Environmental Rules in Somerville, MA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Somerville or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Somerville has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Flood Zones
Parts of Somerville near the Mystic River and Alewife Brook are FEMA Zone AE. New construction in the floodplain must elevate 2 feet above BFE.
Key details: Zones present: AE and X-shaded. Freeboard: 2 feet above BFE. Substantial improvement: 50 percent rule. Insurance: Required in SFHA with mortgage. Key areas: Mystic River, Alewife Brook, Assembly.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Somerville takes a harder line on flood zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Grading & Drainage
Grading over 50 cubic yards or that changes drainage patterns requires DPW review in Somerville. Roof and yard drainage may not discharge to neighbors.
Key details: Permit trigger: 50 cubic yards or drainage change. Roof leaders: To storm or infiltration. Neighbor discharge: Prohibited. Retaining wall permit: Over 4 feet. Sump to sewer: Federal CWA violation.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Erosion Control
Construction sites in Somerville must install silt fence, stabilized entrances, and inlet protection before earthwork. Violations are $300 per day.
Key details: Design guide: MA Stormwater Handbook. Required BMPs: Silt fence, stabilized entry, inlet protection. Stabilization: 14 days for inactive areas. Wetland jurisdiction: 100 feet Conservation. Fine: $300 per day typical.
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 erosion control requirements.
Stormwater Management
Somerville is an EPA MS4 community. Projects disturbing 1 acre need NPDES permits; local review kicks in at 500 sq ft of new impervious surface.
Key details: Federal permit: NPDES at 1 acre disturbance. Local trigger: 500 sq ft impervious. Design standard: No net peak runoff increase. Illicit discharge fine: Up to $5,000 per day. Watershed: Mystic River basin.
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.
The Bottom Line
Somerville is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 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.
These rules come from Somerville's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.