Interested in beginning a business in Brockton, Massachusetts?

The first step in starting a business in Brockton, MA is to contact the Planning Board at (508) 580-7113 to discuss your business plans. Once you have discussed your business ideas with the Planning Board, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, also known as the Planning Form A. You must print out the Certificate of Occupancy application or Planning Form A from the City of Brockton’s website at http://www.brockton.ma.us/Government/Departments/Planning.aspx.

This document poses such questions as pertaining to the use of your business space, what materials you will be using, if any hazardous materials will be used or produced at the place you conduct your business, etc. Please note that you will need a new Certificate of Occupancy even if your business is just moving or changing ownership. If your business uses any film processing, there is a separate questionnaire that you will be required to submit. When you have completed your Certificate of Occupancy application, you will need to submit it with a $125 fee to the Planning Board at:

City of Brockton
Planning Board
45 School Street
Brockton, MA 02301

You should receive your issuance in about 1-2 weeks, but if you have any questions you may call (508) 580-7123. If you will have a residential-based business, you will still be required to contact the Planning Board for property verification. You will only need to apply for a business license if your business activity falls within the list below. However, it is suggested that you speak with a representative of the City of Brockton to ensure whether or not you will need to as the city may update the list at any time.

Is every business owner required to apply for a business license in Brockton, MA?

No, only a specific group of business activities mandate a business license in order to lawfully operate. These businesses licenses and permits are:

1. Automatic Amusement Devices Permit
2. Common Victualer License
3. Fortune Teller License
4. Lodging House License
5. One-Day Permit to Sell Alcoholic Beverages (take note that there are two different applications, one for wine and malt and one for hard alcohol)
6. Used Car Dealer License
7. Alcoholic Beverage License
8. Entertainment License
9. Motor Vehicle Dealer License
10. Police Detail One-Day Permit (for special events and parades)
11. Fire Marshall Permit (for special events and parades
12. Taxi License

How do I apply for my Brockton, MA business license?

You can apply for your business license in a variety of ways. You may either fax it, mail it, or submit the business license application in person. You may obtain the necessary business license online at http://www.brockton.ma.us/Government/Departments/License/LicDocsAndForms.aspx.

You can mail your completed application to City of Brockton, Licensing, 45 School Street, Brockton, MA 02301 or fax it to (508) 559-7960.

Will I need other Brockton permits or license?

It is crucial to understand that the City of Brockton may update and change the list above at their discretion. Due to this, it is recommended that you speak to a representative at the City of Brockton to discover if you will need to apply for any business licenses or permits.

How do I get more information?

You may contact the City of Brockton between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. The telephone number is (508) 580-7123 and the fax number is (508) 559-7960. If you require the address, the physical and mailing address are one in the same:

City of Brockton
Licensing
45 School Street
Brockton, MA 02301

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Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.