Massachusetts Zoning

Statewide-code state · 3 cities profiled · IBC 2021.

Overview

Preemption classification
Tier C — Dual preemption

Pro-housing: MBTA Communities Act (major TOD preemption affecting 177 towns near transit). Ch. 40B comprehensive permit overrides local zoning for affordable projects. Restricts locals: preempts local rent control (1994 statewide ballot measure).

Governance
Statewide

Building and zoning code adoption is mandated at the state level.

Adopted building codes

Statewide w/ amendments

2021
2021
2023
2021
IECC (Residential)
2021
IECC (Commercial)
2021
City-level IBC adoptions (2)
CityIBCAmendment notes
Springfield2021
Worcester2021

Profiled counties

Cities

Showing 3 of 3
CityPopulationCodeStatusIssues
BostonBoston Zoning Code — Articles 3-85 · 9 districtsV1 Legacyschema:v1-legacypriority:lowdata:gaps-present
SpringfieldSpringfield Zoning Ordinance (Articles 1-13) · 13 districtsV1 Legacyschema:v1-legacypriority:lowdata:gaps-present
WorcesterCity of Worcester Zoning Ordinance (Ordained April 2, 1991, as amended through January 13, 2026) · 23 districtsV2 ✓freshness:volatiledata:gaps-present

Research status

Data quality

33%completeness1 confirmed2 not found