Consider whether you want to lease or own space. Most new businesses initially lease space, but consider how long you want to commit to a lease and what you might need from a landlord in terms improvements to the space.

Next you need to find a location for your business. Maybe you’re looking to rent a downtown retail space, or a warehouse in a business park, or maybe you are looking to buy. Identifying what kind of space you need is your first step.

Check to make sure the City Zoning allows for the kind of use you will be doing on site. Use the Zoning Map to identify what zone your potential location fits into and then consult the Table of Uses to find out whether the use you are proposing is allowed. 

• You can always ask for clarification by contacting the Haverhill Building Inspector Department (978-374-2338)

• You can request a zoning change or variance by contacting the City Planning Economic Development Department (978-374-2330)

The plan will be reviewed by the individual departments for compliance with their respective rules and regulations. Should any Department require plan revisions, a copy of the revised plan, with revisions date, shall be circulated to all aforementioned Departments by the owner / applicant / engineer. Department comments will be forwarded to the engineer/designer with copy to the Building Inspector. Foundation permits will not be issued without approvals from all the applicable Departments. Official address will be issued by the City Engineer’s Office upon his approval of the plans. A Mylar of the approved plan is required for all Commercial and Industrial projects and for all residential projects with new sewer or drain main. ​

The next step is to obtain you Occupancy Certificate (CO) from the City of Haverhill. The purpose of the Occupancy Certificate is to show what the structure is used for, that the structure is suitable for occupancy, and that the structure complies with all building codes.

To start on this process, please call the City Health and Inspections Department at 978-374-2338 or visit City Hall, Room 214.

Schedule a time to speak directly with one of the building inspectors. Because occupancy permit requirements are highly variable depending on the space and the work you are doing to it, it is best to have this discussion early in the process so you have a good idea of improvements you’re going to need to make. 

The building inspectors have office hours daily on weekdays from 

If you call during one of these times, you will be able to speak to somebody immediately. You can call their office at 978-374-2338.

The following steps must be taken (if applicable) to open a new business.

• Zoning Approval form must be filled out and then signed by the Zoning Officer.

• If the Zoning Approval is approved, the applicant must have sign offs from Electrical, Plumbing/Gas, Fire, Building, Health, and Water Departments at a minimum.

• Once signatures have been obtained the form and an application for payment must be submitted to our office to obtain a Certificate of Inspection

• If business is food oriented, please obtain the Food Service Plan Review Packet. Dumpsters are required for food operations. For any questions please contact Mark Tolman, Health Inspector.

• If tobacco products are to be sold you must obtain a tobacco sales permit from the Board of Health.

• Check with the License Commission to determine if any other permits or licenses are required.

• Signage; permits must be obtained from the Building Department for any outside signage relative to the proposed business.