44 Front Street, Suite 510, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1400, Fax: (508) 799-1393
Email: planning@worcesterma.gov
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Customer Service: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
The Division of Planning and Regulatory Services (P&RS) has two important responsibilities:
The Division's efforts in these areas play an important role in the City's future development by balancing quality-of-life, long-term sustainability and economic competitive advantage. The following provides an overview of the Division's services:
The Division of P&RS, in collaboration with other City departments, provides administrative, analytic and clerical support to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Historical Commission. In this capacity, the Division processes, reviews and makes recommendations regarding subdivisions, site plans, zone changes, special permits, variances, demolition delay waivers, certificates of appropriateness and other significant land use issues before these Boards.
The Division of P&RS provides direct customer service to developers, real estate attorneys and residents regarding land use. The Division advises the Assistant City Manager and facilitates negotiations with developers and others to achieve consensus-based solutions. As coordinator of the City's Interdepartmental Review Team and the Application Review Team, the Division provides ongoing assistance and guidance to the development community.
The Division of P&RS serves as a key contributor to the City's GIS network through its management and maintenance of the City's Zoning Map and Official Map. P&RS provides geographic analysis and mapping services to the Division of Economic Development and the Division of Neighborhood and Housing Development. In addition, the Division conducts programmatic analysis for public policy development and land use decision-making.
The Division of P&RS conducts research and provides data analysis to develop programmatic and policy recommendations for the Assistant City Manager and land use boards. These efforts include recommendations for zoning ordinances and land use regulations, as well as capital improvements, community development, housing and economic development programs.
The Division of P&RS also provides short-term, small area planning and plan monitoring consistent with the City's long-term plans. Although it is desirable to prepare neighborhood plans for all areas of the City, neighborhoods where significant changes are occurring or are anticipated take priority.
