25 Meade Street, Worcester, MA 01610
Phone: (508) 799-1198, Fax: (508) 799-8544
Email: inspections@worcesterma.gov
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Additional Contact Info
The Division of Building & Zoning is responsible for enhancing public safety, enforcing construction codes, ensuring decent, safe and energy efficient housing that will last for many years, as well as performing state mandated regulatory functions and permitting to support development in the community.
The Division of Building & Zoning continues its work to improve customer service, streamline permitting and enhance technology throughout all opearations. This division will now further focus activities on exemplary customer service oriented building construction and code inspectional services in accordance with
Massachusetts' State Building Code and City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance.
We continue our rigorous enforcement of the construction codes including the Massachusetts State Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas Codes. A strict adherence to these building regulations has both improved the living conditions of existing dwellings and assured safety and quality in new construction. Our expert staff efficiently processes and issues building permits, occupancy permits, perform certification inspections and assist with the City's Abandoned Building Program.
This division is also primarily responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of the City Zoning Ordinance. Senior management attends all the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board meetings in an advisory capacity. At the public's request, the Zoning and Permitting Coordinator often researches and issues zoning determination letters, which is our initial response to most development within the city. This updated process ensures that construction plans, permits and zoning requirements are met for all permits files.
As usual, Senior Staff will continue to participate in the weekly Interdepartmental Review Team meetings to streamline the review process, with representatives from several key departments - Planning & Regulatory, Law, Public Works and Fire Department - for construction projects in Worcester. Weekly meetings take place with key staff of the Planning & Regulatory Services Division to review all new applications to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Building & Zoning staff members are available to assist and answer questions Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The inspectors are generally available (at the 25 Meade Street office location) Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. They are in the field conducting inspections from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
The Building Permits and Inspections section provides rigorous compliance enforcement of the State Building Codes as well as the Worcester Zoning Ordinance. Strict enforcement of these standards has improved the condition of existing dwellings and commercial structures and assured the safety and quality of new construction.
The Plumbing/Gas Permits and Inspections Unit schedules and conducts gas and plumbing inspections to ensure compliance with the State Plumbing and Gas Codes. This Unit enforces the codes and deals with a variety of trades people, enforcement agencies and the general public.
