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Nicholas J. Antanavica, Commissioner

The Inspectional Services Department strives to deliver the most efficient and transparent permitting and inspection process possible to they city. We aim to ensure that the housing, rental properties and businesses are the healthiest and safest in the Commonwealth.

What We Do

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Building Inspector

Building & Zoning

The Building and Zoning Division issues permits for new construction as well as repairs, additions, alterations, demolition and changes in use.
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Men in Hazmat Suits

Housing & Health

The Housing and Health division is responsible for licensing and inspections in the areas of Food Protection, Health, Housing and Air, Water and Hazmat.
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License Commission

The License Commission serves as a regulatory board for various licenses issued by 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.

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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.

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House with Lawn

Property Owners

In addition to contractors and construction companies, homeowners also may need permits for building certain structures on their property. Learn more about any permits you might need if you are planning a project. You can find information about decks, fences, retaining walls, sheds, pools, dumpsters, driveways and more.

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Two Quality of Life Team Members with Trash Bag Picking Up Trash on Sidewalk

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.

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Permit History

Informing Worcester

Informing Worcester is the City's open data portal. The City has established this open data portal where any and all interested parties can obtain public information at no cost. The portal includes permits, certificates and licensing data sets.

View Licenses, Permits and Certificates

Contact Information

Address

Inspectional Services
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610

Contact

Phone: 508-799-1198
Fax: 508-799-8544
Email Us

Hours

Building & Zoning
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Housing & Health
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.