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Composting Program

The City of Worcester has the largest municipal composting program in Massachusetts from its leaf and yard waste collection. Compost, available to city residents free of charge at the Residential Drop-Off Center, makes clay soils porous so they drain better and improves sandy soils moisture retaining capacity. Adding compost increases organic matter which provides food for microorganisms, balances pH (acidity/alkalinity) of soil and helps to build sound root structure for plants.

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.

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.

Marijuana Regulations

Adult Use Marijuana

On November 8, 2016, Massachusetts voters approved an initiative legalizing the cultivation and sale of recreational marijuana in the Commonwealth. In accordance with M.G.L. c. 94G and its implementing regulations 935 CMR 500, Worcester is required to facilitate the establishment of 15 regulated Marijuana Retailers.

In response, the City has adopted or proposed the following:

Bureau of Professional Standards

The function of the Bureau of Professional Standards is to ensure the integrity of the Worcester Police Department and its personnel, both sworn and non-sworn.

Citizen Complaint Procedure

It is the goal of the Citizen Complaint Procedure that the rights of all citizens be protected and that police officers be free to exercise their best judgment and to initiate action in a reasonable, lawful, impartial manner, without fear of reprisal. A proper relationship between police and the citizens of Worcester, fostered by trust and confidence, is essential to law enforcement.

License to Carry/Firearm Identification Card

Firearms Basic Safety Course

Upcoming Firearms Basic Safety Course dates are listed below. There is a twenty dollar ($20) charge for residents of the City of Worcester and a thirty-five dollar ($35) charge for non-residents (non-refundable). We accept cash, checks or money orders payable to the City of Worcester (no charge or debit cards accepted). You must Register in Advance Online through our online permit partner OpenGov.

Permits & Licensing

Permits & Licensing

Police

For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit the Permit/License Center.

Once you have downloaded and filled out your application, you can submit it at Worcester Police Headquarters, 9-11 Lincoln Square, at the Operations window or you can mail the application to:

License Division
Police Headquarters
9-11 Lincoln Square
Worcester, MA 01608

Real Estate Development

Buildings Under Construction and Crane at CitySquare Viewed from Worcester Common Garage

As a center for commerce, industry and learning, Worcester's growth can be attributed to the low cost of housing, high quality of life, overall accessibility and our growing knowledge-based economy. Worcester has evolved from its days as a manufacturing giant to a leader in information technology, biotechnology, health care and medical research.

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