Opening a Business in North Attleborough? Please Read

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about opening a new business in a new building, opening a new business within an existing building, renovating an existing space or constructing a new commercial building in the Town of North Attleborough.

Contact the Building Department to see if the proposed location is zoned appropriately for your type of business.

If your business is within a newly created commercial space, within an existing commercial building, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Occupancy, BEFORE you are allowed to occupy that space. You may also need to apply to the Planning Board for Site Plan approval – Please call the Planning Department at 508-699-0116 to check.

If your business is within an existing commercial space and you’re just a new tenant to that space, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Inspection BEFORE you are allowed to occupy that space, even if you make no renovations to the property. You may also need to apply to the Planning Board for Site Plan approval – Please call the Planning Department at 508-699-0116 to check.

If you make a major renovation to your commercial property (Building Commissioner will determine if it is a major renovation) you will be required to apply for a Certificate of Occupancy, BEFORE you are allowed to occupy that space. You may also need to apply to the Planning Board for Site Plan approval – Please call the Planning Department at 508-699-0116 to check.

If you plan to construct a new building or plan to build an addition to your commercial property, please call the Planning Department and request a pre-application meeting with the Town Departments. This will allow you to have access to all the applicable departments so you can be advised in advance what will be involved in the permitting of your potential project. Their thoughts and suggestions in advance of you generating full construction plans, can save you thousands of dollars in redesign costs. We highly recommend this meeting.

Depending upon the type of business you are considering other approvals and permits may be required. We recommend in addition to reaching out to the Building and Planning Department you should also reach out to the Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Town Clerk, Licensing Board and Fire Department just to be certain all of your bases are covered.