How Somerville Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Somerville maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Somerville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Chickens & Livestock
Somerville permits a limited number of backyard hens by permit with strict coop setbacks and no roosters, reflecting the city's dense urban fabric and small lot sizes.
Key details: Hens allowed: Typically up to 6 by permit. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop setback: 10 ft lot line, 25 ft dwellings. Other livestock: Not permitted in residential. Permit issuer: ISD and Board of Health.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Somerville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Breed Restrictions
Somerville does not impose breed-specific legislation because Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 Section 157A prohibits cities from regulating dogs based on breed.
Key details: Breed ban: None (state preempted). Governing law: MGL c.140 s.157A. Dangerous-dog law: MGL c.140 s.157. License required at: 6 months, annually. Private rules: Landlords may restrict.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Somerville gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets are governed primarily by Massachusetts state law, which bans most wild and dangerous species; Somerville enforces the state list through Animal Control and Board of Health.
Key details: Main authority: 321 CMR 9.01 (state). Statutory basis: MGL c.131 s.23. Permitting agency: MassWildlife. Common pets allowed: Dogs, cats, small exotics. Typical fine: From 500 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Somerville actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.
Wildlife Feeding
Somerville prohibits feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or public health risks, and MassWildlife restricts feeding of deer, bears, and turkeys statewide.
Key details: Nuisance authority: Board of Health. State rules: 321 CMR 2.02 (deer/bears). Bird feeders: Allowed if no rodent issue. Pigeon feeding: Prohibited when a nuisance. Base fine: 100 dollars plus abatement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs in Somerville must be leashed in all public areas except designated off-leash dog parks, with fines for violations and mandatory waste cleanup citywide.
Key details: Leash max length: 6 feet in public. Off-leash areas: Designated dog parks only. Waste cleanup fine: From 50 dollars. Leash violation fine: 25 to 50 dollars. License required: Annual, City Clerk.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Somerville takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Livestock
Traditional livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs are not permitted on residential lots in Somerville, which has no agricultural zoning districts.
Key details: Cattle, horses, pigs: Not permitted. Goats and sheep: Not permitted. Allowed urban ag: Hens, bees by permit. Right to Farm: MGL c.111 s.125A. Daily fine: From 100 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Somerville takes a harder line on livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed in Somerville with Board of Health permitting and mandatory state registration under MGL Chapter 128 Section 31A, with hive setbacks and flyway barriers required.
Key details: State registration: MGL c.128 s.31A (MDAR). Local permit: Board of Health. Hive setback: 10 ft lot line. Flyway barrier: 6 ft if under 25 ft to homes. Water source: Required on property.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Somerville is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Somerville, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Somerville can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.