The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a volunteer regulatory board consisting of five regular and two associate members appointed by the City Manager. The ZBA holds public hearings concerning the following items:
- Applications for a special permit to allow certain uses that require discretionary approval of the ZBA. The ZBA considers these cases by evaluating criteria established in the Zoning Ordinance, and may impose conditions on an approval that they deem as necessary to protect the health, safety or general welfare of the public;
- Applications for a special permit or variance to deviate from specific zoning requirements, such as minimum lot size, dimensional limits on density of development and height of buildings, and required setbacks from adjacent properties;
- Applications for extension, change or alteration of structures or uses that do not meet current zoning requirements, but did meet regulations in place at the time of their establishment. These “Privileged non-conforming” structures or uses may be extended, changed or altered by grant of a special permit.
- Appeals of zoning decisions by the Building Commissioner.
Upcoming Meetings
Please review the Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and application deadlines.
Meeting Video and Agendas and Minutes of past meetings are available!
Permits & Applications
The Zoning Board of Appeals' 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:
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.
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.
Guidelines
Resources
Application Fee Schedule
Massachusetts Zoning Act
ZBA Rules & Regulations
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.