The Historical Commission preserves and promotes the historic assets of the city. The Commission reviews alterations proposed to properties that are located in local historic districts and administers the city's Building Demolition Delay Ordinance.
Under the Community Preservation Act (CPA), the Historical Commission analyzes historic buildings, structures, documents, and artifacts to determine local historical significance. A positive determination of local historical significance is required for eligibility to apply for CPA funds.
Upcoming Meetings
Please review the Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and application deadlines.
As of July 2025, all current/upcoming agendas and archived meeting minutes are now available through our partner OneMeeting. Archived agendas and minutes are currently available going back to 2021, with older archived files added on an ongoing basis. For meeting materials prior to this time period, please submit a Public Records Request.
Additionally, all meeting videos will be available on the OneMeeting Portal from July 2025 moving forward. Videos prior to this time will still be available in our Video On Demand, but will be migrated to the OneMeeting portal on an ongoing basis.
Preservation Awards
The Worcester Historical Commission, in partnership with Preservation Worcester, has established an annual awards program to recognize outstanding restoration, renovation and development projects that foster historic preservation in the City.
Permits & Licensing
Historical Commission
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 Demolition Delay Waiver
- Certificate of Non-Applicability
- Certificate of Appropriateness & Building Demolition Delay Waiver
- Determination of Local Historical Significance Application
Please note the following:
- If needed, certified abutters lists should be obtained from the City's Assessing Office, Room 209, City Hall for a small fee. Please contact Assessing at least one week in advance to ensure timely receipt.
- At a regularly scheduled meeting, the Commission will vote on the matter, and a signed decision will be issued within 1-2 weeks. The decision is necessary for obtaining a Building Permit. Please note that you or your representative are required to attend the meeting to answer any questions the Historical Commission members may have.
- Please be aware it may be necessary to apply for permits/licenses from multiple city departments depending on your requirements.
Local Historic Districts
Preliminary Study Reports
The Worcester Historical Commission is working on creating several new local historic districts! The Historical Commission has voted to study the possible creation of a local historical district (LHD) for a number of properties and neighborhoods in the city.
Insuring Historic Buildings
Resources
Contact Information
Address
Planning & Regulatory Services
City Hall Room 404
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Contact
Phone: 508-799-1400
Fax: 508-799-1406
Email Us
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.