Athol, MA

Worcester County may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.

Worcester County MA does not have formal wildfire hazard zones like western states, but the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Bureau of Forest Fire Control operates under MGL c. 48 and enforces open burning restrictions. Wildfire risk is moderate in wooded western Worcester County (Petersham, Athol, Phillipston). Open burning season Jan 15 - May 1 only, permit required. Red-flag days trigger statewide burn bans. 780 CMR does not mandate wildland-urban interface standards.

Open burning in Massachusetts is governed by MGL c. 48, §13 and 310 CMR 7.07. The regulated burning season runs January 15–May 1, with burning allowed only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. with a permit from the local fire department. No county ordinance.

All consumer fireworks are banned statewide under MGL c. 148, §39. This applies throughout Worcester County. Possession or use is a criminal offense. Only licensed professional displays are permitted.

Gas-fueled fire appliances allowed under 527 CMR 1.0. Wood-burning fire pits outside of Worcester city are generally permitted for cooking-related use but subject to open burning rules when not used for cooking. Within Worcester city, open burning (including wood fire pits) is banned year-round.

Massachusetts regulates exotic and wild animals under 321 CMR 9.01 (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife). Many species are prohibited statewide as pets. No county ordinance; state law governs.

Worcester County MA wildlife feeding is regulated under MGL c. 131, §5A, 321 CMR 3.02(3), and local bylaws. Feeding of bears, coyotes, and deer is prohibited to prevent habituation. Intentional feeding of any non-domesticated animal is restricted. MassWildlife enforces state rules; local police and animal control handle bylaw violations. Worcester County has significant bear and coyote populations making compliance critical.

Chicken and livestock rules in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester permits up to 6 hens (no roosters) with a Board of Health permit. Rural towns like Hardwick, Petersham, and Barre are far more permissive. MGL c. 40A §3 protects agriculture on 5+ acre parcels.

Beekeeping is regulated at the state level by MGL c. 128, §§35–40 and by the MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). Hives must be registered with MDAR. Local bylaws may add setback requirements.

Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-based.

Worcester County requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 §157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 §155). Rabies vaccination mandatory.

Worcester County MA home childcare is licensed by the MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) under 606 CMR 7.00. Family childcare homes serve up to 6 children (with up to 3 additional school-age during after-school hours) per licensed provider; large family childcare serves up to 10 with an assistant. Fire and health inspections required. Local zoning under MGL c. 40A, §3 recognizes family childcare as a residential use with limited local restriction authority.

Worcester County MA cottage food operations are permitted under MGL c. 94, §305B (Residential Kitchens) and 105 CMR 590 (Food Protection Regulations). Home bakers and producers of non-potentially-hazardous foods may sell direct to consumers after registering with the local Board of Health. Annual sales are not statutorily capped. Labeling with ingredients, allergens, and 'Made in a Residential Kitchen' disclaimer required. Retail sale to third parties requires a commercial kitchen.

Home business signage rules in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester Zoning Ordinance prohibits external business signage on home occupations except a single 1-square-foot nameplate sign for licensed professionals.

Customer traffic at Worcester County home businesses is municipally regulated. Worcester Zoning Ordinance limits home occupation clients to no more than 1-2 at a time by appointment only, with no retail walk-in permitted.

Worcester County allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions per MA Zoning Act (MGL c.40A). Home-based childcare has special protections.

Worcester County MA generally permits residential artificial turf without permits. No statewide MA law regulates residential artificial turf. Some Worcester County towns scrutinize large-scale athletic turf installations for PFAS/chemical concerns and stormwater impacts. Crumb rubber infill faces growing regulatory attention. MassDEP 2023 PFAS guidance discourages PFAS-containing turf in schools and public facilities. HOA restrictions vary; no MA statutory preemption.

Water restrictions in Worcester County are set by each water supplier. The Worcester DPW imposes mandatory odd/even watering May-September, and MassDEP Drought Management Plan declarations trigger stricter limits across the Nashua, Chicopee, and Blackstone basins.

Worcester County MA encourages native plant landscaping through state and municipal water conservation efforts. MA has no statewide HOA xeriscaping preemption. MassDEP Water Management Act (MGL c. 21G) drives outdoor water restrictions that favor drought-tolerant plantings. The MA Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) maintains a prohibited invasive species list under 333 CMR 10.00. Several Worcester County communities offer rain garden rebates.

Grass height enforcement in Worcester County is municipal. Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 §29 prohibits grass and weeds over 10 inches. State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.551 requires rental property grounds to be free of overgrowth.

Rainwater harvesting in Worcester County is fully permitted. Massachusetts has no statewide restrictions on residential rain collection. Rain barrels are encouraged; MassDEP and Worcester DPW offer rebate programs during drought years.

Weed abatement in Worcester County is municipal. Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 authorizes the Department of Inspectional Services to abate overgrown lots and lien the property. State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 applies to rental grounds.

Worcester County may have a tree warden per MGL c.87. Public shade trees are protected statewide - removal requires tree warden consent.

No county tree ordinance. Tree removal rules are set by local tree wardens under MGL c. 87 (Public Shade Trees) for public trees. Private tree removal is governed by local bylaws. Many towns require permits for trees above a certain diameter.

Worcester County MA retaining walls are regulated under 780 CMR 1807 (MA State Building Code). Walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) require a building permit and engineered plans stamped by a MA-licensed Professional Engineer. Surcharge loads from slopes, structures, or driveways above the wall lower this threshold. Walls within 100 ft of wetlands trigger Conservation Commission review under MGL c. 131, §40.

Worcester County MA pool barriers are governed by 105 CMR 435 (State Sanitary Code Ch. V: Swimming Pools) and 780 CMR Appendix G. Pools built before Oct 2, 1975 require minimum 4-foot barriers; pools built after Oct 2, 1975 require 5-6 foot barriers with self-latching gates at 4-foot height. 780 CMR Appendix G for residential pools requires 48-inch barrier minimum with self-closing/self-latching gates at 54 inches. Applies to pools with 24+ inches of water.

Fence permits in Worcester County are issued by each municipality. Under 780 CMR (MA State Building Code), fences over 7 feet require a building permit statewide. Worcester requires a zoning permit from Inspectional Services, and spite fences over 6 feet violate MGL c. 49 §21.

Fence material rules in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester's Zoning Ordinance allows wood, vinyl, chain-link, and wrought iron with finished side facing out. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones. Local Historic Districts have strict aesthetic review.

Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.

No county fence ordinance. Fence height limits are set by individual city and town zoning bylaws. Typical MA residential limits are 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in rear/side yards, but each municipality varies.

Worcester County MA short-term rental occupancy limits are set locally under MGL c. 40A zoning authority. MGL c. 64G (state STR law) does not set statewide occupancy caps. Typical Worcester County bylaws limit STRs to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional, consistent with State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.400 minimum habitable space (150 sq ft for first person, 100 sq ft for each additional). The City of Worcester and Fitchburg have adopted STR registration requirements.

Worcester County STRs must comply with local noise bylaws. Hosts responsible for guest behavior. Complaints may trigger license review.

Worcester County MA short-term rental operators must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance per stay under MGL c. 64G, §14. This is a statewide mandate applicable in every Worcester County municipality. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial STR use; hosts usually need a commercial STR rider, landlord policy, or specialized STR insurance. Airbnb Host Protection and Vrbo Liability Insurance may qualify as primary coverage if meeting the $1M threshold and scope.

Worcester County STR parking rules are set municipally. Worcester requires short-term rental registration under Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 12 and subjects guest parking to the city's winter parking ban (Nov 15-Apr 15) and resident permit zones near Clark University and WPI.

State room occupancy excise of 5.7% applies to all STRs under MGL c. 64G. An additional 6% community impact fee may apply for professionally managed or non-owner-occupied STRs. Local option taxes may be added by individual municipalities.

No county STR registration program. Each operator must register with MA DOR via MassTaxConnect ($50 fee). Individual cities/towns may add local requirements. Worcester County is a strong home-rule county — check each municipality.

Pool safety rules in Worcester County follow uniform statewide standards: 780 CMR (building code), 105 CMR 435 (semi-public pools), 527 CMR 12 (electrical), and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGB) for drain covers.

Pool permits in Worcester County are issued by each municipality under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), which is uniform statewide. Worcester issues permits through the Department of Inspectional Services with plan review, setback, and final inspections.

Worcester County MA above-ground pools require building permits under 780 CMR 105 for installations with 24+ inches of water depth. Barrier requirements under 105 CMR 435 and 780 CMR Appendix G apply — walls 48+ inches with removable/locking ladder may satisfy barrier rules. Electrical connections require 527 CMR 12.00 permit with GFCI protection. Setback from wetlands (100 ft) triggers Conservation Commission review.

Worcester County MA hot tubs and spas with 24+ inches of water are regulated under 105 CMR 435 and 780 CMR Appendix G. Electrical permits required under 527 CMR 12.00 for 240V connections with GFCI. Barrier requirements apply unless a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is installed. Wetland setbacks (100 ft) trigger Conservation Commission review. Weight considerations require deck/support assessment for elevated installations.

Pool barrier requirements in Worcester County are uniform statewide under 780 CMR Appendix G and 105 CMR 435. Minimum 48-inch barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates, and safe openings. Older pools may follow pre-1975 standards (4-foot fence).

Worcester County MA tiny home regulation depends on construction type. Foundation-built tiny homes are regulated under 780 CMR (MA Building Code) with minimum habitable room sizes per 780 CMR 1208 (70 sq ft habitable room, at least one 120 sq ft room). Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as RVs under 540 CMR 2.00 and restricted to RV parks or short-duration occupancy. The 2025 Affordable Homes Act ADU by-right provisions provide a tiny home pathway up to 900 sq ft.

Worcester County MA carports require building permits under 780 CMR 105 as accessory structures. Setbacks from property lines follow local zoning (typically 5-10 ft side, 15-30 ft rear). Count toward maximum lot coverage limits. Must meet 780 CMR snow load (ground snow typical 50 psf in Worcester County) and wind load requirements. Attached carports require additional fire separation review.

The MA Affordable Homes Act (Ch. 150, Acts of 2024, §8, effective Feb. 2, 2025) requires all MA municipalities to allow by-right ADUs on single-family lots. No county ADU ordinance; all 60 cities and towns must comply with the state mandate.

No county shed ordinance. Shed permit and setback requirements are set by local zoning bylaws and the MA State Building Code (780 CMR). Many towns exempt sheds under 200 sq ft from permits.

No county garage conversion ordinance. Garage conversions require a building permit under 780 CMR and must comply with local zoning bylaws. The MA Affordable Homes Act (2025) may facilitate conversions to ADUs.

Worcester County, MA has no county-level leaf blower ordinance because Massachusetts abolished Worcester County government in 1998 under Chapter 48 of the Acts of 1997. Rules are set by each of the 60 cities and towns, with Worcester (city), Fitchburg, Leominster, and Shrewsbury each setting their own hours and restrictions.

Amplified music rules in Worcester County are set by each of the 60 municipalities — Worcester, Fitchburg, Leominster, and others each require entertainment licenses or special event permits. MGL c. 140 §183A governs entertainment licensing statewide, and MGL c. 272 §53 (disturbing the peace) applies as a fallback.

Worcester County, MA has no county government and passes no ordinances. All noise rules are set by individual cities and towns. The county government was abolished July 1, 1998 (St. 1997, c. 48). Each of the 60 municipalities sets its own quiet hours.

No county ordinance. Construction hour restrictions are set by individual cities and towns within Worcester County. Contact the relevant city or town building department.

No county ordinance. Dog and animal noise complaints are handled by individual city and town animal control officers. Each municipality sets its own nuisance standards under MGL c. 140.

Worcester County MA rental registration varies by municipality. MA has no statewide rental registry, but state sanitary code (105 CMR 410) governs habitability. The City of Worcester operates a Rental Property Registration Program under Revised Ordinances Chapter 9 requiring owners of 1-3 unit rentals to register annually. Fitchburg, Leominster, Webster, Southbridge, and Gardner have similar programs. Pre-1978 properties require lead paint compliance under MGL c. 111, §§190-199.

Worcester County MA follows statewide eviction procedures under MGL c. 239 (summary process) and MGL c. 186 (notice requirements). Massachusetts does not have statewide just-cause eviction, though a proposal (H.1357/S.872) has been filed. Landlords may terminate tenancy-at-will without cause with 30 days' written notice. For-cause evictions (nonpayment, lease violation) have shorter notice. Self-help evictions are illegal under MGL c. 186, §14 with treble damages.

Worcester County MA has no rent control. MGL c. 40P (the 1994 ballot-initiative-enacted Massachusetts Rent Control Prohibition Act) prohibits all municipalities from imposing rent control or vacancy control. Legislation to repeal c. 40P has been filed but not passed. Landlords may raise rent at lease renewal or with 30-day notice for tenants-at-will, subject to MGL c. 186 notice rules and anti-retaliation protections under MGL c. 186, §18.

Worcester County MA political sign regulation follows First Amendment protections under Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) and MA Supreme Judicial Court precedent. Political signs on private residential property are broadly protected. MGL c. 54, §65 prohibits political signs within 150 feet of polling places on election day. Local Worcester County bylaws typically allow signs up to 6-32 sq ft without permit, prohibit rights-of-way placement, and require removal within 7-30 days post-election.

Worcester County MA generally permits residential holiday decorations without permits. No statewide Massachusetts law regulates residential holiday displays. Local bylaws address safety — displays must not obstruct sidewalks, create traffic hazards, or violate electrical code (780 CMR / 527 CMR). Most Worcester County towns informally permit decorations 30-45 days before and 15-30 days after holidays. Noise-producing displays subject to local quiet hours and 310 CMR 7.10.

Worcester County MA garage sale signs are regulated by local zoning bylaws. Most Worcester County towns allow temporary yard-sale signs up to 4-6 sq ft without permit, prohibit placement on utility poles or public rights-of-way, and require removal within 24-48 hours after the sale. The City of Worcester restricts off-premise temporary signs under Zoning Ordinance §9.1. Signs must not obstruct traffic sight lines at intersections.

Worcester County MA vacant lot maintenance is enforced through local bylaws adopted under MGL c. 40, §21 and state nuisance law. Most towns require grass/weeds be maintained below 8-12 inches. The City of Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 addresses overgrown vegetation and illegal dumping. Fitchburg requires vacant property registration. Municipal abatement (mowing/cleanup) billed to owner with lien under MGL c. 139, §3A. Post-foreclosure vacant properties face specific state and local rules.

Snow sidewalk clearing in Worcester County is a municipal responsibility. Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 §32 requires property owners to clear sidewalks within 10 hours of daylight after snowfall ends. Slip-and-fall liability also applies under MA law.

Worcester County MA property maintenance is enforced under 780 CMR (building code unsafe structure), 105 CMR 410 (State Sanitary Code), and local nuisance bylaws. The City of Worcester operates a Problem Properties Program under Revised Ordinances Chapter 9 targeting chronic nuisance properties. Fitchburg has a vacant/foreclosed property registration ordinance. Abandoned property receivership under MGL c. 111, §127I available for severe cases.

Worcester County MA trash bin regulation is set by municipality. The City of Worcester requires bins be stored out of public view and set out no earlier than 3 PM the day before collection (Revised Ordinances Chapter 13). Most Worcester County towns restrict curbside placement to within 12-24 hours of pickup. Bins must have secured lids and be retrieved the same day. Commercial dumpsters require screening under local zoning and 527 CMR 1.00 (fire code) clearances.

Garage sale property maintenance rules in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 requires displays to be orderly, daily cleanup, and sign removal within 24 hours. Persistent clutter may trigger blight enforcement.

No-knock registries in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester and several neighboring towns maintain Do Not Knock lists. Posted 'No Soliciting' signs are legally enforceable per Worcester Revised Ordinances. Religious and political canvassing exempt.

Solicitor permits in Worcester County are issued by each municipality. Worcester requires hawker/peddler registration with the License Commission and police background check, with ID badges mandatory. Religious and political canvassing are First Amendment-protected.

Worcester County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.

Park curfews in Worcester County are set municipally. Worcester city parks close from dusk to dawn per Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 12, with after-hours presence subject to trespass citation. State parks follow DCR hours under 302 CMR 12.00.

Food truck permits in Worcester County are issued by each municipality. Worcester requires a Mobile Food Vendor permit from the License Commission plus a food service permit from the Worcester Department of Public Health under 105 CMR 590.

Food truck vending zones in Worcester County are municipally regulated. Worcester restricts vending to approved locations under License Commission rules, with typical 200-foot separation from brick-and-mortar restaurants and 500 feet from schools.

Worcester County MA regulates grading and drainage through local zoning, the MA State Building Code (780 CMR), and the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, §40). Grading permits are typically required for excavation or fill exceeding 100 cubic yards. Drainage must not be redirected onto adjacent properties under common-law nuisance doctrine. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require building permits and engineered plans under 780 CMR 1807.

Worcester County MA municipalities regulate stormwater under the MA Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, §40), MassDEP Stormwater Standards, and EPA MS4 General Permit requirements. Most Worcester County cities and towns (Worcester, Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner, Shrewsbury, Westborough) operate under MS4 permits requiring stormwater bylaws, illicit discharge detection, and post-construction controls for projects disturbing 1+ acres. Conservation Commission review required for work within 100 ft of wetlands.

Worcester County MA requires erosion and sediment control measures under MassDEP Stormwater Standard 8, local MS4 construction site bylaws, and the state Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, §40). Silt fence, straw wattles, stabilized construction entrances, and inlet protection are standard. Sites disturbing 1+ acres must prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under EPA Construction General Permit. Disturbed areas must be stabilized within 14 days of inactivity.

Worcester County MA is entirely inland with no Atlantic coastline, so MA Coastal Zone Management (CZM) regulations do not apply. Development near inland waters including Wachusett Reservoir, Quabbin Reservoir watershed, Lake Quinsigamond, and the Blackstone/Nashua/Quinebaug Rivers is regulated under the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, §40) and Massachusetts Watershed Protection Act (MGL c. 92A 1/2) for DCR-protected watersheds. No coastal bluff, dune, or seawall rules apply.

Worcester County has significant flood hazard areas along the Blackstone River and its tributaries. FEMA released preliminary Blackstone River Watershed flood map updates on November 26, 2024 — the first major update since 2011 — with new maps expected to take effect in summer 2028. Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA, Zone AE). No county floodplain ordinance; each city/town administers its own FEMA-compliant floodplain management program.

Commercial drone operations in Worcester County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Worcester Regional Airport (KORH) controlled airspace requires LAANC. Film/photo operations on city property need a Worcester Cable Services permit.

Recreational drone flight in Worcester County is governed by FAA rules (49 USC §44809) — registration required for drones over 0.55 lbs, 400-ft altitude ceiling, TRUST test mandatory. Worcester Regional Airport (KORH) and Fitchburg Municipal (KFIT) control airspace; LAANC required.

Worcester County garage sale permits are set by each municipality. Worcester does not require a general permit for residential yard sales, but limits frequency. Some towns (Shrewsbury, Westborough) require free registration. Signs must comply with local sign bylaws.

Garage sale frequency in Worcester County is municipally regulated. Worcester limits residents to approximately 2-3 sales per year under Revised Ordinances. Exceeding limits triggers home business / commercial reclassification under zoning.

Garage sale hours in Worcester County are municipally regulated. Worcester allows sales daytime only — typically 8 AM to 6 PM — under Revised Ordinances. Weekends are most common. Same-day cleanup required.

Recycling requirements in Worcester County align with MassDEP Waste Bans (310 CMR 19.017) enforced statewide. Worcester uses single-stream weekly curbside recycling through the DPW. Contaminated bins may be tagged and skipped.

Worcester requires yellow bags and recycling bins at curbside by 7 AM on pickup day, with bins retrieved within 24 hours. Container storage between pickups must be behind the front building line per Worcester Revised Ordinances.

Trash pickup in Worcester County is handled by each municipality. Worcester uses the Pay-As-You-Throw yellow bag program with weekly curbside collection. Private haulers serve most rural towns, and MassDEP Waste Ban regulations (310 CMR 19.017) apply statewide.

Bulk disposal in Worcester County is municipal. Worcester offers scheduled bulky-item pickup through the DPW for a fee. MassDEP Waste Bans prohibit mattresses, textiles, appliances with refrigerant, and electronics in regular trash.

Worcester County MA follows state law under MGL c. 94G, §7 allowing adults 21+ to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per person (12 per household with 2+ adults) at their primary residence. Plants must be in a locked, enclosed area not visible from public spaces. Municipalities across Worcester County may adopt additional zoning restrictions but cannot prohibit personal cultivation. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulates commercial grows, and landlords may prohibit cultivation in leases under 935 CMR 500.000.

Worcester County MA municipalities zone cannabis establishments under MGL c. 94G, §3 and 935 CMR 500.000. Retail dispensaries must maintain a minimum 500-foot buffer from K-12 schools under state law, with many Worcester County towns (Leominster, Fitchburg, Worcester, Gardner) adopting 300-500 ft buffers and limiting locations to commercial/industrial districts. Host Community Agreements and local licensing required in addition to CCC licensure. Towns may cap the number of retailers at 20% of local liquor licenses.

Worcester County MA municipalities regulate outdoor lighting through local zoning bylaws. There is no statewide Massachusetts dark-sky law, though Senate Bill S.2244 has been proposed repeatedly. Many Worcester County towns (Harvard, Bolton, Princeton, Sterling) have adopted IDA-compliant lighting bylaws requiring full-cutoff fixtures, 3000K or lower color temperature, and shielding. Worcester and Leominster have commercial lighting standards in site plan review.

Worcester County MA light trespass is regulated through local zoning bylaws and common-law private nuisance claims. There is no MA statewide light trespass law. Most Worcester County bylaws limit outdoor lighting to 0.5-1.0 footcandle at residential property lines. Security lights must be aimed and shielded. Enforcement is complaint-driven through local building commissioners, with private civil remedies available for persistent trespass under MA nuisance law.

Worcester County MA requires building and electrical permits for solar PV installations under 780 CMR (state building code, 10th edition) and 527 CMR 12.00 (MA Electrical Code). Rooftop residential solar typically requires both a building permit and electrical permit from the local inspectional services department. Fire access pathways mandated under 780 CMR 1204. Utility interconnection through National Grid, Eversource, or Unitil required. SMART program provides incentives.

Worcester County MA HOAs and condominium associations have limited authority to restrict solar panels under MGL c. 40A, §3 (7th paragraph), which prohibits local zoning restrictions on solar energy systems except for public health and safety. Massachusetts solar access protections are weaker than California/Florida, and condominium bylaws may impose reasonable aesthetic rules. Condominium Act (MGL c. 183A) governs common area modifications requiring association consent.

Tree replacement in Worcester County is municipally regulated. MGL c. 87 §6 requires replacement of illegally removed public shade trees. Some Worcester County towns require replacement plantings for new construction. No statewide private replacement mandate.

Tree removal permits in Worcester County are municipally administered. MGL c. 87 protects public shade trees — removal requires Tree Warden hearing. Worcester requires permits for public shade and park trees. Private property tree removal is less regulated.

Heritage tree protection in Worcester County is limited. Public shade trees are protected under MGL c. 87 regardless of age. Some towns (Shrewsbury, Westborough) designate 'significant' or 'landmark' trees. No statewide heritage tree law exists.

Setback rules in Worcester County are set by each municipality under MGL c. 40A. Worcester zoning requires 20-30 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear in typical RS-7 residential. Accessory structures get reduced setbacks. Variances require ZBA hearing.

Building height limits in Worcester County are set by each municipality. Worcester residential zones cap at 35 ft / 2.5 stories, with downtown CBD permitting much higher buildings. Height measured from finished grade per 780 CMR.

Lot coverage limits in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester RS-7 permits 30% building coverage; total impervious coverage limits typically 50-60%. MassDEP Stormwater Standards apply for >1 acre disturbance.