Building Safety in Southborough, MA (2026)
4 verified building safety rules for Southborough, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Childcare Center Rules
In Southborough, a child care center is a permitted use in the Downtown District under § 174-8.12(A)(6), and subsection E prohibits every use that section does not list. The Zoning Enforcement Officer enforces the bylaw, and 1,000-foot buffers keep adult uses and marijuana dispensaries away from child care and day-care facilities.
Southborough Child Care Center Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 174-8.12(A), (E)
A. Permitted uses are as follows: ... (1) All uses permitted in the residential districts (RA and RB). ... (5) Bed and breakfast. (6) Child care center. (7) Co-work center. ... E. Prohibited uses. All uses which are not listed above, legally nonconforming or otherwise allowable by the provisions of the zoning regulations are prohibited.
Anti-Mansionization
Southborough limits how much house fits on a lot through a maximum floor area ratio: 0.18 in the Residence A district and .30 in Residence B. The ratio compares the gross floor area of all floors on a lot to the lot area, and Chapter 174 excludes unenclosed porches, cellars, attics and garages not used for human occupancy.
Southborough House Size Limit by Floor Area Ratio
Some RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 174-2 (FLOOR AREA RATIO); § 174-8.2(D)(1), (D)(5); § 174-8.3(D)(5)
FLOOR AREA RATIO The ratio of the aggregate gross floor area of all floors of a building or buildings on a lot to the total lot area. The gross floor area shall not include unenclosed porches, cellars, attics or garages not used for human occupancy. ... (1) Minimum lot area: 43,560 square feet; minimum 20,000 square feet exclusive of wetlands. ... (5) Maximum floor area ratio: 0.18. ... (5) ...
Building Permits
In Southborough, it is unlawful to construct, alter, remove, demolish or change the class of occupancy of any building or structure without first filing a written application with the Inspector of Buildings and obtaining a permit. Minor repairs to existing buildings are exempt from filing, and the Select Board sets the permit fee.
Southborough Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 62-5
A. It shall not be lawful to construct, alter, remove, demolish or change the class of occupancy of any building or structure without first filing with the Inspector of Buildings an application, in writing, and obtaining a permit. B. An application for a permit shall be submitted in such form as the Inspector of Buildings may prescribe and shall be made by the owner or his duly authorized repre...
Building Inspections
In Southborough, the Inspector of Buildings inspects all building operations and all buildings under construction, has a right of entry at reasonable hours, and can order work suspended in writing. No building or premises can be used until the Inspector issues a certificate of occupancy, and a temporary certificate can cover part of a building.
Southborough Building Inspection and Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsSouthborough Code §§ 62-3(D), 62-6(B), 62-7
He shall inspect all building operations within the Town and shall have the right of entry at reasonable hours. ... In case of violation of these regulations, he shall order, in writing, the suspension of the work, which notice shall state the conditions under which work may be resumed. ... B. The Inspector of Buildings shall inspect all buildings or structures during construction to see that t...