the business involves food, a final inspection by the Health Department is required and is usually completed 12-24 hours prior to the opening of the establishment.
Do you need a Merchant Parking Pass? Merchant Permits allow vehicles to park in designated merchant spaces throughout the downtown and Greenwood area. Permits do not exempt the holder from any other parking violations. The platform connects directly to Wakefield’s parking enforcement system, eliminating the need for drivers to hang parking permits in their vehicles; you will not receive a physical permit. Purchase a Parking Permit.
Next Step
Proceed to Step 8: Permit and License Renewals.
Many of the permits and licenses that you obtain when opening your business have expiration dates. For your convenience, expiration dates are usually written on the front face of the permit. It is your responsibility to maintain current permits for your business at all times. Contact the department responsible for your permit if you have questions about the renewal process or the required renewal date.
Next Step
Now that your business is ready to open, it’s time to network with community and business organizations.