Ordinances You Need to Know in Worcester, MA

Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to Worcester, MA.

Local jurisdiction: City of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Two Nonresident Employees Maximum

Worcester allows no more than two nonresident employees for a home occupation in a residential district.

Source: City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance
Code section: Worcester Zoning Ordinance Article IV §8(III)
Official source status: Current city zoning ordinance
NTL verified: September 3, 2026

View official/local ordinance source →

25 Percent Floor-Area Limit

Worcester limits a home occupation to no more than 25 percent of the floor area of the main building.

Source: City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance
Code section: Worcester Zoning Ordinance Article IV §8(III)
Official source status: Current city zoning ordinance
NTL verified: September 3, 2026

View official/local ordinance source →

On-Site Sales and Visible Business Storage Are Prohibited

Worcester prohibits sales or distribution of goods or materials from the premises and prohibits home-business materials, goods, supplies, or equipment from being visible outside the structure.

Source: City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance
Code section: Worcester Zoning Ordinance Article IV §8(III)
Official source status: Current city zoning ordinance
NTL verified: September 3, 2026

View official/local ordinance source →

Disclaimer & Due Diligence

NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.

Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.

Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.