Worcester ADU permits are issued by the Department of Inspectional Services under the Worcester Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 9 of the Revised Ordinances) and the statewide ADU-by-right standards established by the 2024 Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024). Detached and internal ADUs up to 900 sq ft are allowed by-right in single-family zones, with building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits required.
ADU permitting in Worcester is governed by the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act of 2024 (codified at G.L. c. 40A § 1A and § 3A), which allows accessory dwelling units of up to 900 square feet (or 50% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less) by-right in any single-family zoning district statewide effective February 2, 2025. Worcester's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 9 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Worcester) governs the RS-7, RS-10, and RL-7 single-family districts where ADUs are now by-right. Applicants file with Worcester's Department of Inspectional Services for building, plumbing, electrical, and gas permits, with zoning review handled by the city zoning enforcement officer. Lots must meet basic dimensional standards for the underlying district, but no special permit, variance, or site plan review may be required for a conforming ADU under the state law. The unit must comply with the Massachusetts State Building Code 9th Edition (780 CMR) including egress, ventilation, smoke alarms, and CO detectors.
Constructing or occupying an ADU without Inspectional Services permits violates the Massachusetts State Building Code and the Worcester Zoning Ordinance, subject to stop-work orders, daily fines, and required removal. Unpermitted electrical, plumbing, or gas work voids homeowner insurance coverage. Properties within Worcester local historic districts (e.g., Crown Hill, Massachusetts Avenue) face additional Historical Commission enforcement.
Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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