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Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a volunteer regulatory board consisting of five regular and two associate members appointed by the City Manager. The ZBA holds public hearings concerning the following items:

  • Applications for a special permit to allow certain uses that require discretionary approval of the ZBA. The ZBA considers these cases by evaluating criteria established in the Zoning Ordinance, and may impose conditions on an approval that they deem as necessary to protect the health, safety or general welfare of the public;
  • Applications for a special permit or variance to deviate from specific zoning requirements, such as minimum lot size, dimensional limits on density of development and height of buildings, and required setbacks from adjacent properties;
  • Applications for extension, change or alteration of structures or uses that do not meet current zoning requirements, but did meet regulations in place at the time of their establishment. These “Privledged non-conforming” structures or uses may be extended, changed or altered by grant of a special permit.
  • Appeals of zoning decisions by the Building Commissioner.

Board Profile How to Join

Meetings

Meet 1 - 2 times  per month on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Please review the Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and application deadlines.

Date/Time of Next Meeting: Monday April 6th, 2020

Notice: Governor Baker issued an executive order allowing for use of a phone conference line for members of the public to participate in all public meetings. Learn More...

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Applications

The Zoning Board of Appeals' policy regarding receipt of complete applications and procedures for receipt of revisions as well as postponements and continuations has recently changed. Please refer to our Application Review Policy or contact Planning Division staff for more information.

Please note that a digital copy of all applications, plans and materials must be submitted as a PDF file to planning@worcesterma.gov. Please refer to applicable instructions for additional details.

Resources

For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit Permit Center

Contact Information

Planning & Regulatory Services
City Hall Room 404
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Accessible via WRTA Bus Line. View Schedules

Phone: 508-799-1400
Fax: 508-799-1406
Email Us

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

About Worcester

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Customer Service Line
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
508-929-1300
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