Home Daycare: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do home daycare rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge home daycares must hold a Massachusetts EEC license and comply with zoning for family child care homes, which are permitted as-of-right in residential districts under MGL c.28A.
View full Cambridge rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
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.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Agency | Massachusetts EEC | - |
| Small Family Limit | 6 children | - |
| Large Family Limit | 10 children | - |
| State Law | MGL c.28A and 606 CMR 7.00 | - |
| Zoning Status | As-of-right residential | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Do I need a Cambridge city license?
No separate city daycare license, but you need the state EEC license plus Cambridge fire and health inspections.
How many children can I watch?
Up to 6 in small family child care, or up to 10 in large family child care with a certified assistant.
Somerville FAQ
Do I need a Somerville permit in addition to my EEC license?
No separate local permit is required, but your home must meet Somerville building, fire, and lead paint standards. Inspectional Services may inspect for life-safety compliance.
Can my neighbors block my family daycare?
No. Massachusetts law protects licensed family child care homes as residential uses. Neighbors cannot use zoning to prohibit them, though legitimate nuisance complaints can be enforced.
Compare other topics
See how Cambridge and Somerville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool