For research and reference only. This transformed edition is not the official publication and is not legal advice.

SOMERVILLE, MA ZONING ORDINANCE#

1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS#

Image 1: City Council Meeting Chamber for Somerville

1.1 GENERAL#

1.1.1 Title#

1. a. This Ordinance is known as the ‘Zoning Ordinance of the City of Somerville’ and may also be cited and referred to as ‘Somerville Zoning Ordinance’ and ‘SZO’.

1.1.2 Authority#

1. a. This Ordinance is adopted under the authority granted by Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and enacted in accordance with the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) Chapter 40A, as amended.

1.1.3 Applicability#

1. a. Unless otherwise specified, this Ordinance is applicable to all real property within the City of Somerville except as follows: i. Real property used or occupied by the City of Somerville is exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance. ii. Real property used or occupied by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in conducting its essential government functions is exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance.
2. b. All divisions, departments, commissions, boards, and authorities of the City of Somerville shall comply with the procedural requirements of this Ordinance.

1.1.4 Intent#

1. a. Plan Implementation i. To implement the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Somerville and enforce officially adopted plans and policies. ii. To permit development and redevelopment according to plans that are collaboratively developed with the Somerville community.
2. b. Regulatory Context i. To equitably balance the regulation of real property with the interests of the community as a whole. ii. To protect the health, safety, and general welfare.
3. c. Land Development Pattern i. To ensure the development of a well-connected thoroughfare network, composed of direct and convenient routes that reinforce Somerville as a walkable, human-scaled urban environment. ii. To ensure that the limited land area of Somerville is efficiently divided into a block and lot pattern consistent with the comprehensive plan of the City of Somerville. iii. To preserve and expand the city’s walkable network of human scaled thoroughfares and the small block and lot pattern of land division. iv. To protect the social, environmental, and economic benefits provided by a walkable development pattern. v. To discourage thoroughfares and intersections that limit connectivity, discourage walking, induce traffic congestion, and increase vehicular air pollutant emissions by reducing the number of possible routes of travel and adding unnecessary distance between destinations. vi. To require alley-loaded blocks that concentrate “back-of-house” elements such as utility infrastructure, refuse collection, and access to parking and loading in the block interior, to the rear of buildings . vii. To require the platting of land so that lots have frontage upon and buildings are properly oriented toward the public realm of an abutting thoroughfare or civic space .
4. d. Neighborhoods i. To develop and maintain complete, mixed-use, walkable, transit-oriented, and environmentally sustainable neighborhoods that foster a strong sense of community throughout the city. ii. To provide distinct physical habitats at different scales, including the lot, block, and neighborhood, so that meaningful choices in living arrangement can be provided to residents with differing physical, social, and emotional needs. iii. To provide a range of housing types, unit sizes, and price points to accommodate the diverse household sizes and life stages of Somerville residents at all income levels. iv. To provide and protect housing that is affordable to households with low and moderate incomes. v. To preserve and enhance the existing character of Somerville’s traditional housing and respect existing built form and development patterns.
5. e. Public Realm i. To resolve design conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian movement in favor of the pedestrian. ii. To preserve and enhance the design of Somerville’s public realm.
6. f. Civic Space i. To ensure a variety of functional, well-designed civic and recreation spaces that complement the character of adjacent properties, contribute to a comprehensive open space network, and increase the livability of the city.
7. g. Transportation i. To develop a comprehensive network of thoroughfares that accommodate multiple modes of transportation, organized in a hierarchy defined by the character of each type.
8. h. Parking & Mobility i. To ensure that off-street accessory parking for motor vehicles is provided in a manner consistent with the objectives and policies of the comprehensive plan of the City of Somerville. ii. To establish parking policies that support transit-oriented development and a walkable, human-scaled urban environment. iii. To un-bundle the cost of off-street parking from the cost of housing, so that housing in Somerville is more affordable. iv. To encourage the use of public transportation, bicycling, and walking in lieu of motor vehicle use when a choice of travel mode exists. v. To balance the supply of off-street parking with local thoroughfare network capacity.
9. i. Buildings i. To require a strong connection and gradual transition between the public realm (sidewalks, thoroughfares, and civic spaces) and private realm (yards and building interiors). ii. To encourage contemporary architectural design for new construction that compliments the established character of existing buildings.
10. j. Economic Development i. To increase commercial tax base in support of the fiscal health of the City. ii. To permit the activities customary to daily life within walking distance of most dwellings, providing accessibility to goods and services for all residents of Somerville including the disabled, elderly, young, low income, and those that do not drive or choose not to own an automobile. iii. To protect and promote a diverse mix of businesses. iv. To increase accessibility to diverse employment opportunities within Somerville. v. To provide opportunities for businesses to remain in Somerville as they develop and grow. vi. To capture a fiscal return on investments made in transportation infrastructure by locating higher intensity development, employment opportunities, and a broad mix of uses along major corridors and within walking distance of transit stops.

(Ord. 2024-15 , 12/12/2024)

1.1.5 Regulatory Scope#

1. a. The provisions of this Ordinance are the minimum necessary to achieve the stated purposes.

1.1.6 Compliance#

1. a. No real property may be occupied or used; no use of an existing building or land may change; no sign may be erected, replaced, altered, refurbished, or otherwise modified; and no building or structure may be constructed, reconstructed, altered, expanded, or enlarged in whole or in part for any purpose except as specifically authorized by this Ordinance.
2. b. This Ordinance does not restrict the use of land or structures for activities protected by M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 3.

1.1.7 Fines and Penalties#

1. a. The Building Official shall fine any person who violates the provisions of this Ordinance three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each offense, where each day that a violation is not corrected or abated constitutes a separate offense.
2. b. In addition to the procedure for enforcement described above, the Building Official may enforce the ordinance by a non-criminal disposition per MGL 4021d.

1.1.8 Conflicting Provisions#

1. a. This Ordinance does not abrogate, annul, or otherwise interfere with any easement , covenant, or other private agreements.
2. b. Where the provisions of this Ordinance impose a greater restriction than required by other ordinances, regulations, resolutions, rules, easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this Ordinance apply.
3. c. All development activity must comply with relevant Federal and State law and regulations. Where the provisions of this Ordinance imposes a greater restriction than required by Federal or State law, the provisions of this Ordinance apply unless otherwise prohibited by law.

1.1.9 Meaning & Intent#

1. a. Words, phrases, and terms used in this Ordinance are defined in Article 2: Glossary & Overview.
2. b. Words, phrases, and terms not defined in Article 2: Glossary & Overview are subject to the definitions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR).
3. c. Words, phrases, and terms not defined by either Article 2: Glossary & Overview or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code are defined by the most recent edition of Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary.
4. d. Words used or defined in one tense or form include other tenses and derivative forms.
5. e. Words in the singular or plural include the other, unless expressly excluded.
6. f. Words in the masculine or feminine include the other.
7. g. The words ‘must’, ‘shall’, ‘will’, and ‘may not’ are mandatory.
8. h. The words ‘may’ and ‘should’ are permissive.
9. i. The words building, building type, land, lot, parcel, premises, site, structure, and thoroughfare are construed as though followed by the words ‘or any portion thereof’.
10. j. The words ‘used’ or ‘occupied’ include designed, arranged, intended, or offered for use or occupation.
11. k. The terms ‘standards’, ‘regulations’, and ‘requirements’ are used to mandate a specific course of action or built outcome. Compliance with standards, regulations, and requirements is mandatory and indicated by use of the terms ‘must’, ‘shall’, ‘will,’ ‘may,’ and ‘may not’.
12. l. The term ‘guideline’ is used for actions or built outcomes that are strongly encouraged to fulfill the intent of specific sections of this Ordinance. Guidelines are indicated by use of the term ‘should’.
13. m. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, lists of items or examples that use terms such as ‘for example’, ‘including’, and ‘such as’, or similar language, are intended to provide examples and not as exhaustive lists of all possibilities.

1.1.10 Text & Graphics#

1. a. Figures and photos are intended only for illustrative purposes and to help illustrate the intent and requirements of the text. In the case of a conflict between the text of this Ordinance and any figure or photos, the text governs.
2. b. Photographs provided in the Ordinance have no regulatory purpose and are intended only as examples.

1.1.11 Severability & Invalidity#

1. a. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application of any provision to real property, applicant , or property owner is declared unconstitutional or otherwise held invalid, the remaining provisions of this Ordinance and their application to any other real property, applicant, or property owner remains valid.

1.2 ADOPTION & EFFECT#

1.2.1 Adoption Date#

1. a. This Ordinance was adopted by the Somerville City Council on December 12, 2019.

1.2.2 Applicability#

1. a. This Ordinance is applicable on the date it is adopted.
2. b. Amendments to this Ordinance are applicable on the date first publicly noticed in accordance with M.G.L. 40A.
3. c. All discretionary and administrative permits, excluding Site Plan Approval, issued before December 12, 2019 remain valid for two (2) years from the date the decision was filed with the Office of the City Clerk, excluding any time required awaiting the decision of an appeal, subject to the conditions of the permit(s).

1.2.3 Published Notice#

1. a. Per M.G.L. 40 Section 32A, notice of the adoption of this Ordinance, or any amendment to this Ordinance, must be published at least two (2) times in a newspaper of general circulation without delay upon its adoption by the City Council and signing into law by the Mayor. Failure to publish this notice does not affect the validity of this Ordinance or its amendments.

1.2.4 Claim of Invalidity#

1. a. No claim of invalidity of this Ordinance may be made in any legal proceeding after ninety (90) days have passed following the publication of notice of adoption.
2. b. Appellants shall provide notice specifying the court, parties, claim of invalidity, and date of filing to the Office of the City Clerk within seven (7) days after commencement of such action.

1.3 OFFICIAL MAPS#

1.3.1 Zoning Atlas#

1. a. Zoning district boundaries and sub-district designations are shown on maps of the “Official Zoning Atlas of the City of Somerville”
2. b. This atlas and its maps may be cited and referred to as the “Official Zoning Atlas”.
3. c. The Planning Director shall maintain the Official Zoning Atlas in accordance with the most recent zoning map amendment approved by the City Council.
4. d. The Official Zoning Atlas may be supplemented by additional layers or separate maps to the atlas sheets when the scale of the atlas sheets do not adequately illustrate the details of boundaries or designations of a particular area.

1.3.2 Zoning Districts Map#

1. a. Establishment of Districts i. Zoning districts are established as described in this Ordinance and applied to real property as shown on the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas or on maps included within the text of this Ordinance.
2. b. Boundaries i. Zoning district boundary lines are intended to follow lot lines , or be parallel or perpendicular to them, and along the centerlines of private rights-of-way, public alleys , and railroad rights-of-way as indicated on the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas. ii. Where the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas indicate a district boundary line that approximately coincides with a lot line, the lot line is the official boundary between districts. iii. Where the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas indicate a district boundary line that divides a platted lot or undivided parcel of land, the boundary between districts is determined using the scale of that map in the Official Zoning Atlas and the provisions for each zoning district apply to the portion of the lot within the respective districts.
3. c. Unmapped Land i. Any thoroughfare that is decommissioned may be used or developed as if it is incorporated into the adjacent zoning district. ii. Any land not specifically included in any zoning district on the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas is subject to the provisions of Article 11: Public Realm Standards and classified as the Civic District unless rezoned according to the Map Amendment procedures of Article 15: Administration.

1.3.3 Transit Areas Map#

1. a. Transit stations and all lots located within one-quarter (1/4) and one-half (1/2) mile walking distance to each station are shown on the “Official Transit Area Map of the City of Somerville”.
2. b. This map may be cited and referred to as the “Transit Area Map”.
3. c. The Transit Area Map is part of the Official Zoning Atlas as established in § 1.3.1 . Zoning Atlas.

1.3.4 Pedestrian Streets Map#

1. a. Pedestrian Streets are shown on the “Official Pedestrian Streets Map of the City of Somerville”.
2. b. This map may be cited and referred to as the “Pedestrian Streets Map”.
3. c. The Pedestrian Streets Map is part of the Official Zoning Atlas as established in § 1.3.1 . Zoning Atlas.
4. d. A Pedestrian Street designation is intended to include the entirety of each designated block face . Where the pedestrian streets Map indicates a designation that identifies only part of block face, the length of the designation is one hundred (100) feet of the front lot line or combination of front lot lines extending from the corner of the block .

2. GLOSSARY & OVERVIEW#

2.1 GLOSSARY#

2.1.1 General#

1. a. The following words, phrases, and terms in this Ordinance are defined in this Section.

(Ord. 2024-13 , 11/26/2024; Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024; Ord. 2024-15 , 12/12/2024; Ord. 2025-02 , 02/27/2025; Ord. 2025-09 , 06/12/2025; Ord. 2025-10 , 06/12/2025; Ord. 2025-11 , 06/12/2025; Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025; Ord. 2025-16 , 06/26/2025)

Abut or Abutting

To physically touch or share a contiguous boundary or border, such as a common lot line, or to be separated only by an alley or shared driveway.

Access

The way or means to enter and leave.

Accessible Means of Egress#

As defined by 521 CMR, as amended.

(Ord. 2025-16 , 06/26/2025)

Accessory Building

A building or structure designed, used, or occupied in relation to the principal use(s) of a given lot.

Accessory Use

A use(s) of a lot, structure or portion thereof that is incidental and related to a principal building or use of land and located on the same lot as the principal building or use of land.

Affordable Dwelling Unit

A dwelling unit sold, leased, or rented at a price affordable to a specific household income specified by this Ordinance or other Federal, State, or local affordable housing program. Affordable dwelling unit is abbreviated as ADU. (See Article 12)

Affordable Dwelling Unit, Existing

An ADU subject to a covenant or deed restriction limiting its sale, lease, or rental. Existing affordable dwelling unit is abbreviated as Existing-ADU. (See Article 12)

Albedo

The amount of solar radiation reflected by a surface.

Alcohol Sales

A specific use type of the Consumer Goods principal use category. See § 9.2.12 .b.ii Alcohol Sales.

Allee

Objects placed in a straight line.

Alley

A thoroughfare, located within a block and providing access to the rear of buildings, loading facilities, service areas, trash storage, motor vehicle parking, and usually containing easements for dry utilities.

Amenity Space

A feature of a lot or building that provides outdoor social, recreational, and/or leisure space for the comfort and/or convenience of the residents of a building.

Amenity Space, Private

Features of a building and outdoor areas designed for the comfort and convenience of residents.

Amenity Space, Shared

Rooms and facilities designed for the comfort and convenience of residents of a multi-unit building.

Ancillary

Providing necessary support for the operation of a principal use.

Animal Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .a Animal Services.

Antenna

Equipment for wireless communication, including but not limited to panel antennas, whip antennas, and satellite dishes that may be freestanding, mounted inside a structure (such as a steeple, belfry, cupola, or other tower or rooftop element), or side-mounted to the face of a building, penthouse, smokestack, or chimney, to conceal its presence and reduce its visual impact.

Apiculture

A specific use type of the Urban Agriculture accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .c.i Apiculture.

Applicant

A person or entity who has submitted a development review application under applicable provisions of this Ordinance; a petitioner in accordance with M.G.L. 40A; the legal or beneficial owner(s) of a lot or land included in a proposed development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or any other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.

Aquaculture

The farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic plants.

Aquaponics

The production of food using conventional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment.

Arbor

A structure with an open frame, freestanding or attached to another structure, with horizontal or vertical latticework often used as a support for ornamental vines and/or climbing plants.

Architectural Bay

The vertically oriented area of a facade between two piers, pilasters, columns, curtain wall mullions, spandrel glass, or other equivalent architectural features.

Articulate

To form or have a joint.

Articulated/Articulation

Two or more surfaces connected by a joint.

Articulation

The state of being jointed.

Artisanal Production

An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.2 .a Artisanal Production.

Artist Housing#

A specific use type of the Residential Housing principal use category. See § 9.2.11 .a.ii Artist Housing.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Artist Studios & Creative Incubators#

An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.2 .b Artist Studios & Creative Incubators.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Arts Center

A multi-purpose facility dedicated to the expansion and practice of the arts by providing recourses such as theatre space, gallery space, musical performance venues, workshop areas, educational facilities, or access to equipment to members of the community.

Arts Education#

An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.2 .c Arts Education.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Arts Exhibition

An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.2 .b Arts Exhibition.

Arts Sales or Services

An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.2 .c Art Sales & Services.

Assembly or Entertainment

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .b Assembly or Entertainment.

Assembly Square Plan

The following documents, as amended, constitute the Assembly Square Plan:

1. 1. Assembly Square Planning Study: A Vision and Implementation Plan for the Future, prepared for the Somerville Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), dated October 2000;
2. 2. Assembly Square Revitalization Plan: 2002 Major Plan Change, prepared by the Somerville OHCD, dated May 2002;
3. 3. Assembly Square: Design Guidelines for the Public Realm, prepared for the Somerville OHCD, dated March 2002;
4. 4. Assembly Square Transportation Plan (ASTP), prepared for the Somerville OHCD in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Highway Department and the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction, dated May 2003.

Automatic Sprinkler System

As defined by the MA State Building Code.

Average Daily Trips

The number of vehicles passing a point on a traffic way during a 24-hour period, usually calculated as the average of two (2) or more measured days of traffic. Average daily trips is abbreviated as ADT.

Average Grade

The mean (average) of the finished ground level of a civic space at the corners of the lot.

Average Ground Level

The mean (average) of the finished ground level next to a building at the exterior walls.

Aviculture

A specific use type of the Urban Agriculture accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .c.ii Aviculture.

Banking or Financial Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .c Banking & Financial Services.

Bar, Restaurant, or Tavern

A Food or Beverage Service principal use category. See § 9.2.7 .a Bar, Restaurant, or Tavern.

Basement

Any story, in whole or in part, below the ground story of a building.

Bed & Breakfast

A Lodging principal use category. See § 9.2.9 .a Bed & Breakfast.

Bedroom

A private room for sleeping, however named, planned, intended or used, which is separated and can be closed off from other parts of the dwelling by walls and a door.

Bicycle Parking, Long-Term

Accommodations for the parking of a bicycle for two (2) or more hours.

Bicycle Parking, Short-Term

Accommodations for the parking of a bicycle for two (2) hours or less.

Bicycle Rack#

A fixed-in-place stand, solidly anchored to the ground or other fixed object, which allows a bicycle to lean against it in an upright position with both wheels on a level, stable surface.

(Ord. 2025-02 , 02/27/2025)

Bike-Share Parking

A specific use type of the Vehicle Parking principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .m.i Bike-Share Parking.

Biomedical Technology#

A specific use type of the Scientific Research & Development principal use category. See § 9.2.10 .b.iii.a) Biomedical Technology.

(Ord. 2025-09 , 06/12/2025)

Blank Wall

A portion of any facade of a building that does not include a substantial material change; windows, doors, columns, pilasters or other articulation.

Block

The aggregate land area circumscribed by thoroughfares or other rights-of-way.

Block Face

The aggregate of all front lot lines, and alleys, if present, on one side of a block.

Building

Any structure, either temporary or permanent, having a roof or other covering, and designed or used for the shelter or enclosure of any person, animal, or property of any kind, including tents, awnings, or vehicles situated on private property and used for purposes of a building.

Building or Home Supplies or Equipment

A Retail Sales principal use category. See § 9.2.12 .a Building or Home Supplies or Equipment.

Building or Home Repair Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .e Building or Home Repair Services.

Building Components

Accessory features that increase the habitable square footage or enhance the usefulness of a building.

Building Official

The Superintendent of Inspectional Services, Senior Building Inspector, Local Building Inspector, Zoning Review Planner, or other person designated to enforce this Ordinance.

Business Incubator#

An Office principal use category. See § 9.2.10 .a Business Incubator.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Business Support Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .f Business Support Services.

Building Type

A classification or kind of structure characterized and differentiated by its placement on a lot, massing, composition, use, and features.

By Right

Uses and structures that are permitted in a zoning district.

Cafe or Coffee Shop

A Food or Beverage Service principal use category. See § 9.2.7 .b Cafe or Coffee Shop.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Caliper

A measurement of the diameter of a tree trunk. For trees less than four (4) inches in diameter, caliper is measured six (6) inches from the ground. For trees between four (4) inches and twelve (12) inches in diameter, caliper is measured twelve (12) inches from the ground.

Cannabis Cultivation

A Cannabis Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.4 .b Cannabis Cultivation.

Cannabis Product Manufacturing

A Cannabis Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.4 .c Cannabis Product Manufacturing.

Cannabis Retail Sales

A Cannabis Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.4 .d Cannabis Retail Sales.

Cannabis Research & Development

A Cannabis Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.4 .e Cannabis Research & Development.

Cannabis Testing Laboratory

A Cannabis Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.4 .f Cannabis Testing Laboratory.

Carport

A roofed structure, unenclosed on two (2) or more sides, used or designed for the off-street parking of motor vehicles.

Car-Share Parking

A specific use type of the Vehicle Parking principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .m.ii Car-Share Parking.

Caterer or Wholesale Food Production

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .g Caterer or Wholesale Food Production.

Change in Use

A change in the use of real property, whether temporary or permanent, from one use category to a different use category as defined by Article 9. USE PROVISIONS .

Chicken

A common domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Civic Space

An open space designed to support civic, cultural, ecological, recreational, or social activities. Civic space types are defined by a combination of characteristics, including the interrelationship between the intended uses, size, landscape design, and abutting real property.

Cladding

The exterior material that covers or overlays another material or structure.

Clearance

The height above the sidewalk or other surface, as specified, of the bottom edge of an object or building component.

Co-Working

An Office principal use category. See § 9.2.10 ​​​​​​​.b Co-Working.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Commercial

A term collectively defining permitted uses from all non-residential use categories, excluding parking.

Commercial Farming

A specific use type of the Farming principal use category (See § 9.2.13 .a.i Commercial Farming) and a specific use type of the Urban Agriculture accessory use category (See § 9.2.14 .c.iii Commercial Farming).

Commercial Parking Facility

A specific use type of the Vehicle Parking principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .m.iii Commercial Parking Facility.

(Ord. 2024-15 , 12/12/2024)

Commercial Space

One (1) or more rooms for the exclusive use of a specific tenant(s) separated by demising walls from other commercial spaces or building common areas.

Community Center

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .a Community Center.

Community Farming

A specific use type of the Farming principal use category. See § 9.2.13 .a.ii Community Farming.

Community Gardening

An Urban Agriculture principal use category. See § 9.2.13 .b Community Gardening.

Comprehensive Plan

The City of Somerville's official plan providing guidance and direction for future decision making that affects local government policy and community development as approved by the Planning Board per M.G.L. 41, 81d.

Consumer Goods

A Retail Sales principal use category. See § 9.2.12 .b Consumer Goods.

Corner Board

Flat vertical exterior casings framing siding or shingles at inside and outside corners.

Cornice

The molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition.

Cost Burden

When a household pays more than thirty percent (30%) of its income for housing.

Cost Burden, Severe

When a household pays more than fifty percent (50%) of its income for housing.

Court

An open, uncovered space, unobstructed to the sky, bounded on three or more sides by exterior building walls or other enclosing devices.

Creative Incubator

An organization providing startup and early-stage arts and creative enterprises with shared facilities and often providing business planning, access to finance, mentoring, and other business or administrative support services.

Culinary Incubator

An organization providing start-up catering, retail, and wholesale food businesses with shared kitchen facilities and often providing business planning, access to finance, mentoring, and other business or administrative support services.

Cultivar

A cultivated variety of tree; deliberately selected for its desirable physical characteristics.

Curb Cut

A section of sidewalk curbing removed to facilitate vehicular access to a driveway or vehicular entrance to a parking structure.

Data Center

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .b Data Center.

Day Care, Adult#

Day Care, Adult

A specific use type of the Day Care Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .h.iv Adult Day Care​​​​​​​.

(Ord. 2024-13 , 11/26/2024)

Day Care, Child#

Day Care, Child

A specific use type of the Day Care​​​​​​​ Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .h.v Child Day Care.

(Ord. 2024-13 , 11/26/2024)

Day Care Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .h Day Care Services.

Deck

A synonym for the projecting porch building component.

Deck, Roof

A raised platform on the roof of a building.

Demolition

The destruction or removal of fifty percent (50%) or more of the surface area of the exterior walls and roof of a building or any exploratory demolition or internal demolition that compromises the structural integrity of a building. Normal maintenance is not demolition.

Demolition, Exploratory

The removal of non-structural interior building materials prior to renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, or remodeling in order to verify the existing conditions present in otherwise unexposed areas.

Demolition, Internal

The removal of non-structural interior building materials for the purpose of renovating, rehabilitating, restoring, or remodeling interior space.

Design & Fabrication Center

A facility providing individuals and small firms access to professional manufacturing tools & equipment; classes & training; lab, workshop, and studio space; and storage for tools and supplies.

Design Services

An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.2 .e Design Services.

Desire Line

A route that pedestrians prefer to take to get from one location to another.

Development

The subdivision or land platting of a development site; the construction or modification of any principal building type, accessory building type, or other structure; the excavation, fill, or grading of land; and the establishment, change, or expansion of any use of any structure or land.

Development Site

The land area encompassed in a development proposal irrespective of the number or configuration of lots, land ownership, or municipal boundaries.

Diameter at Breast Height

The diameter of a tree trunk or the square root of the sum of each trunk squared for a multi trunk tree, measured four and one-half (4.5) feet above ground. Diameter at breast height is abbreviated as DBH.

Dispatch Service

An Auto-Oriented principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .b Dispatch Services.

Driveway Apron

A ramp that slopes down from the edge of the walkway of a sidewalk to the roadway surface of an abutting thoroughfare.

Dry Cleaning or Laundry Services

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .a Dry Cleaning or Laundry Services.

Dormitory or Chapter House

A specific use type of the Group Living principal use category. See § 9.2.11 .b.iii Dormitory or Chapter House.

Dwelling Unit

One (1) or more rooms providing separate, independent living space with lawful cooking and sanitary facilities for the exclusive use of the occupants.

Easement

A liberty, privilege, or advantage without profit, which a person(s) may have in the lands of another person(s).

Educational Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .i Educational Services.

Employer

A person or business that employs one (1) or more people for wages or salary.

Encroach

To break the plane of a vertical or horizontal regulatory limit with a structural element, so that it extends into a setback or over the sidewalk of a public right- of-way.

Encroachment

Any structural element that encroaches.

Erect

To construct, reconstruct, excavate, fill, drain, or conduct physical operations of any kind in preparation for or in pursuance of construction or reconstruction, or to move a building or structure upon a lot.

Fabrication Laboratory

A high-tech workshop that fosters innovation and invention by providing individuals with access to tools and machinery for “do-it-yourself” (DIY) digital fabrication.

Facade

Any exterior wall of a building's main massing that is oriented in whole or in part toward a front lot line or civic space.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

Farm or Vendor Market

A Retail Sales principal use category. See § 9.2.12 .d Farm or Vendor Market.

Farming

An Urban Agriculture principal use category. See § 9.2.13 .a Farming.

Farm Stand

A temporary structure for the display and sale of clean, whole, unprocessed produce, eggs, or honey cultivated on site.

Fenestration

The openings in the facade of a building, including windows and doors.

Firearms Sales

A specific use type of the Consumer Goods principal use category. See § 9.2.12 .b.iii Firearms Sales.

Floor Area, Gross

The sum floor area of a building, in whole or on part, as measured to the face of the exterior walls, with no deduction for corridors, stairs, closets, thickness of walls, columns, or other features.

Floor Area, Leasable

The floor area included in a commercial lease.

Floor Area, Net

The sum floor area of a building, in whole or on part, measured to the face of the interior walls.

Floor Plate

The total gross floor area of a single story of a building, excluding building components.

Forecourt

An open space formed by a substantial recess in the central portion of a building's facade.

Formula Business

Any business, regardless of ownership or location worldwide, that chooses or is required as a franchise to maintain two (2) or more of a standardized menu, standardized merchandise, a standardized facade, a standardized decor or color scheme, a standardized employee uniform, a standardized sign or signage, or a trademark or a service mark along with nine (9) or more other businesses.

Food Hall#

An indoor space with multiple food vendors offering a variety of cuisines in a communal setting.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Fresh Food Market or Grocery Store

A Retail Sales principal use category. See § 9.2.12 .c Fresh Food Market or Grocery Store.

Frontage Area

The area of a lot between the facade of a principal building and any front lot line(s), extending fully to each side lot line(s).

Funeral Services

A specific use type of the Personal Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .k.vi Funeral Services.

Furniture Area

An area of an amenity space that allows for the placement of furniture without restricting the movement of pedestrians.

Gasoline Station

An Auto-Oriented principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .c Gasoline Station.

General Office

An Office principal use category. See § 9.2.10 .a General Office.

Green Score

An performance-based environmental landscape standard measured as a ratio of the weighted value of all landscape elements to the total land area (in square feet) of a lot. See Section 10.4 GREEN SCORE for more information.

Health or Fitness Services

A specific use type of the Personal Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .k.v Health or Fitness Services.

Habitable

Spaces in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.

Heat Island

The higher average air temperatures of the local micro-climate due to the absorption, retention, and generation of heat by buildings, pavements, and human activities.

Hen

A female domestic chicken.

High-Rise

Any building taller than seventy (70) feet above average ground level.

Hobby Kennel

A specific use type of the Home Occupation Accessory Use category. See § 9.2.14 .b.iii Hobby Kennel.

Homeless Shelter

A facility whose primary function is the provision of overnight sleeping accommodations to unhoused people.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

Home-Based Business

A specific use type of the Home Occupation accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .b.iv Home-Based Business.

Home-Based Business Vehicle Parking

A specific use type of the Vehicle Parking accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .d.i Home-Based Business Vehicle Parking.

Home-Based Child Day Care#

Home-Based Child Day Care

A specific use type of the Home Occupation accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .b.v Home-Based Child Day Care.

(Ord. 2024-13 , 11/26/2024)

Home Office

A specific use type of the Home Occupation accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .b.vi Home Office.

Home Occupation

An accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .b Home Occupations.

Honeybee

A common domestic honeybee (Apis mellifera).

Hospital

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .b Hospital.

Hotel or Hostel

A Lodging principal use category. See § 9.2.9 .b Hotel or Hostel.

Hydroculture

The growing of plants in a soilless medium or an aquatic based environment.

Hydroponics

A method of growing plants using a mineral-nutrient solution, without soil.

Institutional Housing#

A Residential principal use category. See § 9.2.11 .b Institutional Housing.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

Junk

Any discarded article or material, including unregistered motor vehicles, which is ready for destruction or has been collected or stored for salvage or conversion to some use.

Lamp

The source of illumination in a lighting fixture.

Land Conveyance

The transfer of legal title of real property from one person to another.

Landscape Area

The area of a lot covered by turf grass or other groundcovers; planting beds; paving stones, grass pavers, pervious concrete, or porous asphalt; or rock surfacing such as stone, gravel, and other similar materials; excluding driveways, parking spaces, and other surfaces intended for the maneuvering of motor vehicles.

Large Tree

A tree with an expected mature height of thirty (30) feet or more and a mature width of twenty (20) feet or more.

(Ord. 2025-11 , 06/12/2025)

Library

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .c Library.

Light Source

The lamp and all refractive, reflective, and translucent light transmitting parts of an outdoor light fixture.

Live/Work Studio#

A dwelling unit or rooming unit integrated with artist studio space for the exclusive use by the occupants.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Local Historic District

Real property designated by the City Council as historically or architecturally significant in accordance with the Historic Districts Ordinance of the City of Somerville. Local historic district is abbreviated as LHD.

Lot

A bounded area of land undivided by a thoroughfare intended for use, sale, legacy, or development at any time.

Lot, Corner

A lot fronting two (2) or more thoroughfares at their intersection.

Lot, Flag

A lot in the approximate configuration of a flag pole or sign post, with the pole or post functioning primarily as an access way to the main area of the lot from the thoroughfare providing access.

Lot, Interior

A lot fronting one thoroughfare and abutting other lots at both sides.

Lot, Key

A lot with a side lot line abutting the rear lot line of another lot.

Lot, Through

A lot fronting on two (2) or more thoroughfares that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.

Lot Area

The horizontal measurement of a lot in square feet, exclusive of any area in a private way that is open to public use.

Lot Depth

The horizontal distance from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the rear lot line of a lot or to the most distant point on any other lot line where there is no rear lot line.

Lot Line

A boundary that legally and geometrically demarcates a lot.

Lot Line Adjustment

Reconfiguration of the boundary line between two abutting lots, whether they are commonly owned or not, and whether the resulting shift of ground from one parcel to another is minor or substantial.

Lot Line, Front

Any lot line abutting a civic space or thoroughfare, excluding alleys.

Lot Line, Party

A side lot line shared between two attached or semi-detached Building Types.

Lot Line, Rear

Any lot line which is parallel to or within forty-five (45) degrees of being parallel to a front lot line, unless that lot line is a side lot line of an abutting lot.

Lot Line, Side

Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.

Lot Merger

The consolidation of two (2) or more adjacent lots by eliminating the lot line that previously separated them.

Lot Split

The division of a lot into two (2) smaller lots.

Lot Width

The length of the front lot line of a lot.

Lumen

The unit of measure used to quantify the amount of light produced by a lamp or emitted from a luminaire (as distinct from watt, a measure of power consumption).

Luminaire

A light unit or fixture including any bulb(s), tube(s), housing, reflective shield, lens and/or ballast. The complete lighting unit (fixture), consisting of a lamp, or lamps and ballasts, when applicable, together with the parts designed to distribute the light (reflector, lens, diffuser), to position and protect the lamps, and to connect the lamps to the power supply.

Luminaire, Fully Shielded

A luminaire constructed and installed in such a manner that all light emitted by the luminaire, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the luminaire, is projected below the horizontal plane through the luminaire’s lowest light emitting part.

Maintenance or Repair Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .j Maintenance or Repair Services.

Major Utility Facility

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .e Major Utility Facility.

Manufacturing

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .c Manufacturing.

Market Rate Unit

A dwelling unit developed and sold or rented on the open market.

Main Massing

The primary massing of a Building Type, excluding building components.

Medical or Diagnostic Laboratory#

An Office principal use category. See § 9.2.10 .c Medical or Diagnostic Laboratory.

(Ord. 2025-09 , 06/12/2025)

Mezzanine

An intermediate floor level between the floor and ceiling of a story.

Minor Utility Facility

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .d Minor Utility Facility.

Mobility Management

A broad range of strategies intended to reduce automobile trips. The alteration of travel behavior through a program of incentives, services, and policies, including encouraging the use of alternatives to single-occupant vehicles such as public transit, cycling, walking, car-pooling/ van-pooling and changes in work schedule that move trips out of the peak period or eliminate them altogether.

Mobility Management Association

Organizations formed to help individual uses and property owners collectively implement and administer the Mobility Management programs and services.

Motor Vehicle Parking

An Auto-Oriented principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .d Motor Vehicle Parking.

Mounting Height

The height of the center of a luminaire above ground level.

Moving or Storage Services

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .d Moving or Storage Services.

Modification

Construction that alters, expands, reconstructs, extends, or structurally changes the exterior of an existing structure or interior construction that changes the number of dwelling units or ground story commercial spaces within an existing structure.

Monopole

A free-standing (or wire-supported) tower for wireless telecommunications facilities.

Mulch, Groundcover

A protective above-ground dressing consisting of organic, non-recycled wood or bark used for moisture control, weed control, erosion control, temperature control, or other similar purposes.

Museum

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .f Museum.

Mystic River Bank

The portion of land surface abutting and confining the Mystic River, as defined by 310 CMR 10.54.2.C, as amended.

Neighborhood Council

As defined by Chapter 7, Article IX, Sec. 7-220 of The Code of Ordinances, City of Somerville, Massachusetts.

Normal Maintenance

Improvements intended to keep an existing structure in good physical condition including, but not limited to, painting, roof replacement, re-siding, window replacement, and other improvements that are deemed to be cosmetic or de minimis in nature by the Building Official.

Nonconformity

As defined by Article 14: Nonconformance.

North-Facing

Within forty-five (45) degrees of due north.

Nuisance

That activity which arises from unreasonable, unwarranted, or unlawful use by a person of their own property, which creates an obstruction or injury to the rights of another, or to the public, or which produces annoyance, inconvenience, disruption of work, and/or discomfort to an individual or the public.

Nursing Home or Assisted Living

A specific use type of the Group Living principal use category. See § 9.2.11 .b.v Nursing Home or Assisted Living.

Off-Site Accessory Parking

A specific use type of the Motor Vehicle Parking principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .d.i Off-Site Accessory Parking.

Open Space

A ground level or upper story outdoor landscaped area including, but not limited to, natural woodlands, yards, forecourts, courtyards, green roofs and civic spaces.

Outdoor Cafe Seating

Outdoor seating located in a frontage or on a public sidewalk that is provided with table service.

Outdoor Display

The outdoor exhibition or presentation of products and merchandise available for sale.

Outdoor Light Fixture

Outdoor artificial illuminating devices, outdoor fixtures, lamps, and other devices, permanent or portable, used for illumination or advertisement.

Outdoor Storage

The storage of merchandise or material in boxes, in crates, on pallets or other kinds of shipping containers, garden supplies, building supplies, plants, vehicles, and other similar equipment, inventory, materials, merchandise, or supplies not normally brought indoors overnight.

Parcel

An area of land.

Parking Lot

An uncovered area used or designed for the off-street parking of seven (7) or more motor vehicles.

Parking Stacker

An automated or manually operated mechanical, multi-level lift system for storing motor vehicles vertically.

Parking Space, Off-street

A storage area, meeting the requirements of Article 11, located in a parking lot or driveway, for one (1) automobile, van, light truck, or other similar vehicle.

Parking Space, On-street

A storage area located within the street right-of-way, for one (1) parked automobile, van, light truck, or other similar vehicle.

Parking Structure

Any structure used or designed for the off-street parking of motor vehicles, excluding a carport and any outbuilding used a garage.

Party in Interest#

As defined in M.G.L. 40A, Sec. 11.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

Party Wall

A wall separating two attached buildings.

Patio

A hard-surfaced amenity space having no permanent roof coverings, usually directly adjacent to a building, and constructed such that its finished walking surface is laid or poured directly on finished grade.

Paving Stone

Brick, stone, or concrete blocks with permeable joints.

Paver, Grass

A type of open-cell paving stone filled with soil and planted with turf grass.

Pedestrian Street

Any thoroughfare designated as a Pedestrian Street on the Pedestrian Streets Map of the Somerville Zoning Atlas.

Permeable Area

The landscaped area of a lot plus any area covered by porous asphalt, pervious concrete, paving stones, or grass pavers.

Personal Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .k Personal Services.

Personal Vehicle Repair or Maintenance

An Auto-Oriented principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .e Personal Vehicle Repair or Maintenance.

Pervious Concrete

Concrete made from cement and large aggregates that leave open voids allowing for water to pass through the pavement.

Pet Store

A specific use type of the Consumer Goods principal use category. See § 9.2.12 .b.iv Pet Store.

Pier

A section of a wall between fenestration.

Pilaster

An upright rectangular architectural member that is structurally a pier, but architecturally treated as a column, and usually projects a third of its width or less from the wall.

Planter

A soil area provided for the planting of street trees or other landscaping.

Planting Bed

A soil area planted with grass and other groundcovers, trees, bushes, shrubs, vines, flowers, and other horticultural materials with the remaining area covered by mulch.

Podium

The lower portion(s) of certain high-rise buildings.

Point Tower

The upper stories of a high-rise building, composed of apartments surrounding a central elevator core.

Porous Asphalt

Concrete made from bitumen and large aggregates that leave open voids allowing for water to pass through the pavement.

Principal Building

A structure designed, used, or occupied for the principal use(s) of a given real property.

Principal Entrance

The main entry door for pedestrians into a building, upper story use, or ground story commercial space.

Principal Use

The main or primary purpose for which a structure, building, or lot is designed, arranged, licensed or intended.

Private Non-Profit Club or Lodge

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .g Private Non-Profit Club or Lodge.

Property Owner

An owner of land as identified on the most recent tax list maintained by the Assessor’s Office of the City of Somerville.

Public Realm

The urban environment visible and accessible to the public, inclusive of both spaces and the building walls that frame them.

Public Service

A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .h Public Service.

Rail Right-of-Way

The way for any rail service, including, but not limited to, the rail tracks, guideways, overhead power lines, and shoulder. Rail right-of-way is abbreviated as R-ROW.

Recreation Services

A Commercial Services principal use category. See § 9.2.6 .l Recreational Services.

Recycling Collection

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .e Recycling Collection.

Religious & Educational Uses

Protected by M.G.L. 40A. Sec. 3 A Civic & Institutional principal use category. See § 9.2.5 .i Religious & Educational Uses Protected by M.G.L. 40A. Sec. 3.

Reserved Parking

A parking space for the exclusive use by a specific motor vehicle(s) or person and held unoccupied when not in use by that specific motor vehicle(s) or person.

Residential Gardening

A specific use type of the Urban Agriculture accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .c.iv Residential Gardening.

Residential Housing#

A Residential principal use category. See § 9.2.11 .a Residential Housing.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

Retaining Wall

A structure designed to resist the lateral displacement of soil or other materials in order to protect property or prevent erosion.

Ribbon Driveway

A driveway with two parallel paved tracks separated by an unpaved area.

Ribbon Windows

A series of windows set side by side to form a continuous horizontal band across a facade.

Roof Line

The highest point on any building or structure where an exterior wall or parapet wall encloses roof or floor area, including floor area provided for housing mechanical equipment.

Roof, Flat

A roof with a slope that is less than 2:12 (9.46°).

Roof, Gable

A roof sloped on two sides from a central ridge with an exterior wall (gable) enclosing each end.

Roof, Gambrel

A compound, gabled roof with two slopes on each of its sides, where the lower has a steeper slope or pitch than the upper, inclusive of English, Dutch, and Jerkin Head gambrel roofs.

Roof, Hip

A roof with four uniformly pitched or sloping sides, inclusive of kicked hip (witch’s hat) and Hawaiian hip roofs.

Roof, Main

The roof of the main massing of a principal building.

Roof, Mansard

A compound, four sided roof where each side has two slopes, where the lower has a very steep, almost vertical, slope or pitch, dormer windows, and eaves extending with a radius or kick, rather than a flat projection.

Roof, Shed

A roof with only one slope.

Rooming House

A specific use type of the Group Living principal use category. See § 9.2.11 .b.vi Rooming House.

Rooming Unit

One (1) or more rooms providing separate, independent living facilities without both lawful cooking and sanitary facilities for the exclusive use of the occupants​​​​​​​.

(Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

Runoff Coefficient

A number relating the amount of storm water runoff to the amount of precipitation received. A larger value indicates low permeability and higher storm water runoff and a lower value indicates higher permeability and lower storm water runoff.

Salvage Yard

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .f Salvage Yard.

Sand-Based Structural Soil System

Open graded crushed stone over sand-based structural soil.

Scientific Research & Development#

An Office principal use category. See § 9.2.10 .d Scientific Research & Development.

(Ord. 2025-09 , 06/12/2025)

Self-Storage

A specific use type of the Moving or Storage Services principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .d.i Self Storage.

Setback

A horizontal distance from a particular point of reference to the location of a principal or accessory building or an accessory structure.

Shrub

A multi-stemmed, woody plant with a five-gallon container size when planted.

Sign

Any permanent or temporary name, identification, description, emblem, logo, structure, or device, that is illuminated or non-illuminated; visible or intended to be visible from any public place; and directs attention to a person, product, place, activity, institution, business, organization, activity, or service including any letter, numeral, character, figure, emblem, painting, illustration, banner, pennant, placard, or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify, solicit, or convey information. Signs include devices designed to attract the eye by intermittent or repeated motion and any permanently installed or situated merchandise, including any banner, pennant, placard, or temporary sign, with the exception of window displays. Flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are not signs.

Sign Band

The area of a building, above a storefront, intended for the placement of a wall sign.

Site

A lot or parcel and the improvements thereon.

Small Tree

A tree with an expected mature height of less than thirty (30) feet or a mature width of less than twenty (20) feet.

(Ord. 2025-11 , 06/12/2025)

Soil Volume

An amount of soil provided for a tree, calculated as the horizontal area of open or covered soil multiplied by three (3) feet of depth.

Solar Reflectance

A measure of how strongly an object reflects sunlight. Solar reflectance is measured on a scale of zero (0) to one (1): from not reflective zero (0) to one hundred percent (100%) reflective one (1.0).

Solar Reflectance Index

A combined measure of how well a surface reflects (reflectance) and releases absorbed solar radiation (emittance). Solar reflectance index is measured on a scale of 0 to 100: where a standard black surface (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is zero (0) and a standard white surface (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is one hundred (100). Solar reflectance index is abbreviated as SRI.

Steep Slope

Any change in elevation of twenty-five percent (25%) or greater over a horizontal distance of thirty (30) feet or greater.

Step-back

A recess of an upper story facade a set distance behind the facade of the story below.

Story

The portion of a building located between the surface of a habitable floor and the surface of the habitable floor or roof next above.

Story, Ground

The lowest story of a building with a finished floor at or above the finished ground level next to a building at the facade.

Story, Upper

Any story above the ground story of a building.

Street

A thoroughfare, avenue, road, highway, boulevard, parkway, driveway, lane, court or private easement for use by vehicular and pedestrian traffic and providing access to lots and civic spaces.

Street Tree

A tree planted within the furnishing zone as a element of a thoroughfare.

Structured Parking

Motor vehicle parking spaces located within a principal building, whether above-ground or underground, or carriage house.

Structural Cells

A subsurface system that supports the weight of sidewalks or other paved surfaces and is filled with uncompacted soil.

Subdivision

The division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two (2) or more lots, building sites, or other divisions for the purpose of sale, legacy, or development at any time, where a new thoroughfare or way is needed to provide access to the lots which would otherwise be landlocked.

Substantial Renovation

Any modification, interior renovation, or both of an existing principal building that exceeds one hundred percent (100%) of the assessed value of the building, as identified on the most recent tax list maintained by the Assessor’s Office of the City of Somerville, within any twelve (12) month period.

Surface Parking

Motor vehicle parking spaces provided at ground level, whether in a driveway, a parking lot, under a carport, or sheltered by overhanging upper stories of a building.

Suspended Pavement

Pavement slabs spanning supports that allow soil under sidewalks and other paved surfaces to remain uncompacted.

Terminated Vista

A location at the axial conclusion of a thoroughfare.

Testing Laboratory#

An Office principal use category. See § 9.2.10 .d Testing Laboratory.

(Ord. 2025-09 , 06/12/2025)

Thoroughfare

A public or private way for use by vehicular and pedestrian traffic and providing access to lots and civic spaces.

Tower

Any portion of a high-rise building above seventy (70) feet.

Towing Service

A specific use type of the Dispatch Service principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .b.i Towing Service.

Transit Area

All lots within one-quarter (1/4) mile of a transit station for commercial uses and all lots within one-half (1/2) mile of a transit station for residential uses.

Transit Station

Any existing or planned station of the MBTA’s light rail and heavy rail rapid transit lines within the City of Somerville.

Tree Guard

A metal fence installed around the perimeter of a tree pit to protect a street tree.

Tree Pit

A three (3) foot deep pit filled with soil for the planting and growth of a tree. Tree pits have surface area open to air and water flow.

Trucking or Transportation Depot

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .g Trucking or Transportation Depot.

Urban Agriculture

An Accessory use category. See § 9.2.14 .c Urban Agriculture.

Use

The purpose or activity that land or structures is designed, arranged, or intended to be occupied or used, or for which it is occupied, maintained, rented, or leased.

Vehicle Parking

A Commercial Services principal use category (See § 9.2.6 .m Vehicle Parking) and an Accessory Use category (See § 9.2.14 .d Vehicle Parking).

Vehicle Repair & Maintenance

An Auto-Oriented principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .a Vehicle Repair or Maintenance.

Vehicle Sales

An Auto-Oriented principal use category. See § 9.2.3 .g Vehicle Sales.

Visible Light Reflectance (VLR)

The percent of total visible light that is reflected by a glazing system. The lower the number, the less visible light reflected.

Visible Light Transmittance (VLT)

The percent of total visible light that is transmitted through a glazing system. The lower the number, the less visible light transmitted.

Waiver

A predetermined type of deviation from specific provisions of this Ordinance as specifically indicated elsewhere in this Ordinance.

Wholesale Trade or Distribution

An Industrial principal use category. See § 9.2.8 .h Wholesale Trade or Distribution.

Wireless Communications

The provision of the following types of services: cellular telephone service; personal communications; and extended specialized mobile radio service. Such essential services will be provided via wireless communications facilities, which shall include monopoles, rooftop antennas, satellite dishes, and cell sites.

Wireless Communications Antenna

An antenna, dish, or cell site attached to a wireless communications tower, principal building, or other accessory structure that is used to transmit or receive wireless communications signals.

Wireless Communications Tower

A structure or structures intended to support equipment that is used to transmit and/or receive wireless communications signals including towers, monopoles, cell sites, and other guyed and lattice construction steel structures that are freestanding and not attached to an principal building type or accessory structure.

Work/Live Creative Studio

An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See § 9.2.2 .g Artisanal Production.

2.2 ZONING ATLAS OVERVIEW#

2.2.1 Zoning Districts#

1. a. Zoning districts established by § 1.3.2 of this Ordinance are summarized on Table 2.1.1 and example maps showing how districts are mapped to real property are shown in Figure 2.2.1 only for illustrative purposes.
2. b. The colors indicated for each zoning district on Table 2. 2 .1 can be used to cross reference the Somerville Zoning Atlas with the applicable provisions for each zoning district of this Ordinance.

2.2.2 Transit Areas#

1. a. An example map illustrating how the transit areas established by § 1.3.3 of this Ordinance are mapped to real property is shown in Figure 2.2.2 only for illustrative purposes.

2.2.3 Pedestrian Streets#

1. a. An example map illustrating how the pedestrian streets established by § 1.3.4 of this Ordinance are mapped to real property is shown in Figure 2.2.3 only for illustrative purposes.

2.3 BUILDING TYPES OVERVIEW#

2.3.1 General#

1. a. This Ordinance regulates structures as either principal buildings , accessory buildings , or accessory structures.
2. b. Principal buildings and accessory buildings are further classified as various building types permitted in each zoning district.
3. c. Building types are defined by their combined disposition, configuration, and function and are differentiated from each other by dimensional standards customized for each type.
4. d. In contrast to applying generic dimensional standards to all principal buildings or accessory buildings permitted in a district, the inclusion of building types allows dimensional standards to differ from one class or kind of structure to another within the same district and is authorized by M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 4.
5. e. The selection of principal and accessory building types permitted within a zoning district combine with the mix of permitted uses to define the intended character of each zoning district.

2.3.2 Building Assembly#

1. a. Building types are comprised of the main massing of a building and various additional building components .
2. b. The main massing is the primary and the most important portion defining a building type's form and scale. The main massing of each building type is regulated using dimensional standards that differ for each type.
3. c. Building components are accessory elements attached to the main massing of a principal building that increase the buildings usefulness. Each building component has dimensional standards that differ for each type.
4. d. Building components provide an important means for achieving variety and individuality in design and are permitted as indicated for each building type.

2.3.3 Understanding the Building Type Pages#

1. a. The standards for building types identified in this Ordinance are presented across four pages that are the same for each building type: i. Description & Precedents. The first page for each building type provides a general description and shows several images of typical buildings indicative of the variety possible within the definition of each type. The images are intended only for illustrative purposes and do not fully exemplify all of the requirements or possibilities for each type. ii. Diagrams & Dimensional Tables. Page two and three provide the key spread of dimensional standards. iii. Additional Standards. The fourth and final page for each building type identifies various provisions applicable to the specific building type, standards linked to the dimensional table, and includes any additional illustrative diagrams that are necessary.
2. b. Section 2.4 provides an explanation of each line item in the building type dimensional tables, defines how to measure each requirement, and provides other standards and reference information as necessary.

Image 24: Explanation of the tables found in the ordinance for each requirement

2.4 STANDARDS & MEASUREMENTS#

2.4.1 General#

1. a. This section provides an explanation of dimensional standards found in this Ordinance, defines how to measure each requirement, and provides other standards and reference information as necessary.
2. b. The Building Official may waive the following provisions for constructing or modifying an accessible means of egress for an existing building provided that no other compliant design solution is feasible without undue financial hardship: i. § 2.4.2 .c.i. Lot Coverage ii. § 2.4.3 Building Placement iii. § 2.4.4 Massing & Height iv. § 2.4.6 Building Components
3. c. The Building Official may waive the following provisions for constructing or modifying an Entry Canopy, Stoop, Portico, Lobby Entrance, Projecting Porch, or Engaged Porch for an existing building used as Residential Housing with no more than three (3) dwelling units to comply with the minimum number and dimensions for a means of egress per 780 CMR, as amended, provided that no other compliant design solution is feasible without undue financial hardship: i. § 2.4.2 .c.i Lot Coverage ii. § 3.1.13 Building Components in Neighborhood Residence iii. § 3.2.12 Building Components in Urban Residence
4. d. The Building Official shall maintain documentation of any waived standard granted for any means of egress in the public record.

(Ord. 2025-16 , 06/26/2025)

2.4.2 Lot Standards#

1. a. Lot Lines i. Any lot line abutting a P edestrian S treet is a primary front lot line . ii. The front lot line of any interior lot or key lot is a primary front lot line. iii. Corner lots and through lots have two front lot lines. a). Any front lot line of a corner lot abutting a pedestrian street is a primary front lot line. b). For all other corner lots, the primary front lot line is designated by the property owner, with all remaining front lot lines designated as secondary front lot lines. c). Both front lot lines of a through lot are primary front lot lines.
2. b. Lot Dimensions i. General a). Lots must have dimensions appropriate for one or more of the building type (s) or civic spaces permitted for the district where the lot is located. ii. Lot Width a). Lot width is measured as the length of the front lot line of a lot, except as follows: i). For a flag lot , only the 'pole' or 'post' portion of the lot is used to measure lot width. iii. Lot Depth a). Lot depth is measured as the horizontal distance between the midpoint of the primary front lot line and the midpoint of the rear lot line or to the most distant point on any other lot line where there is no rear lot line.

1. c. Lot Development i. Lot Coverage a). The maximum area of a lot that is permitted to be covered by the combination of principal buildings , accessory buildings , accessory structures and impermeable surfaces. b). The lot coverage of a structure is measured from the outside of the exterior walls at the ground story , including covered porches and other building components . c). The lot coverage (and permeable area ) of porous asphalt , pervious concrete , paving stones , or grass pavers is calculated using the runoff coefficient provided by the manufacturer. ii. Green Score a). Green Score is landscape requirement measured as a ratio of the weighted value of various landscape elements to total lot area . See § 10.4 GREEN SCORE for more information. iii. Open Space a). The minimum area of a lot that must be provided as open space . b). When the open space requirement results in eight thousand (8,000) square feet or less, an in lieu payment in accordance with Section 12.3 Buyouts & Payments may be made for up to one hundred (100) percent of the required open space , in whole or in part. c). When the open space requirement results in eight thousand (8,000) square feet or more, the open space must be provided on the lot.

2.4.3 Building Placement#

1. a. Building Setbacks i. All principal and accessory buildings must be located at or behind any required minimum curb, front, side, or rear setback except as indicated in § 2.4.3 .d. Setback Encroachments. ii. Minimum and maximum front setbacks are measured as follows: a). Parallel to any front lot line that intersects a side lot line within five (5) degrees of a right angle. b). Parallel to the tangent of a concave front lot line or to the secant of a convex front lot line. c). Perpendicular to the lot depth from the center point of the front lot line. iii. Side and rear setbacks are measured parallel to lot lines . iv. The facade of a principal building must be built at or in front of any maximum front setback for each story of a building . v. Buildings and structures are not permitted to encroach upon any easement or the right-of-way of any public thoroughfare . vi. Lots that cannot meet tower setback requirements on all sides are not appropriate for tall buildings.
2. b. Building Separation i. Any principal or accessory building must be separated from any other principal or accessory building on the same lot or on an abutting lot by the building separation distance specified for each building type . ii. Building separation is measured parallel from the face of the exterior walls of a principal or accessory building, excluding a party wall . iii. Building components and the structural walls of window wells are prohibited within the required separation area.

1. c. Parking Setbacks i. Unless otherwise specified, all parking, excluding underground structured parking , must be located at or behind any required parking setback .

1. d. Setback Encroachments i. Building components may encroach into required setbacks as indicated for each type elsewhere in this Ordinance. ii. Cornices , belt courses, sills, pilasters and other architectural features may encroach up to two (2) feet into a required setback, provided that at least two (2) feet is maintained from the vertical plane of any side lot line . iii. Chimneys and flues may encroach up to four (4) feet into a required setback, provided that at least two (2) feet is maintained from the vertical plane of any lot line . iv. Building eaves and roof overhangs may encroach into a required setback, provided that at least two (2) feet is maintained from the vertical plane of any lot line. v. Mechanical equipment associated with residential uses, such as an HVAC unit, is not permitted in the frontage area of a lot , but may encroach into a required side or rear setback, provided that at least two (2) feet or the distance provided in the manufacturer’s specifications, whichever is greater, is maintained from the vertical plane of any lot line. a). Air heat pumps and other energy-saving mechanical equipment with a day–night twenty-four (24) hour average noise level of fifty-five (55) dB(A) or less may fully encroach into a required setback. vi. Exterior walls are permitted to encroach into front, side, and rear setbacks up to eight (8) inches only for the purpose of adding insulating sheathing to the exterior wall assembly , provided that at least two feet (2) feet is maintained from the vertical plane of any side lot line .

1. vii. Minor structures accessory to utilities, such as hydrants, manholes, water meters, or gas meters, may fully encroach into a required front, side, or rear setback. viii. Transformers and other cabinet structures may fully encroach into a required side or rear setback. ix. Terraces, uncovered and unenclosed patios, and underground structures may fully encroach into a required setback. x. Trellises or other structures attached to a building for the sole purpose of growing vines or other vegetation may encroach into a required setback provided that at least two (2) feet is maintained from the vertical plane of any side lot line. xi. Accessory structures, fences and walls, signs , and landscape buffers may encroach as indicated in Article 10: Development Standards.
2. e. Frontage Area i. Motor vehicle parking , excluding parking in the drive aisle of a driveway, and parking spaces are not permitted in the frontage area and driveways are not permitted in the frontage area between a building and the front lot line . ii. Corner lots and through lots have two frontage areas. a). Any frontage area of a corner lot abutting a P edestrian S treet is a primary frontage area. b). For all other corner lots, the primary frontage area corresponds with the primary front lot line designated by the property owner , with all remaining frontage area designated as secondary frontage area. c). Both frontage areas of a through lot are primary frontage area.

2.4.4 Massing & Height#

1. a. Main Massing i. Facade Build Out a). Building facade (s) must be built parallel to the front lot line for the minimum facade build out specified for each building type and is measured as a percentage of the lot width . b). For lots with frontage on three (3) sides, the facade build out along a secondary frontage is only applicable to the minimum number of stories required for each building type . c). Forecourts are considered part of the building for the purpose of measuring facade build out.

1. ii. Building Width a). Width is measured parallel to the facade of a building, from the exterior of each side wall or the midpoint of a party wall. iii. Building Depth a). Depth is measured perpendicularly from the facade as the maximum length of any exterior side wall of a building. iv. Floor Plate a). Floor plate is measured as the total gross floor area of a single story of a building, excluding building components . v. Building Interconnection a). Abutting buildings may not be interconnected across lots lines to create any structure that conflicts with the building width or floor plate standards of this Ordinance. i). Underground structured parking is exempt. ii). Pedestrian bridges over a public thoroughfare are exempt. b). Interconnection of buildings over a public thoroughfare by a pedestrian bridge requires compliance with all City Ordinances. vi. Ground Story Elevation a). Ground story elevation is measured as the vertical distance from the average finished ground level at the facade(s) to the top of the finished floor of the ground story. vii. Story Height a). Story height is measured vertically from the surface of the finished floor to the surface of the finished floor above at all points. Wh en there is no floor above, story height is measured from the surface of the finished floor to the top of the structural beam or joists above or the top of the wall plate, whichever is more.
2. viii. Number of Stories a). The total number of stories of a building is calculated as follows: i). The ground story is counted as one (1) story, except that a single ground story of twenty-five (25) feet or more is counted as two (2) stories. ii). Each upper story is counted as one (1) additional story, except that any upper story with a mezzanine or loft is counted as two (2) stories. iii). Interstitial space between stories is counted as an additional story if the space has a walking surface, permanent lighting, a ceiling height of seven feet six inches (7’6”) or more, or is accessed via a stairwell or elevator door. iv). Basements are not counted as one (1) story unless the finished floor of the ground story is five (5) feet or more above the average ground level of the lot. See Figure 2.4.4 (b) and Figure 2.4.4 (c). v). Each story of above ground structured parking is counted as one (1) story regardless of its relationship to habitable stories, except that up to two (2) stories of above ground structured parking may be counted as one (1) story when those stories are fully screened by a single ground story with an equal or greater story height.

1. a). Habitable space located directly under a pitched roof is counted as a half story. The following standards apply to half stories: i). The roof rafters must intersect the wall plate or top of wall frame of the exterior walls at a height up to two (2) feet above the finished floor of the half-story of a principal building type or four (4) feet above the finished floor of the half-story of an accessory building type. ii). Ceiling height of a half story must not exceed twelve (12) feet in height at any point. b). Non-habitable attic space located under a pitched roof is not counted as a half story. ix. Upper Stories a). Each upper story of a building may only be recessed from the exterior wall plane of the story below, excluding the ground story, except through the use of building components . x. Step-back a). A required distance that certain upper stories of a building must be recessed from the plane of the facade of the stories below. i). Required step backs must be provided for all stories as indicated for each building type. ii). Buildings on any lot less than sixty-five (65) feet deep are exempt from the upper story step-back requirement. xi. Building Height, Feet a). Building height in feet is measured as the vertical distance from the average finished ground level at the facade(s) to the top of the structural beam or joists of the upper most story.

1. xi. Roofs a). Defined roof types are permitted as indicated for each building type. If this line item is not identified on the building type table, the roof is not regulated. xii. Roof Features a). Roof decks are permitted only on flat roofs and must be setback at least five (5) feet from any facade, excluding building components. b). Mechanical & stairwell penthouses; roof mounted cellular, radio, and Internet transmission equipment; vents or exhausts; solar panels or skylights; flagpoles; belfries, chimneys, cupolas, monuments, parapets, spires, steeples, and other non-habitable architectural features are permitted on roofs. xiii. Forecourts a). Forecourts must have a width and depth of at least twelve (12) feet and a maximum height to width ratio of two to one (2:1). b). A forecourt must be enclosed by walls on three sides. c). Building components may encroach into a forecourt. d). Driveways, parking spaces, passenger drop-offs, garage entrances, loading and service areas, exhaust vents, mechanical equipment, and refuse or recycling storage are not permitted in forecourts.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

2.4.5 Uses and Features#

1. a. Facade Composition i. Fenestration a). Fenestration must be provided as indicated for each building type and is calculated as a percentage of the area of a facade . i). For buildings with ground story commercial spaces , ground story fenestration is measured between two (2) feet and twelve (12) feet above the finished floor of the ground story. ii). For all other buildings and all other stories , fenestration is measured independently for each story, from the top of a finished floor to the top of the finished floor above. b). Fenestration enclosed with glazing may be included in the calculation if it meets the following criteria: i). For ground story fenestration, glazing must have at least sixty percent (60%) visible light transmittance (VLT) and may have up to fifteen percent (15%) visible light reflectance (VLR) . ii). For upper story fenestration, glazing must have must at least forty percent (40%) VLT and may have up to fifteen percent (15%) VLR. ii. Blank Wall Area a). Blank wall area is any portion of a facade that does not include fenestration (doors and windows) and surface relief through the use of columns, cornices , moldings, piers , pilasters , sills, sign bands , other equivalent architectural features that either recess or project from the average plane of the facade by at least four (4) inches.

1. b). Blank wall area limitations apply both vertically and horizontally for all stories of a building for any facade.
2. b. Use & Occupancy i. Pedestrian Access a). Buildings must have at least one (1) principal entrance . Principal entrances must be located on the facade, provide both ingress and egress, and be operable at all times. b). Multi-story buildings with ground story commercial spaces must have at least one (1) principal entrance for each commercial space in addition to any principal entrance(s) necessary for accessing the upper stories. c). Principal entrance spacing is measured as the distance between center line of doors along a facade. d). All residential buildings developed after the adoption date of this Ordinance must provide at least one (1) zero step entrance at the front, side, or rear of the building. Per Article VI of the Code of Ordinances, City of Somerville, Massachusetts, reasonable accommodation may be requested to comply with this standard. e). Light wells may be provided within the frontage area to provide light and access into lower stories or to accommodate a change in grade across the front of a building. f). The frontage area of a lot may be terraced to accommodate pedestrian access where a change in grade exists across the front of a building. ii. Ground Story Commercial Space a). Any building fronting a P edestrian Street must provide one (1) or more ground story commercial spaces fronting the primary facade for one hundred percent (100%) of the total width of the building, excluding lobbies for upper story uses and other required means of egress. iii. Commercial Space Factor a). When specified for a building type, the required minimum number of ground story commercial spaces is calculated by dividing the building width at the primary facade by the commercial space factor indicated. iv. Commercial Space Depth a). The depth of a commercial space is measured perpendicularly from the facade toward the interior of a building. b). The leasable floor area of any ground story commercial space must have the commercial space depth specified for each building type. v. Dwelling Units Per Lot a). The total combined number of dwelling units , that are permitted within a principal building type and accessory building type on the same lot. vi. Dwelling Units a). The minimum or maximum number of dwelling units permitted for a building type. b). Existing structures may not be modified to conflict with number of dwelling units permitted for each building type. c). Ground story dwelling units must have habitable space at least twenty (20) feet in depth, measured perpendicularly from the facade towards the interior of the building. vii. Density Factor a). When specified for a building type, the maximum number of dwelling units permitted is calculated by dividing the total gross floor area of the building by the density factor indicated for each building type. i). The density factor permitted for each building type is different for buildings on different sized lots, net zero ready and LEED Platinum Certifiable buildings. ii). The gross floor area of any underground structured parking and the net floor area of any above ground structured parking is excluded when calculating density factor. iii). Any fractional number resulting from this calculation is rounded up to the next whole number. viii. Outdoor Amenity Space a). When specified for a building type, outdoor amenity space must be provided as a balcony, deck , patio , porch, roof deck , roof terrace, or yard that is directly accessible by a doorway from the dwelling unit the outdoor amenity space is meant to serve. b). Each outdoor amenity space must provide an unobstructed area of at least twenty-four (24) square feet that may be used for seating. c). Buildings with seven (7) or more dwelling units may provide shared outdoor amenity space as a patio, roof deck, roof terrace, or yard, provided that the space includes the total seating area required for each dwelling unit that the shared space is meant to serve. ix. Roof-Mounted Mechanicals a). The height of any roof-mounted mechanical equipment, screening, or penthouse is measured vertically from the surface of the finished roof to the top of the equipment, screening or penthouse roof above.

(Ord. 2025-10 , 06/12/2025)

2.4.6 Building Components#

1. a. Dimensions i. Projection ii. Setback Encroachment a). The distance a component may encroach into a required setback, provided that at least two (2) feet is maintained from the vertical plane of any side lot line . iii. Seating Area, Clear
2. b. Bays
3. c. Entry Canopys
4. d. Stoops
5. e. Porticos
6. f. Projecting Porches
7. g. Engaged Porches
8. h. All Dormers i. If the face wall of a dormer is oriented toward the front lot line , the setback requirements are similarly oriented.
9. i. Window Dormers
10. j. Shed Dormers
11. k. Cross gables
12. l. Projecting gables
13. m. Side Wings
14. n. Rear Additions

3. RESIDENCE DISTRICTS#

Image 33: Residential area in Somervill

3.1 NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENCE (NR)#

3.1.1 Character Description#

The Neighborhood Residence district is characterized by a variety of small and moderate floor plate, one-, two-, and three-unit principal buildings with minimal front and side setbacks to help prioritize rear yard space. The district is almost entirely residential, with occasional neighborhood stores, schools, places of worship, and arts related uses and on advantageous sites.

Image 34: Computer generated drawing of a neighborhood residence

3.1.2 Intent#

1. a. To implement the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Somerville.
2. b. To conserve already established areas of detached and semi-detached residential buildings.

3.1.3 Purpose#

1. a. To permit the development of one-, two-, and three-unit detached and semi-detached residential buildings on individual lots .
2. b. To permit contextual modifications to existing detached and semi-detached residential buildings.
3. c. To permit the adaptive reuse of certain existing nonconforming buildings for arts & creative enterprise and retail uses compatible with residential areas.
4. d. To create dwelling unit types, sizes, and bedroom counts ideal for larger households in houses, Semi-Attached Houses, Duplexes, and Triple Deckers.
5. e. To create dwelling unit types, sizes, and bedroom counts ideal for smaller households in Cottages and Backyard Cottages.

3.1.4 Applicability#

1. a. The section is applicable to all real property within the Neighborhood Residence district as shown on the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas of the City of Somerville.

3.1.5 Development Review#

1. a. Development review is subject to the provisions of Article 15: Administration of this Ordinance.
2. b. This Ordinance may also require Subdivision Plan Approval, Site Plan Approval, a Special Permit, or a Hardship Variance based on the nature of a development proposal. In such cases, additional development review is required in accordance with Article 15: Administration. i. The Zoning Board of Appeals is the decision making authority for all development that requires Site Plan Approval, a Special Permit, or a Hardship Variance in the Neighborhood Residence district.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

3.1.6 Building Types#

1. a. One (1) principal building and one (1) accessory building are permitted on each lot .
2. b. Unless otherwise specified, the following principal building types are permitted by right in the Neighborhood Residence district: i. Cottage ii. Detached House iii. Semi-Detached House iv. Duplex v. Detached Triple Decker
3. c. The following accessory building types are permitted by right in the Neighborhood Residence district: i. Backyard Cottage
4. d. Accessory structures are regulated according to Article 10: Development Standards of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.1.7 Cottage#

A small floor plate, detached, principal building type with one (1) dwelling unit. The Cottage is the smallest type of detached principal building in Somerville. Two variants exist, one with a half-story under pitched roof and another with a full height second story and a shallow pitched roof or a flat roof.

The following images are examples from Somerville of the Cottage building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Reserved.

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.1.8 Detached House#

A moderate floor plate, detached, principal building type with one (1) to three (3) vertically stacked dwelling units, where each unit typically has its own front door. The house is the most prevalent building type in Somerville. When the second floor is split between two dwelling units, this type is referred to as a “Philly Style”.

The following images are examples from Somerville of the Detached House Building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Multiple dwelling units within a Detached House building type must be, generally, stacked one over the other. Common examples are shown in Figure 3.1.8. Dwelling units that are side-by-side or front-to-back in orientation are not permitted.

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.1.9 Semi-Detached House#

A moderate floor plate, semi-detached, principal building type with one (1) to three (3) vertically stacked dwelling units. A semi-detached house must be attached on one side to another Semi-Detached House by a party wall.

The following images are examples from Somerville of the Semi-Detached House building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Multiple dwelling units within a Semi-Detached House building type must be, generally, stacked one over the other. Common examples are shown in Figure 3.1.9. Dwelling units that are side-by-side or front-to-back in orientation are not permitted.

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.1.10 Duplex#

A moderate floor plate, detached, principal building type with two (2) side-by-side dwelling units. When occupying a corner lot, the Duplex my have dwelling units attached back to side so that one (1) dwelling unit is oriented toward each frontage.

The following images are primarily examples from Somerville of the Duplex building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. The two (2) dwelling units within a Duplex building type must be side-by-side and both must be oriented toward the front lot line . On corner lots , one dwelling unit may be oriented toward each front lot line resulting in units that are back-to-side in orientation. See Figure 3.1.10. Dwelling units that are stacked one over the other or attached front to back in orientation are not permitted.

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.1.11 Detached Triple Decker#

A moderate floor plate, detached, principal building type with two (2) to three (3) vertically stacked dwelling units.

The following images are examples from Somerville of the Detached Triple Decker building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Multiple dwelling units within a Detached Triple Decker building type must be, generally, stacked one over the other. Common examples are shown in Figure 3.1.11. Dwelling units that are side-by-side or front-to-back in orientation are not permitted.

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.1.12 Backyard Cottage#

A small floor plate, detached, accessory building type typically providing space for one (1) small dwelling unit, a home occupation, a playhouse for children, or vehicular parking on the same lot as a principal building type.

The following images are examples of the Backyard Cottage accessory building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Reserved
2. f. Design Standards i. A three (3) foot wide paved walkway capable of allowing an ambulance cot to be wheeled to and from the Backyard Cottage is required. ii. Utility services for the Backyard Cottage must be buried underground. iii. By order of the Fire Prevention Bureau, Backyard Cottages occupied by any permitted Residential principal use must have an automatic sprinkler system unless they are on a corner lot , a lot with a driveway leading to the Backyard Cottage, or a lot abutting an alley .

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.1.13 Building Components#

1. a. Building components are accessory elements attached to the main massing of a principal building .
2. b. Building components are permitted as specified on Table 3.1.13.
3. c. Building components that are not identified on Table 3.1.13 are prohibited.
4. d. Unless otherwise specified, building components may attach to other building components to create assemblies of components.

(Ord. 2026-05 , 06/25/2026)

3.1.14 Building Design Standards#

1. a. Contextual Front Setbacks i. Notwithstanding the minimum and maximum front setbacks specified for each building type , new construction must have a contextual front setback when any three (3) lots within the NR or UR zoning districts abut and have principal buildings oriented toward the same thoroughfare , subject to the following: a). The facade of the principal building on the center lot of a series of three (3) qualifying lots must be built between the actual front setbacks of the existing principal buildings on the two (2) abutting lots. b). The facade of the principal building on an end lot in a series of three (3) qualifying lots, with qualifying lots to only one side, must be built between the actual front setbacks of the existing principal buildings on the abutting lot and its next abutting lot to the one side of the end lot. c). The maximum front setback specified for each building type is not increased.
2. b. Building Orientation i. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.4.4 . Massing & Height, principal buildings may have facades that are not parallel to a front lot line for any lot where any side lot line intersects with the front lot line at an acute angle.

3.1.15 Architectural Design Guidelines#

1. a. Privacy i. Ground story dwelling units should be elevated above the grade of any adjacent sidewalk so that the window sills of the dwelling unit are at or above the eye-level of passing pedestrians. This elevation change maintains privacy for occupants while also encouraging open blinds or curtains to allow natural daylight into the unit. ii. Dormer and sidewall window locations should break the direct line of sight between neighboring properties to every extent practicable. Translucent glass on the bottom half of windows or strategically placed landscape elements should be utilized if it is not practical to off-set windows in such a way as to minimize privacy impacts. iii. Outdoor amenity spaces that are elevated, such as roof decks , fully projecting balconies, and upper story rear porches should provide sight-obscuring visual screening at the sides to increase privacy, security, and to limit views of abutting properties from elevated vantage points.

3.1.16 Use Provisions#

1. a. General i. The use of real property is subject to the provisions of Article 9: Use Provisions of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 9, the provisions of Article 9 apply. ii. Unless otherwise specified, use categories are permitted as specified in the first column on Table 3.1.16. iii. Use categories that are not identified on Table 3.1.16 are prohibited. iv. All uses must comply with any use-specific standards applicable for each use in Section 9.2 Use Definitions & Standards. v. Uses permitted by Special Permit require additional development review in accordance with § 15.2.1 Special Permit.
2. b. Adaptive Re-use of Specific Building Types i. The use of any commercial building type constructed before the adoption date of this Ordinance, as established by permit records or other historical documents accepted by the Building Official , is permitted only as specified in the second column of Table 3.1.16 The following standards apply: a). Business operations are permitted only between the hours of 7:00am to 9:00 pm. b). In addition to the review criteria for all Special Permits specified in § 15.2.1 .e Review Criteria, the review board shall make findings considering the following in its discretion to approve or deny a Special Permit authorizing a Veterinarian or Health Care Services specific use to occupy a commercial building. i). Compatibility with the level of activity associated with the surrounding properties. ii). The existing concentration of uses from the same use category within the neighborhood. iii). The availability of the same services within the neighborhood. iv). The availability of comparable commercial spaces within the neighborhood.

(Ord. 2022-23 , 11/10/2022; Ord. 2023-25 , 11/21/2023; Ord. 2024-03 , 03/28/2024; Ord. 2024-13 , 11/26/2024; Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

3.1.17 Development Standards#

1. a. General i. Development is subject to the provisions of Article 10: Development Standards of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 10, the provisions of Article 10 apply.
2. b. Signs i. A sign , individual numerals or letters, or a nonelectrical nameplate identifying the property address is required for all real property as follows: a). Each ground story non-residential use must identify the street address either on the principal entrance door or above or beside the principal entrance of the use. b). All residential building types must identify the street address either on the principal entrance door, above or beside the principal entrance, or on a mailbox. ii. Address signs must be made easily visible through the use of colors or materials that contrast with the background material they are attached to and must be conspicuously located to provide visibility from the thoroughfare that the building faces. iii. Address signs must be twelve (12) inches or less in height and may include the name of the occupant.

3.1.18 Parking & Mobility#

1. a. General i. Development is subject to the provisions of Article 11: Parking & Mobility of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 11, the provisions of Article 11 apply. ii. Vehicular parking must be provided as specified on Table 3.1.18. iii. There are no parking requirements for accessory uses.
2. b. Type i. Motor vehicle parking may be provided as surface parking spaces, above ground structured parking , underground structured parking, and on street parking spaces.
3. c. Driveways i. New driveways require a permit from the City Engineer in accordance with Chapter 11, Article II, Sections 11-33 Driveway Construction of The Code of Ordinances, City of Somerville, Massachusetts. ii. Driveways must be paved with paving stones , grass pavers , pervious concrete , or porous asphalt unless graded to direct runoff onto on- site permeable areas or granted a waiver by the City Engineer to mitigate adverse site conditions. Ribbon driveways are highly encouraged. iii. Driveways are not permitted in the frontage area between a building and the front lot line. iv. Driveways may be up to twelve (12) feet in width. See Figure 3.1.18. v. Ribbon driveways must have paved tracks that are at least two (2) feet in width and five (5) feet on center with an unpaved area that is at least three (3) feet in width. Figure 3.1.18. vi. Driveways may provide access in whole or in part on or across an abutting lot(s), provided that an access easement exists between all property owners . vii. New driveways should accommodate at least two (2) motor vehicles for every one (1) on-street parking space that will be removed as a result of the new driveway.

1. d. Parking Design i. The design of all parking is subject to Section 11.1 Bicycle Parking and Section 11.2 Motor Vehicle Parking of this Ordinance. ii. Tandem parking within the drive aisle of a driveway is permitted and is counted as two (2) parking spaces toward any minimum parking requirement.
2. e. Parking Location i. Motor vehicle parking within the drive aisle of a driveway is exempt from the parking setback required for each building type .
3. f. Unbundled Parking i. Motor vehicle parking spaces must be rented or leased as an option rather than a requirement of the rental, lease, or purchase of a dwelling unit or non-residential floor space. ii. Bicycle parking must be provided at no cost or fee to customers, visitors, employees, tenants, and residents.
4. g. Parking Relief i. Relief from the parking standards of Table 3.1.18 requires a Special Permit. a). In addition to the review criteria for all Special Permits specified in § 15.2.1 .e. Review Criteria, the review board shall make findings considering the following in its discretion to approve or deny a Special Permit authorizing relief from the parking standards of Table 3.1.18: i). The supply and demand of on-street parking in the neighborhood, as determined through a parking study. ii). Mobility management programs and services provided by the applicant to reduce the demand for parking. iii). That parking provided in excess of any maximum permitted does not result in the increase in impervious lot area.

Figure 3.1.18 Driveway Dimensions

(Ord. 2024-15 , 12/12/2024)

3.1.19 Public Realm#

1. a. Sidewalk Curb Cuts i. A curb cut requires a permit from the City Engineer and must be compliant with all City Ordinances. ii. Unless otherwise specified, the City Engineer may not permit more than one (1) curb cut per front lot line of a lot . iii. Curb cuts are prohibited along all thoroughfares designated as a pedestrian street . iv. Curb cuts must be located to minimize conflicts with pedestrians and bicyclists and must have a clear distance from fire hydrants, street trees , utility poles, and other furnishings as deemed necessary by the City Engineer. a). Curb cuts for commercial or high-volume driveways should be at least one-hundred (100) feet from an unsignalized or signalized intersection. b). Curb cuts for residential driveways should be at least twenty (20) feet from an unsignalized intersection and at least forty (40) feet from a signalized intersection. v. The interior width of a curb cut (between curb stones) may be no wider than the driveway, vehicular entrance, or loading facility it serves. vi. A driveway apron may be installed only within the furnishing zone of a sidewalk and must be constructed in accordance with all standards established by relevant City Departments. vii. The grade, cross slope, and clear width of the walkway of a sidewalk must be maintained between the driveway apron and the abutting driveway. The appearance of the walkway (ie. scoring pattern or paving material) must indicate that, although a vehicle may cross, the area traversed by a vehicle remains part of the sidewalk.

3.2 URBAN RESIDENCE (UR)#

3.2.1 Character Description#

The Urban Residence district is characterized by a variety of moderate floor plate, multi-unit buildings where outdoor amenity space is typically shared between the residents of a building. The district is almost entirely residential, with occasional neighborhood stores, schools, places of worship, and arts related uses on advantageous sites. This district can provide a transition between Neighborhood Residence and the Mid-Ride, High-rise, and Commercial Districts when mapped accordingly.

Image 228: Computer generated drawing of a urban residence

3.2.2 Intent#

1. a. To implement the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Somerville.
2. b. To create, maintain, and enhance areas appropriate for multi-unit residential buildings.

3.2.3 Purpose#

1. a. To permit the development of multi-unit detached and semi-detached residential buildings on individual lots .
2. b. To permit contextual modifications to existing detached and semi-detached residential buildings.
3. c. To permit the adaptive reuse of certain existing nonconforming buildings for arts & creative enterprise and retail uses compatible with residential areas.
4. d. To create dwelling unit types, sizes, and bedroom counts ideal for both large and small households in permitted building types .
5. e. To permit increased residential density for apartment buildings meeting the definition of both net zero ready and LEED Platinum Certifiable buildings.

(Ord. 2025-10 , 06/12/2025)

3.2.4 Applicability#

1. a. The Section is applicable to all real property within the Urban Residence district as shown on the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas of the City of Somerville.

3.2.5 Development Review#

1. a. Development review is subject to the provisions of Article 15: Administration of this Ordinance.
2. b. This Ordinance may also require Subdivision Plan Approval, Site Plan Approval, a Special Permit, or a Hardship Variance based on the nature of a development proposal. In such cases, additional development review is required in accordance with Article 15: Administration. i. The Zoning Board of Appeals is the decision making authority for all development that requires a Special Permit or Hardship Variance in the Urban Residence district.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

3.2.6 Building Types#

1. a. One (1) principal building is permitted on each lot .
2. b. The following principal building types are permitted by right in the Urban Residence district: i. Semi-Detached Triple Decker ii. Multi-Plex iii. Apartment House iv. Apartment Building v. Row Houses vi. Any principal building type permitted in the NR district, in accordance with the standards of that district.
3. c. Accessory structures are regulated according to Article 10: Development Standards of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 2025-01 , 02/27/2025)

3.2.7 Semi-Detached Triple Decker#

A moderate floor plate, semi-detached, principal building type with three vertically stacked dwelling units. A Semi- Detached Triple Decker must be attached on one side to another Semi-Detached Triple Decker by a party wall.

The following images are examples from Somerville of the Semi-Detached Triple Decker building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Multiple dwelling units within a Semi-Detached Triple Decker must be, generally, stacked one over the other. Common examples are shown in Figure 3.2.7. Dwelling Units that are side-by-side or front-to-back in orientation are not permitted.

Figure 3.2.7 DU Orientation Examples

(Ord. 2023-23 , 11/21/2023)

3.2.8 Multi-Plex#

A moderate floor plate, detached, principal building type with four to six dwelling units. The following images are examples from Somerville of the Multi-Plex building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. The dwelling units of a multi-plex must be, generally, stacked one over the other. Common examples are shown in Figure 3.2.8. Dwelling units that are front-to-back in orientation are not permitted.
2. f. Development Benefits i. Development of a Multi-Plex is subject to the provisions of Article 12: Development Benefits of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 12, the provisions of Article 12 apply. ii. Development of a general building must provide affordable dwelling units as specified on Table 3.2.8.

Figure 3.2.8 DU Orientation Examples

3.2.9 Apartment House#

A moderate floor plate, detached, multi-unit principal building type designed to appear as a large house.

The following images are primarily examples from Somerville of the Apartment House building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Reserved
2. f. Development Benefits i. Development is subject to the provisions of Article 12: Development Benefits of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 12, the provisions of Article 12 apply. ii. Development of an Apartment House must provide affordable dwelling units as specified on Table 3.2.9.

3.2.10 Apartment Building#

A moderate floor plate, multi-story principal building type with multiple dwelling units primarily accessed from a single principal entrance and interior hallway or stairway.

The following images are examples of the Apartment Building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Reserved
2. f. Development Benefits i. Development is subject to the provisions of Article 12: Development Benefits of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 12, the provisions of Article 12 apply. ii. Development of an Apartment Building must provide affordable dwelling units as specified on Table 3.2.10.

(Ord. 2025-10 , 06/12/2025)

3.2.11 Row Houses#

A moderate floor plate, multi-story, principal building type designed as series of four (4) or more small floor plate, attached, residential buildings, each with one (1) dwelling unit.

The following images are examples from Somerville of the Row Houses building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.

1. e. Housing i. Reserved
2. f. Development Benefits i. Development is subject to the provisions of Article 12: Development Benefits of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 12, the provisions of Article 12 apply. ii. Development of Row Houses must provide affordable dwelling units as specified on Table 3.2.11.

3.2.12 Building Components#

1. a. Building components are accessory elements attached to the main mass of a principal building .
2. b. Building components are permitted as specified on Table 3.2.12.
3. c. Building components not identified on Table 3.2.12 are prohibited.
4. d. Unless otherwise specified, building components may attach to other building components to create assemblies of components.

(Ord. 2026-05 , 06/25/2026)

3.2.13 Building Design Standards#

1. a. Contextual Front Setbacks i. Notwithstanding the minimum and maximum front setbacks specified for each building type , new construction must have a contextual front setback when any three (3) lots within the NR or UR zoning districts abut and have principal buildings oriented toward the same thoroughfare , subject to the following: a). The facade of the principal building on the center lot of a series of three (3) qualifying lots must be built between the actual front setbacks of the existing principal buildings on the two (2) abutting lots. b). The facade of the principal building on an end lot in a series of three (3) qualifying lots, with qualifying lots to only one side, must be built between the actual front setbacks of the existing principal buildings on the abutting lot and its next abutting lot to the one side of the end lot. c). The maximum front setback specified for each building type is not increased.

3.2.14 Architectural Design Guidelines#

1. a. Residential Privacy i. Ground story dwelling units should be elevated above the grade of any adjacent sidewalk so that the window sills of the dwelling unit are at or above the eye-level of passing pedestrians. This elevation change maintains privacy for occupants while also encouraging open blinds or curtains to allow natural daylight into the unit. ii. Dormer and sidewall window locations should break the direct line of sight between neighboring properties to every extent practicable. Translucent glass on the bottom half of windows or strategically placed landscape elements should be utilized if it is not practical to off-set windows in such a way as to minimize privacy impacts. iii. Outdoor amenity spaces that are elevated, such as roof decks , fully projecting balconies, and upper story rear porches should provide sight-obscuring visual screening at the sides to increase privacy, security, and to limit views of abutting properties from elevated vantage points.

3.2.15 Use Provisions#

1. a. General i. The use of real property is subject to the provisions of Article 9: Use Provisions of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 9, the provisions of Article 9 apply. ii. Unless otherwise specified, use categories are permitted as specified in the first column on Table 3.2.15. iii. Use categories that are not identified on Table 3.2.15 are prohibited. iv. All uses must comply with any use-specific standards applicable for each use in Section 9.2 Use Definitions & Standards. v. Uses permitted by Special Permit require additional development review in accordance with § 15.2.1 Special Permit.
2. b. Adaptive Re-use of Specific Building Types i. The use of any commercial building type constructed before the effective date of this Ordinance, as established by permit records or other historical documents accepted by the Building Official , is permitted only as specified in the second column of Table 3.2.15. The following standards apply: a). Business operations are permitted only between the hours of 7:00am to 9:00 pm. b). In addition to the review criteria for all Special Permits specified in § 15.2.1 .e Review Criteria, the review board shall make findings considering the following in its discretion to approve or deny a Special Permit authorizing a Veterinarian or Health Care Services specific use to occupy a commercial building . i). Compatibility with the level of activity associated with the surrounding properties. ii). The existing concentration of uses from the same use category within the neighborhood. iii). The availability of the same services within the neighborhood. iv). The availability of comparable commercial spaces within the neighborhood.

(Ord. 2022-23 , 11/10/2022; Ord. 2023-25 , 11/21/2023; Ord. 2024-03 , 03/28/2024; Ord. 2024-13 , 11/26/2024; Ord. 2025-15 , 06/26/2025)

3.2.16 Development Standards#

1. a. General i. Development is subject to the provisions of Article 10: Development Standards of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 10, the provisions of Article 10 apply.
2. b. Signs i. A sign , individual numerals or letters, or a nonelectrical nameplate identifying the property address is required for all real property as follows: a). Each ground story non-residential use must identify the street address either on the principal entrance door or above or beside the principal entrance of the use. b). All residential building types must identify the street address either on the principal entrance door, above or beside the principal entrance, or on a mailbox. ii. Address signs must be made easily visible through the use of colors or materials that contrast with the background material they are attached to and must be conspicuously located to provide visibility from the thoroughfare that the building faces. iii. Address signs must be twelve (12) inches in height or less and may include the name of the occupant.

3.2.17 Parking & Mobility#

1. a. General i. Development is subject to the provisions of Article 11: Parking & Mobility of this Ordinance. Where the provisions of this Section conflict with those of Article 11, the provisions of Article 11 apply. ii. Vehicular parking must be provided as specified on Table 3.2.17. iii. There are no parking requirements for accessory uses.
2. b. Type i. Motor vehicle parking may be provided as surface parking spaces, above ground structured parking , underground structured parking, and on street parking spaces.
3. c. Driveways i. New driveways require a permit from the City Engineer in accordance with Chapter 11, Article II, Sections 11-33 Driveway Construction of The Code of Ordinances, City of Somerville, Massachusetts. ii. Driveways must be paved with paving stones , grass pavers , pervious concrete , or porous asphalt unless graded to direct runoff onto on-site permeable areas or granted a waiver by the City Engineer to mitigate adverse site conditions. iii. Driveways are not permitted in the frontage area between a building and the front lot line . iv. Driveways may be up to twelve (12) feet in width. See Figure 3.2.17. v. Driveways may provide access in whole or in part on or across an abutting lot (s), provided that an access easement exists between all property owners . vi. New driveways should accommodate at least two (2) motor vehicles for every one (1) on-street parking space that will be removed as a result of the new driveway.
4. d. Parking Design i. The design of all parking is subject to Section 11.1 Bicycle Parking and Section 11.2 Motor Vehicle Parking of this Ordinance.
5. e. Unbundled Parking i. Motor vehicle parking spaces must be rented or leased as an option rather than a requirement of the rental, lease, or purchase of a dwelling unit or non-residential floor space. ii. Bicycle parking must be provided at no cost or fee to customers, visitors, employees, tenants, and residents.
6. f. Parking Relief i. Relief from the parking standards of Table 3.2.17 requires a Special Permit. a). In addition to the review criteria for all Special Permits specified in § 15.2.1 .e. Review Criteria, the review board shall make findings considering the following in its discretion to approve or deny a special permit authorizing relief from the parking standards of Table 3.2.17: i). The supply and demand of on-street parking in the neighborhood, as determined through a parking study. ii). mobility management programs and services provided by the applicant to reduce the demand for parking. iii). That parking provided in excess of any maximum permitted does not result in the increase in impervious lot area.

Figure 3.2.17 Driveway Dimensions

(Ord. 2024-15 , 12/12/2024)

3.2.18 Public Realm#

1. a. Sidewalk Curb Cuts i. A curb cut requires a permit from the City Engineer and must be compliant with all City Ordinances. ii. Unless otherwise specified, the City Engineer may not permit more than one (1) curb cut per front lot line of a lot . iii. Curb cuts are prohibited along all thoroughfares designated as a pedestrian street . iv. Curb cuts must be located to minimize conflicts with pedestrians and bicyclists and must have a clear distance from fire hydrants, street trees , utility poles, and other furnishings as deemed necessary by the City Engineer. a). Curb cuts for commercial or high-volume driveways should be at least one-hundred (100) feet from an unsignalized or signalized intersection. b). Curb cuts for residential driveways should be at least twenty (20) feet from an unsignalized intersection and at least forty (40) feet from a signalized intersection. v. The interior width of a curb cut (between curb stones) may be no wider than the driveway, vehicular entrance, or loading facility it serves. vi. A driveway apron may be installed only within the furnishing zone of a sidewalk and must be constructed in accordance with all standards established by relevant City Departments. vii. The grade, cross slope, and clear width of the walkway of a sidewalk must be maintained between the driveway apron and the abutting driveway. The appearance of the walkway (ie. scoring pattern or paving material) must indicate that, although a vehicle may cross, the area traversed by a vehicle remains part of the sidewalk.

4. MID-RISE DISTRICTS#

Image 386: Area in the Mid-Rise District

4.1 MID-RISE 3 (MR3)#

4.1.1 Description#

The Mid-Rise 3 district is characterized by a variety of moderate floor plate buildings up to three (3) stories in height. Buildings are set close to the sidewalk to create a defined street wall that supports pedestrian activity and a sense of place. The district is primarily commercial, with ground story uses that typically address the needs of residents and employees in the immediate neighborhood.

Image 387: Computer generated drawing of the Mid-Rise District buildings

4.1.2 Intent#

1. a. To implement the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Somerville.
2. b. To create, maintain, and enhance areas appropriate for smaller scale, multi-use and mixed-use buildings and neighborhood serving commercial uses.

4.1.3 Purpose#

1. a. To permit the development of multi-unit and mixed-use buildings that do not exceed three (3) stories in height.
2. b. To provide quality commercial spaces and permit small- scale, neighborhood serving commercial uses.
3. c. To create dwelling unit types, sizes, and bedroom counts ideal for larger households in apartment buildings.
4. d. To create dwelling unit types, sizes, and bedroom counts ideal for smaller households in general buildings.
5. e. To permit increased residential density for buildings that meet the definition of both net zero ready and LEED Platinum Certifiable buildings.

(Ord. 2025-10 , 06/12/2025)

4.1.4 Applicability#

1. a. The section is applicable to all real property within the Mid-Rise 3 district as shown on the maps of the Official Zoning Atlas of the City of Somerville.

4.1.5 Development Review#

1. a. Development review is subject to the provisions of Article 15: Administration of this Ordinance.
2. b. This Ordinance may also require Subdivision Plan Approval, Site Plan Approval, a Special Permit, or a Hardship Variance based on the nature of a development proposal. In such cases, additional development review is required in accordance with Article 15: Administration. i. The Planning Board is the decision making authority for all development that requires Site Plan Approval or a Special Permit. ii. The Zoning Board of Appeals is the Review Board for all Hardship Variances.

(Ord. 2024-14 , 11/26/2024)

4.1.6 Building Types#

1. a. One (1) principal building is permitted on each lot .
2. b. The following principal building type are permitted by Site Plan Approval in the Mid-Rise 3 district: i. Apartment Building ii. General Building iii. Commercial Building
3. c. Apartment Buildings are prohibited on any lot fronting a pedestrian street .
4. d. Accessory structures are regulated according to Article 10: Development Standards of this Ordinance.

4.1.7 Apartment Building#

A small to moderate floor plate , multi-story, principal building type purpose built for occupation by residential uses on all stories.

The following images are examples of the apartment building type and are intended only for illustrative purposes.