Massachusetts: Restaurant Regulations
Baseline checklist for common requirements. Verify locally (rules vary by AHJ).
Quick takeaway: Most restaurant compliance falls into five buckets: health permits, fire/hood, plumbing/grease, building/occupancy, and zoning. Local authorities can add requirements beyond state minimums.
Typical checklist
| Area | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Health | Food establishment permit, plan review (if required), Person-in-Charge/food safety certification, inspection schedule. |
| Fire | Type I hood (as applicable), fire suppression system (e.g., wet chemical), extinguisher class requirements, fire inspection and permits. |
| Plumbing | Grease interceptor/trap sizing and location, floor drains/mop sink, backflow prevention, wastewater/sewer authority requirements. |
| Building | Certificate of occupancy, change of use, occupant load, ADA accessibility basics, restroom counts. |
| Zoning | Permitted use for the address, parking, signage permits, outdoor seating rules, noise/vent termination limits. |
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Major metro variations
Boston and larger municipalities may have additional local licensing, building, and fire requirements beyond statewide baselines. Verify locally.
Scenario pages
- Hoods & ventilation
- Fire suppression systems
- Grease traps & interceptors
- Health permits & inspections
- Zoning, occupancy & change of use
- Opening checklist
Sources to verify
- State health department (food establishment permitting)
- Local/county health department (plan review + inspections)
- Local fire marshal / fire prevention bureau
- City/county building department (CO, permits)
- Zoning/planning office (allowed use for address)
- Wastewater/sewer authority (grease interceptor rules)
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Last reviewed: 2025