Zoning Board of Appeals

Please note that our submission protocols have changed. All application materials should first be e-mailed to planning@worcesterma.gov for staff review to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to delivery of the original in hardcopy. 15 hardcopies are no longer required. Please contact our office prior to submission with questions.

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 “Privledged 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.

Board Profile How to Join

Meetings

Meet 1 - 2 times  per month on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Please review the Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and application deadlines.

Date/Time of Next Meeting: Monday May 6th, 2024

ZB-2022-076 - 8-11 EARLE TERRACE (ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL)

ZB-2023-005 - 8-11 EARLE TERRACE (SP)

ZB-2023-071 - 77 AMHERST STREET (VARIANCE)

ZB-2023-093 - 98 WHITMARSH AVENUE (AA)

ZB-2023-095 - 17 MONTCLAIR DRIVE (SP)

ZB-2024-001 - 11 PARKER ST & 54 MASON ST (SP)

ZB-2024-004 - 37 NATURAL HISTORY DRIVE (V)

ZB-2024-012 - 79 PULLMAN STREET (SP)

ZB-2024-013 - 51 HARDING STREET (V)

ZB-2024-014 - 48 MASON STREET (SP&V AMEND)

ZB-2024-016 - 85 LAKE AVE N & 55 MOHICAN RD (SP&V)

ZB-2024-017 - 12 OAK KNOLL ROAD (SP)

ZB-2024-018 - 44 GRAFTON ST & 102 TEMPLE ST (V EOT)

ZB-2024-019 - 214 HAMILTON STREET (SP&V)

ZB-2024-020 - 43 HARVARD STREET (SP)

ZB-2024-021 - 56 FRUIT STREET (SP&V)

ZB-2024-022 - 6 CLIFF STREET (V)

ZB-2024-023 - 225 SHREWSBURY STREET (V EOT)

ZB-2024-024 - 16 TAMAR AVENUE (V)

ZB-2024-025 - 188.5 NORFOLK STREET (SP)

ZB-2024-026 - HOUGHTON STREET (SP EOT)

ZB-2024-027 - 6 BRATTLE STREET (SP)

ZB-2024-029 - 487 PARK AVENUE (V)

ZB-2024-031 - 1059 GRAFTON STREET (SP EOT)

ZB-2024-034 - 875B MAIN STREET (SP)

ZB-2024-038 - 1 & 2 CHESTNUT PLACE (SP)

ZB-2024-040 - 153 GREEN STREET (SP)

ZB-2024-041 - 98 BEACON STREET (V EOT)

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.

Resources

For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit Permit Center

Contact Information

Planning & Regulatory Services
City Hall Room 404
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Accessible via WRTA Bus Line. View Schedules

Phone: 508-799-1400
Fax: 508-799-1406
Email Us

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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

City of Worcester
Worcester 311
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 311
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