Lee R. Hall, Director
Housing and Health, a division of Inspectional Services, is responsible for providing a wide range of community based public health and environmental inspectional services. We handle the licensing and inspections in the areas of Food Protection, Health, Housing and Air, Water and Hazmat. Federal, State, and City ordinances require the division to enforce all public health and environmental regulations.
We aim to protect and improve the quality of life for all who come to live, work and play in Worcester. Our mission is to serve the public by protecting the health, safety and environmental stability of Worcester’s business and residential community.
- Staff members are available to assist and answer questions Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The inspectors are generally available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. They are in the field conducting inspections from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Worcester 311 Requests
- To request services or report problems, call 311 or submit your request online through Worcester 311.
Permits & Licensing
Housing & Health
Create an Account • Submit Applications • Manage & Print Permits
For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit the Permit/License Center.
We encourage you to submit your application ONLINE through our permit portal!
Before you can submit an application for a permit or license you must create an account. For your convenience, payments can be made via all major credit cards or ACH transfer.
Permit/License Types
- Air, Water & Hazmat
- Body Art & Piercing
- Food Protection
- Housing
- Lead Paint
- Tanning Facility
- Weights & Measures
Please note the following:
- The application submission is not an approval to begin work. Work on a project may only begin after the application has been approved, payment has been made, and a valid permit has been issued.
- In an effort to support the department's initiative to go paperless, there will be a $50 Administrative Fee added to all permit and license applications that are submitted over the counter or by mail effective January 1, 2022.
- Please be aware it may be necessary to apply for permits/licenses from multiple city departments such as the Fire Department, Police Department or Public Works & Parks depending on your requirements.
Inspection Units
The Housing & Health Inspection sub-sections or units include Air, Water & Hazmat, Body Art & Piercing, Food Protection, Housing, Lead Paint, Tanning Facility and Weights & Measures. Learn more about each of these sections responsibilities in the City.
Rental Registry
The City of Worcester has officially launched its Rental Registration Program, which requires owners of all rental properties to register each property within the City.
Property owners who do not rent their property are also encouraged to join the registry.
Abandoned and/or Foreclosed Property Registration
In order to protect and preserve public health and safety, security and quiet enjoyment of occupants, abutters and neighborhoods, the Department of Inspectional Services, Housing and Health Division requires all owners of abandoned and/or foreclosed properties, including lenders, trustees, and service companies to register such properties, with an applicable registration fee. The properties must be maintained in accordance with all other applicable state codes and local regulations concerning the maintenance of properties.
Resources
Certificate of Compliance with the Workers' Compensation Act (NOTE: Please Notarize)
Certificate of Compliance with Worcester Revised Ordinance Regarding Revenue Collection
Landlord & Tenant Responsibilities
Massachusetts Sanitary Code II for Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation
Contact Information
Address
Housing and Health Inspections
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Contact
Phone: 508-799-1198
Fax: 508-799-8544
Email Us
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.