How Somerville Handles HOA Rules: A Practical Guide
Somerville maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with hoa rules. 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.
Board Procedures
Somerville condominium boards operate under MGL c.183A (Massachusetts Condominium Act) and the recorded Master Deed and Bylaws, which govern elections, meeting notice, quorum, and voting procedures for trustees.
Key details: Governing Law: MGL c.183A. Key Documents: Master Deed and Bylaws. Annual Meeting: Required by bylaws. Voting: Proportional to unit interest. Contact: Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
CC&R Enforcement
Somerville condo boards enforce the Master Deed, Declaration of Trust, and Rules and Regulations under MGL c.183A through notice, fines, and ultimately Land Court action, with procedural fairness required by the bylaws.
Key details: Enforcement Path: Notice, cure, hearing, fine. Fines: Must be reasonable. Selective Enforcement: Not allowed. Court: Land Court injunctions. Contact: Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Architectural Review
Somerville condo architectural changes follow the Master Deed and Bylaws under MGL c.183A, with exterior modifications requiring board approval and sometimes owner votes for common areas.
Key details: Authority: Master Deed and Bylaws. Exterior Changes: Board approval required. Historic Districts: SHPC review possible. Interior: Usually unrestricted. Contact: Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Assessment & Dues
Somerville condo assessments are levied under MGL c.183A s.6 per unit percentage interest, and unpaid amounts become a priority lien under s.6(c) senior to most mortgages for 6 months.
Key details: Governing Statute: MGL c.183A s.6. Allocation: Per percentage interest. Super Lien: 6 months priority over mortgage. Notice: 60 days before super-lien. Contact: Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Somerville takes a harder line on assessment & dues. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Dispute Resolution
Condo disputes in Somerville are typically resolved through internal bylaws procedures first, then mediation or the Massachusetts Land Court under MGL c.185 s.1, which has special jurisdiction over condominium matters.
Key details: First Step: Bylaws internal procedures. Court: MA Land Court or Superior. Small Claims: Under $7000. Discrimination: MCAD or HUD. Contact: Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Somerville's hoa rules 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.
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.