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.
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.
Permits & Applications
The Planning Board's policy regarding receipt of complete applications and procedures for receipt of revisions as well as postponements and continuations has recently changed. Please refer to our Application Review Policy or contact Planning Division staff for more information.
Please note that a digital copy of all applications, plans and materials must be submitted as a PDF file to planning@worcesterma.gov. Please refer to applicable instructions for additional details.
Applications:
- 81-G Street Opening
- ANR (Approval Under Subdivision Not Required) - Apply Online
- Definitive Site Plan
- Definitive Site Plan - Amendment
- Definitive Site Plan - Extension of Time
- Definitive Subdivisions
- Definitive Subdivisions Amendment
- Definitive Subdivisions Frontage
- Definitive Subdivisions Plan - More than One Building on a Lot
- Parking Plan - Accessory Lots
- Parking Plan - Amendment
- Parking Plan - Non-Accessory or Display Lots
- Preliminary Site Plan
- Preliminary Subdivisions
- Preliminary Subdivisions Plan - More than One Building on a Lot
- Special Permit - Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Special Permit - Adaptive Reuse of Non-Profit School
- Special Permit - Adaptive Reuse Overlay District
- Special Permit - Adult Use Marijuana
- Special Permit – Amendment
- Special Permit - Cluster Zoning
- Special Permit - Commercial Corridor Overlay District (CCOD)
- Special Permit - Common Driveway
- Special Permit - Comprehensive Sign Plan Approval
- Special Permit - Continuing Care - Retirement Community
- Special Permit - Extension of Time
- Special Permit - Inclusionary Zoning Incentives
- Special Permit - Water Resources Protection Overlay District
- Special Permit - Wind Energy Conversion Facility
Please note the following:
- The ANR (Approval Under Subdivision Not Required) is available on our online permitting portal.
- 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.
New Street Numbering / Change of Address Request
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.
Zoning Ordinance & Map
The City's Zoning Ordinance and Map are tools for land use planning. Each zone classification guides the physical development of the city through a set of requirements set forth in the City of Worcester's Zoning Ordinance as amended.
Resources
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
Inclusionary Zoning
Inclusionary Zoning Density Bonus Worksheet - Working Version, April 2024 (Excel File)
Zoning Determination Form
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.