Traditional livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs are not permitted on residential lots in Somerville, which has no agricultural zoning districts.
Somerville's zoning does not include agricultural districts, and the city's dense urban fabric means traditional livestock are not allowed on residential or mixed-use lots. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats (including miniature or pygmy breeds), and pigs (including potbellied or mini pigs when kept as pets in violation of zoning) are not permitted anywhere in the city as residential animals. The city's limited urban agriculture ordinance allows only backyard hens and bees under Board of Health permits, along with community gardens managed by Groundwork Somerville and similar groups. The Massachusetts Right to Farm Act (MGL Chapter 111 Section 125A) protects active commercial farms but does not create a right to start livestock operations in urban lots where zoning does not permit them. Violations result in orders to remove animals within a defined period and fines beginning at 100 dollars per animal per day of non-compliance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle livestock.
See how Somerville's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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