David C. Horne, Building Commissioner
Building and Zoning, a division of Inspectional Services, issues permits for new construction as well as repairs, additions, alterations, demolition and changes in use. Our mission is to serve the public by protecting the health, safety and environmental stability of Worcester’s business and residential community.
Permits for plumbing, gas, electrical and sheet metal work are issued by this department and all associated inspections are performed.
Additionally, the Building Inspection Department is responsible for the inspections of schools, restaurants/night clubs, theaters, churches, rooming houses, hotels and multi-family dwellings as well as enforcement and interpretation of the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance.
- 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.
Worcester 311 Requests
- To request services or report problems, call 311 or submit your request online through Worcester 311.
Permits & Licensing
Building & Zoning
Create an Account • Submit Applications • Manage & Print Permits
For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit the Permit/License Center.
We encourage you to submit your application ONLINE through our permit portal!
Before you can submit an application for a permit or license you must create an account. For your convenience, payments can be made via all major credit cards or ACH transfer.
Permit/License Types
- Building Permit
- Certificate of Inspection
- Electrical Permit
- Gas Permit
- Mechanical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Welding Card
- Zoning Analysis
Please note the following:
- The application submission is not an approval to begin work. Work on a project may only begin after the application has been approved, payment has been made, and a valid permit has been issued.
- Any person working without proper permits or licenses shall be subject to a fine of $500.00 for residential properties or $1000.00 for commercial properties. In addition to the proper permit or license fee.
- Your tradesperson license, along with a copy of your Workers Compensation Insurance documentation must be on file with the Department of Inspectional Services and/or attached to a submitted application for a permit.
- In an effort to support the department's initiative to go paperless, there will be a $50 Administrative Fee added to all permit and license applications that are submitted over the counter or by mail effective January 1, 2022.
- Please be aware it may be necessary to apply for permits/licenses from multiple city departments such as the Fire Department, Police Department or Public Works depending on your requirements.
Starting a Project
Before you begin your next project, make sure to review the Ordinances & Regulations in the City of Worcester. You may need to have your project approved by one or more of the City Boards & Commissions to complete your project legally and responsibly.
Conservation Commission Historical Commission Planning Board Zoning Board of Appeals
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.
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.
Have a Question?
Landscape retaining walls up to 6 feet and fences up to 7 feet that are dilapidated and are dividing property lines that are not in the public way are a civil matter and are not enforced by the buildings and zoning division.
Sheds over 200 sq. ft. will require a building permit.
Fences 7 feet or less do not require a building permit (but fences over 6 feet might require zoning relief).
Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall do not require a building permit.
Owner occupied 1 and 2 family dwellings performing work for which a building permit is required shall be exempt from the licensing provisions of 780 CMR 110.R5, provided that if a homeowner engages a person(s) for hire to do such work, then such homeowner shall act as supervisor. This exception shall not apply to the field erection of a manufactured buildings constructed pursuant to 780 CMR 110.R3.
Resources
BBRS/780CMR, the 8th, proposed 9th and past editions of the MA State Building Code
Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS)
Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Official Interpretations
Contact Information
Address
Building & Zoning
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Contact
Phone: 508-799-1198
Fax: 508-799-8544
Email Us
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.