Somerville's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business a little differently. In Somerville, Massachusetts, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Home Daycare
Somerville family child care homes operate under MA EEC licensing (606 CMR 7.00) and are treated as residential uses under state law, with local zoning limited to safety and compatibility.
Key details: State License: EEC via 606 CMR 7.00 required. Child Limit: 6 children (10 with assistant). Zoning: Residential use per MGL c.40A s.3. Lead Paint: Delead required for kids under 6. Contact: Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Home occupations in Somerville must limit customer traffic to appointment-only levels. High-traffic uses are prohibited and can trigger revocation of the home occupation right.
Key details: Traffic standard: No more than residential use. Visits: By appointment only. Retail walk-ins: Not allowed. Group classes: Usually prohibited. Enforcement trigger: Neighbor complaints.
Signage Rules
Inside one of Somerville's designated historic districts, a home occupation sign gets a hard cap: one foot square or less, one sign per residence, and indirect illumination only, under Code § 7-21(c)(4). Stay within that size and the sign skips Historic Preservation Commission review; go bigger and the commission's certificate process applies first.
Key details: Governing section: Somerville Code § 7-21(c)(4). Exempt sign size: 1 square foot or less. Signs per residence: One sign maximum. Illumination: Indirect only. Scope: Designated historic districts only.
Installing an oversized, additional, or directly-illuminated home occupation sign inside a historic district without commission review is treated as an unauthorized exterior alteration. Under § 7-21(b), inspectional services cannot issue a building permit for the work until the Historic Preservation Commission issues the required certificate, so an unpermitted sign can be ordered removed while the owner is sent back to the commission before it goes back up.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Somerville allows limited home businesses as an accessory use under Zoning Ordinance §9.2.14.b, but only inside a fully enclosed building the resident owns or occupies, with no outdoor storage, one off-street parking space, and no products visible from the street. Shipping is restricted to parcel and small-freight carriers only.
Key details: Governing section: §9.2.14.b Home Occupations. Location requirement: Inside enclosed building, owner-occupied. Outdoor storage: Prohibited. Parking allowed: 1 off-street space. Shipping limit: Parcel and small freight carriers only.
Operating a home business that stores equipment outdoors, displays products visible from the street, uses more than one off-street parking space, employs more than the permitted staff, or generates noise or traffic that interferes with a neighbor's quiet enjoyment violates §9.2.14.b. The Building Official can order the business discontinued, deny occupancy approval, and require a special permit application, such as a Hobby Kennel review, before the use can continue.
The Bottom Line
Somerville's home business 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.
All of the above reflects Somerville's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.