New driveways in Somerville require a curb cut permit from DPW plus zoning approval. Many lots are grandfathered and cannot add new curb cuts.
Creating a new driveway in Somerville is difficult because the zoning ordinance limits curb cuts on streets narrower than specified widths and in dense residential districts. A new or widened curb cut requires a permit from the Department of Public Works Engineering Division, review by Traffic and Parking for sight lines and loss of on-street parking, and zoning relief in many cases since the Somerville Zoning Ordinance discourages new parking that eliminates public spaces. Driveways must be paved with an approved material, slope to drain on-site (not across the sidewalk), and meet ADA standards at the sidewalk crossing. Blocking a sidewalk with a parked vehicle, even on your own driveway apron, is a tow-eligible offense. Historic district properties need Historic Preservation Commission approval for new driveway work.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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 driveway rules.
See how Somerville's driveway rules rules stack up against other locations.
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