Inspectional Services

David C. Horne, Interim Commissioner & Building Commissioner

Top Services

  • To request services or report problems, call 311 or submit your request online through Worcester 311.

Rental Property Registry

Three-Decker Apartment Buildings in Neighborhood Setting with Back Porches/Decks

The City of Worcester has officially launched its Rental Registration Program, which requires owners of all rental properties to register each property within the City.

Stretch Energy Codes

The links provided offer guidance and information shared by the Department of Energy Recourses (DOER) relative to the new Stretch Energy Codes impacting home owners, developers and contractors. As of December of 2022, the Secretary of State's Office officially promulgated new building energy code regulations updating the Stretch Energy Code. January 21, 2023 was the beginning of series of updates to the building energy codes to be enforced in Massachusetts.

The City adopted the Specialized Stretch Code (SSC), which went into effect on July 1, 2024. The Specialized Stretch code is an opt-in municipal energy code that further stretches the requirements for new construction. The specialized code advances the building code towards net-zero building performance.

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.

Learn More

Programs & Initiatives

Inspector Holding a Clipboard in a Restaurant Kitchen Near a Stove
Food Protection
All food establishments are inspected to ensure compliance with the provisions contained within the Merged Food Code. Food Protection personnel monitor food offered for consumption to ensure that it is free from adulteration, properly labeled, identifiable and manufactured at an approved source.
Front Entryway of Old House that Appears Abandoned
Housing Program
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.
Old Red Paint that Appears to be Lead Chipping Off Old Boards
Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention Program
Upon request of the tenant, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program conducts environmental assessments to identify possible lead paint hazards and violations where a child under the age of six resides.
Group of People Sitting Around Conference Table with Blueprints and Building Plans Being Reviewed
Pre-Development Consultations
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.
Group Photo of Quality of Life Team Members Standing in Parking Lot with Rakes and Other Yard Tools

Quality of Life Team
The Quality of Life Team is an interdepartmental team made up of members of the City Manager's Office, Department of Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works & Parks and Worcester Police Department.

Resources

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

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