Building & Zoning

David C. Horne, Interim Commissioner of Inspectional Services & Building Commissioner

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Ordinances & Regulations

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Permits & Licensing

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Worcester 311

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  • Staff members are available to assist and answer questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The inspectors are generally available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are in the field conducting inspections from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • To request services or report problems, call 311 or submit your request online through Worcester 311.

Periodic Inspections of Multi-Family Buildings

The Inspectional Services Department is reminding the public of the importance of periodic inspections of multi-family buildings in Worcester in accordance with 780 CMR "Table 110." These inspections are needed to ensure compliance with safety and building codes for occupancy permit requirements.

These inspections apply to multi-family buildings having 3 units or more. Over 6500 properties are subject to this inspection.

Old Fire Escape on Side of Blue Multi-Family Unit
  • A letter from DIS seeking contact information.
  • DIS will contact you to schedule inspection after payment is received.
  • Expected to begin scheduling inspections before Summer of 2021.
  • Inspection performed by a building inspector.
  • Owner or agent must be present for inspection.
  • Inspection of common areas.
  • Conducted annually or every two or five years - will be established after inspection is complete.
  • Written inspection report detailing any necessary corrections with compliance date.
  • A Certificate of Inspection will be provided via the City's ViewPoint Portal.

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Programs & Initiatives

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Planning Board
The Planning Board's responsibilities include reviewing site plans, parking plans and subdivision plans; proposing and making recommendations regarding zoning ordinance changes; and supporting long-range planning initiatives.
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Pre-Development Consultation
Interdepartmental Review Team meetings are offered free of charge and are designed to assist developers and land owners in the pre-development stages of potential and proposed projects with questions relating to permitting processes, zoning compliance, engineering standards and land use policy considerations.
Worcester Property Viewer Map View Depicting Different Zoning Areas Around City Hall
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals is charged with exercising judgement in considering when to allow discretionary uses or grant exceptions from certain zoning regulations, through special permits or variances, and to hear appeals of decisions by the Building Commissioner.

Resources

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Periodic Inspections

The Building and Zoning Division is responsible for periodic inspections of schools, restaurants/night clubs, theaters, churches, rooming houses, hotels and multi-family dwellings.

Contact Information

Inspectional Services
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610

Accessible via WRTA Bus Line. View Schedules

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

About Worcester

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City of Worcester
Worcester 311
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 311
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