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1. Who must file a Business Certificate?

Anyone conducting business in Medfield under a name other than their own complete real name or any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name must file a Business Certificate with the Town Clerk. This is commonly known as a "doing business as" or "DBA" certificate. Failure to do so may result in a fine. In the case of a corporation, the form must be filed by a corporate officer. Note that Inc., Corp., and Ltd. may only be used by a corporation.

2. I'm opening a business in Medfield; What do I need to do?

You will need to register your business name by filing a business certificate with the Town Clerk.

Other considerations:

• Building Permit: To construct, enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish a structure or amend electrical or plumbing you may need a building permit. Doing interior or exterior work without a building permit may result in fines. Consult the Building Department. 
• Certificate of Occupancy: If a building permit was required, you will need a certificate of occupancy once the work has been completed.
• Special Permit: Check to see if the use being planned requires a special permit in the zoning district in which the property is located. Consult Planning Department
• Site Plan Approval: Construction or exterior alteration of a commercial or industrial structure may require Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board. Alterations or upgrades to stormwater systems may be required for expansion of parking lots. Consult the Planning Department to see if a Change of Use Determination by the Planning Board for nonresidential uses is required. 

Will there be enough parking?

Each use has required parking based on factors such as retail square footage or the number of restaurant seats. Check the Parking Requirements in the Zoning By-Laws. The Zoning Board of Appeals may reduce the requirement by special permit in the Downtown Parking District.

3. Signs for a new business?

Signs are subject to requirements in the Zoning By-Laws (Section 13).

Please contact the Building Department for a sign permit. 

4. I am opening a new restaurant; What do I need to do?

• You will need a business license issued through the Town Clerk's Office. 
• If you are remodeling a space or building a new one, you will need a Building Permit.
• If you are building an addition or changing the use of an existing space, you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• If you are adding parking spaces or seeking a deviation from parking requirements you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• Additional lot coverage may require a stormwater permit from the Board of Health. 
• You will need a Common Victualler License from the Board of Selectmen and a Food Establishment License from the Board of Health.
• Serving alcohol? You will need a Liquor License from the Board of Selectmen

Contact information for all departments can be found in the Land Use Permitting Guidebook. 

5. I am opening a new retail store; What do I need to do?

• You will need a business license issued through the Town Clerk's Office. 
• If you are remodeling a space or building a new one, you will need a Building Permit.
• If you are building an addition or changing the use of an existing space, you may need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• If you are adding parking spaces or seeking a deviation from parking requirements you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• Additional lot coverage may require a stormwater permit from the Board of Health. 
• You will need a Common Victualler License from the Board of Selectmen.
• Selling alcohol? You will need a Liquor License from the Board of Selectmen

Contact information for all departments can be found in the Land Use Permitting Guidebook. 

6. I'm opening a professional office; What do I need to do?

• You will need a business license issued through the Town Clerk's Office. 
• If you are remodeling a space or building a new one, you will need a Building Permit.
• If you are building an addition or changing the use of an existing space, you may need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• If you are adding parking spaces or seeking a deviation from parking requirements you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• Additional lot coverage may require a stormwater permit from the Board of Health. 

Contact information for all departments can be found in the Land Use Permitting Guidebook.