Building Setbacks & Zoning in Somerville, MA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Somerville, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Somerville setbacks vary by zoning district under the 2019+ zoning overhaul. Most residential zones require modest front yards matching the streetwall.
Somerville Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsStructure 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.
Somerville Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
Somerville caps building and impervious lot coverage by district. NR districts typically allow 50 percent building coverage with minimum usable open space.
Somerville Lot Coverage Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Somerville city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Middlesex County →