Worcester council adopts new residential zoning to allow targeted duplexes, triplexes and mixed-use redevelopment

Worcester — The Worcester City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to adopt Ordinance 2026-01, a rewrite of the city’s residential zoning code that creates two transitional districts to allow duplexes, triplexes and small multifamily or mixed-use redevelopment in targeted corridors including portions of the Arts District.

Supporters said the change responds to the city’s comprehensive plan and housing studies showing a shortage of rental and smaller-unit housing. "We've had laws and ordinances committee to review the changes proposed to the residential zoning code," a council member stated during third reading, noting Planning Commission review and public hearings. Planning staff described two transition types: "T1...is your duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes," and a heavier-use T2 for busier corridors.

The ordinance inserts transition districts primarily along major corridors, around the hospital corridor and in areas identified for redevelopment. Staff said conversions of existing single-family homes into multifamily units will generally require assembling multiple parcels and meeting design standards; the variance process through the Board of Zoning Appeals remains available for unique cases. Councilors pressed for clarity on parking and neighborhood fit; staff said redevelopment will trigger parking requirements and that mixed-use buildings do not obligate a commercial ground-floor use if market demand does not support it.

Proponents framed the measure as a data-driven step to expand housing choice and attract workforce residents. Planning staff cited a county-level housing study and comprehensive-plan analysis showing deficits across housing types. Opponents raised concerns earlier in the process about neighborhood impacts; during the meeting council members emphasized that the RT (residential traditional) district is retained where appropriate and that the ordinance introduces transition zones cautiously to test outcomes before wider expansion.

The council moved to adopt the ordinance at third reading and recorded a roll-call vote in favor by all members present: Councilmembers Jose, Wharton, Abernathy, Owens and Paul. The ordinance replaces portions of Chapter 11 (planning and zoning) and updates the official zoning map; it will take effect per the city’s codified ordinance schedule.

City staff and the planning commission will monitor outcomes and present suggested edits if needed, including possible design standards tied to redevelopment projects. The council indicated it expects to review how the transition districts work over the next one to two years and adjust the code if outcomes differ from expectations.