The Borough of Somerville restricts the keeping of swine, goats, cattle, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons, chickens, ducks, geese and other fowl under Chapter 178 (Animals and Fowl) of the Borough Code, adopted by the Board of Health in 1978. No such animals may be kept in any cellar or dwelling house, and any permitted outdoor keeping must use a confined coop with an enclosed runway maintained in clean, sanitary condition.
Chapter 178 of the Borough of Somerville Code (Animals and Fowl) was adopted by the Somerville Board of Health on October 25, 1978. The chapter prohibits keeping swine, goats, cattle, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons, chickens, ducks, geese or other fowl in any cellar or dwelling house within the Borough. Where such animals or fowl are otherwise permitted, they must be confined in a suitable coop with an enclosed runway, kept clean and sanitary, and located so they do not become a nuisance or interfere with the well-being of neighboring residents. Standard residential zoning districts in Somerville do not list keeping of poultry or livestock as a permitted accessory use, so for most homeowners the practical answer is that backyard chickens are not allowed. Residents should confirm parcel zoning with the Borough Zoning Officer before bringing any fowl onto the property.
Code enforcement and the Board of Health may issue notices of violation requiring removal of prohibited animals or correction of unsanitary coop conditions. Continued violations are subject to fines under the Borough's general penalty section and Board of Health enforcement powers.
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