The Housing Program seeks to gain compliance with the Massachusetts Sanitary Code, Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation as well as applicable local ordinances. Inspectors perform systematic inspections, respond to complaints, issue orders, address illegal dumping, register and inspect foreclosed and/or vacant buildings. In cases where compliance is not met, the department will pursue to resolve the matter in Housing Court.
In order to protect and preserve public health and safety, security and quiet enjoyment of occupants, abutters and neighborhoods, the Department of Inspectional Services, Housing and Health Division requires all owners of abandoned and/or foreclosed properties, including lenders, trustees,and service companies to register such properties, with an applicable registration fee. The properties must be maintained in accordance with all other applicable state codes and local regulations concerning the maintenance of properties.
We encourage you to submit your application ONLINE through our permit portal links below! Please complete all required fields, electronically sign and upload the appropriate documents.
Before you can submit an application for a permit or license you must create an account. Please see Signing Up, Creating a Profile & Accessing Your Information and Applying for a Permit & Paying Fees.
Hauler Licenses expire March 31st annually!
Alternatively, you may continue to use the following applications. Include your phone number, sign, date and send along with the appropriate documents to the email address or fax number on this page.
Please Note: In an effort to support the department's initiative to go paperless, there will be a $50 Administrative Fee added to all permit and license applications that are submitted over the counter or by mail effective January 1, 2022. We encourage you to take advantage of the online permitting & license portal links above where you can apply for all permits/licenses without an added Administrative Fee.
You may also mail your application to the Housing/Health Division, however we recommend you follow up to ensure that it was received and that only copies of the original documents are mailed.
Please contact our office with any questions at 508-799-1198.
Inspectional Services
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Phone: 508-799-1198
Fax: 508-799-8544
Email Us
Office Hours:
Building & Zoning
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Housing & Health
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Apply for a Permit Worcester 311
