Somerville setbacks vary by zoning district under the 2019+ zoning overhaul. Most residential zones require modest front yards matching the streetwall.
Somerville adopted a comprehensive new zoning ordinance in late 2019 that replaced the old R, RA, RB districts with neighborhood residence (NR), urban residence (UR), mid-rise (MR), and other context-based districts. Setbacks are calibrated to match the existing streetwall so new buildings must step back to align with neighbors. Typical NR front setbacks are 10 feet or the prevailing context, side yards are 5 to 10 feet, and rear yards are 20 feet or more to protect open space. Corner lots have two front yards. Bay windows, open porches, and steps may encroach into setbacks up to specified limits. Nonconforming structures are common because much of Somerville was built before zoning; alterations to nonconforming setbacks generally require zoning relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle setback rules.
See how Somerville's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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