The Historical Commission preserves, promotes and develops 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.
Upcoming Meetings
Please review the Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and application deadlines.
Meeting Video and Agendas and Minutes of past meetings are available!
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.
Elm Park LHD Study
At their September 26, 2023 meeting, upon the recommendation of the Worcester Historical Commission, the Worcester City Council voted unanimously to ordain the Elm Park Neighborhood Local Historic District. The vote followed a two-and-a-half year long study of the area as prescribed by MGL Chapter 40C, which included historical research, photography and an open dialog with neighborhood residents, property owners and the public at large.
Local Historic District 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.
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.