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.
Setback rules in Worcester County are entirely municipal because county government was abolished in 1998 and zoning is authorized by MGL c. 40A (the Zoning Act). The City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance (Article IV) divides residential zones into RS-7 (single-family, 7,000 sf minimum lot), RS-10, RG-5 (general residential), RL-7, and RL-10 districts, each with specific setback tables. Typical single-family (RS-7) requirements: 20-30 ft front setback, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear. Corner lots have increased side setbacks on the street-facing side. Accessory structures (detached garages, sheds under 200 sf) typically get reduced rear/side setbacks of 3-5 ft. Variances require a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing under MGL c. 40A Β§10 with proof of hardship (shape/topography/soil conditions of the lot). Eaves and gutters may project up to 2 ft into setbacks; open porches up to 10 ft. Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Worcester suburban towns (Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, Grafton, Holden, Auburn), and rural towns (Princeton, Sterling, Rutland, Paxton, Hardwick, Petersham, Barre) each have their own bylaws. Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131 Β§40) and Rivers Protection Act impose additional setbacks within 100 ft of wetlands / 200 ft of perennial rivers.
Worcester structures in setback: stop-work order from Inspectional Services. Fines $100-$1,000 per 780 CMR 113.0. ZBA may require removal or require a variance filing. MGL c. 40A Β§7 permits municipality to bring Superior Court enforcement action for removal up to 6 years after violation (10 years for lack of building permit).
Webster, MA
Webster does not have a dedicated noise ordinance with fixed decibel limits in its general bylaws. The Town's Code (Chapter 302 covers alarm systems) and Art...
Worcester County, MA
No county ordinance. Dog and animal noise complaints are handled by individual city and town animal control officers. Each municipality sets its own nuisance...
Worcester County, MA
No county ordinance. Construction hour restrictions are set by individual cities and towns within Worcester County. Contact the relevant city or town buildin...
Worcester County, MA
No county commercial vehicle parking ordinance. Restrictions on commercial vehicle parking in residential zones are set by individual municipalities under lo...
Worcester County, MA
No county RV parking rule. Individual cities/towns regulate storage of recreational vehicles. Check each municipality's zoning ordinance for on-street and dr...
Worcester County, MA
No county parking ordinance. Street parking rules are set by individual municipalities. Contact your city or town public works or police department for local...
See how Webster's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.