How Somerville Handles Building Setbacks & Zoning: A Practical Guide
Somerville maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. 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.
Lot Coverage Limits
Somerville caps building and impervious lot coverage by district. NR districts typically allow 50 percent building coverage with minimum usable open space.
Key details: NR building coverage: Around 50 percent. Open space: 20 to 30 percent pervious. MR and commercial: FAR-based limits. Stormwater trigger: 500 sq ft impervious. Synthetic turf: Counts as impervious.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Structure Height Limits
Somerville height limits run from 2.5 stories in NR districts to 6+ stories in MR and transit-oriented areas around Union Square and Assembly.
Key details: NR max: 2.5 stories approx 35 ft. MR and corridor: 4 to 6 stories. Assembly and Union: 7 to 20+ stories overlay. Accessory: About 15 ft. Solar on roof: Excluded up to limits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Setback Rules
Somerville setbacks vary by zoning district under the 2019+ zoning overhaul. Most residential zones require modest front yards matching the streetwall.
Key details: Zoning code: 2019 SZO rewrite. Front yard NR: 10 feet or context. Side yard: 5 to 10 feet typical. Rear yard: 20 feet or more. Nonconforming: Relief from ZBA required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Somerville's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Somerville is broadly strict or permissive.
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.