Springfield Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Springfield Zoning Overview
Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts, situated along the Connecticut River in Hampden County. The city's zoning ordinance is administered by the Office of Planning & Economic Development and divides Springfield into residential, business, commercial, and industrial districts. Springfield's built environment reflects its history as a major manufacturing center, with a dense urban core, surrounding residential neighborhoods, and redeveloping industrial corridors.
The city has been investing heavily in revitalization, including the development of the Springfield Innovation District near Union Station and ongoing efforts to repurpose former industrial sites. Zoning updates have supported these initiatives by creating overlay districts and incentive zones for mixed-use development along key corridors.
Springfield's compliance with the 2024 state ADU law broadens housing options in the city's single-family neighborhoods, complementing ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing production through both new construction and rehabilitation of the existing housing stock.
Key Zoning Districts
Springfield's zoning districts include Residence A through Residence C for increasingly dense residential uses, Business A and B for commercial areas, Commercial districts for highway and auto-oriented businesses, and Industrial districts for manufacturing and warehousing. The city also designates special purpose districts for institutional and waterfront areas.
ADU Regulations
Under the 2024 state ADU law, Springfield allows accessory dwelling units by right in single-family residential zones. ADUs may be up to 900 square feet, with no additional parking required. The Building Department processes ADU permits typically within 45 to 75 days, depending on the scope of the project.
Development Process
Projects in Springfield begin with a zoning review through the Planning Department. Conforming projects proceed to the Building Department for permits. Variance and special permit applications go before the Zoning Board of Appeals. The city's planning staff can assist applicants in navigating the review process and identifying applicable overlay district requirements.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Springfield
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Massachusetts
- Building Code: MA State Building Code (780 CMR, based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (MA ADU Law (2024) — requires single-family zones to allow ADUs by right)
County — Hampden County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Springfield
- Max Size
- 900 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required under state ADU law
- Permit Timeline
- 45-75 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Springfield are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Springfield permit fees →