Planning & Regulatory Boards | City of Worcester
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This document describes the four planning and regulatory boards in Worcester, Massachusetts and their respective responsibilities. The Conservation Commission administers wetlands protection regulations and manages conservation property acquisitions. The Historical Commission preserves historic assets, reviews alterations in historic districts, and administers the Building Demolition Delay Ordinance. The Planning Board reviews site plans, parking plans, and subdivision plans while recommending zoning changes and supporting long-range planning. The Zoning Board of Appeals grants special permits and variances, and hears appeals of Building Commissioner decisions. Planning & Regulatory Services is located at City Hall Room 404, 455 Main Street, and is reachable at 508-799-1400 during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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PLANNING & REGULATORY BOARDS CONSERVATION COMMISSION Conservation Commission responsibilities include administering wetlands protection regulations and making recommendations on the planning, acquisition and management of property for conservation and passive recreation. Learn More HISTORICAL COMMISSION 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. Learn More PLANNING BOARD 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. Learn More ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Zoning Board of Appeals is charged with exercising judgement in considering when to allow discretionary uses or grant exceptions from certain zoning regulations, through special permits or variances, and to hear appeals of decisions by the Building Commissioner. Learn More 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.
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The City of Worcester's Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a five-member volunteer regulatory board appointed by the City Manager that holds public hearings on special permit applications, variance requests to deviate from zoning requirements, applications for privileged non-conforming structures, and appeals of Building Commissioner zoning decisions. The ZBA evaluates applications against criteria in the Zoning Ordinance and may impose conditions on approvals to protect public health, safety, or welfare. As of July 2025, all current and upcoming agendas, archived meeting minutes dating back to 2021, and meeting videos are available through the OneMeeting portal; public comments must be submitted at least 48 hours before meetings using the Board & Commissions Public Comment Form. The City of Worcester warns of ongoing scams impersonating city officials requesting wire transfers for permits, and clarifies that legitimate permit fees are requested by check or through the OpenGov portal only.
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