Divisions

Building & Zoning

David C. Horne - Building Commissioner

The Building Division issues permits for new construction as well as repairs, additions, alterations, demolition and changes in use.

Permits for plumbing, gas, electrical and sheet metal work are issued by this department and all associated inspections are performed.

Additionally, the Building Inspection Department is responsible for periodic inspections of schools, restaurants/night clubs, theaters, churches, rooming houses, hotels and multi-family dwellings as well as enforcement and interpretation of the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance.

Housing & Health

Lee R. Hall - Director

The Division of Housing and Health Inspections is responsible for providing a wide range of community based public health, and environmental inspectional services. Federal, State, and City ordinances require the division to enforce all public health and environmental regulations.

All food establishments are inspected to ensure compliance with the provisions contained within the Merged Food Code. Food Protection personnel monitor food offered for consumption to ensure that it is free from adulteration, properly labeled, identifiable, and manufactured at an approved source.

The Air, Water, and Hazardous Material Division inspects public swimming pools, natural bathing areas, rDNA labs, responds to hazardous materials spills, and addresses complaints regarding air, noise, and odor pollution.

The Housing Program seeks to gain compliance with the Massachusetts Sanitary Code, Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation as well as applicable local ordinances. Inspectors perform systematic inspections, respond to complaints, issue orders, address illegal dumping, register and inspect foreclosed and/or vacant buildings. In cases where compliance is not met, the department will pursue to resolve the matter in Housing Court.

Upon request of the tenant, the Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention Program conducts environmental assessments to identify possible lead paint hazards and violations where a child under the age of six resides.

The Weights and Measures program ensures all weighing or measuring devices in the city are inspected and sealed from tampering. This consumer protection unit certifies that your daily interactions at locations such as gas pumps, scales and scanners are operating correctly.