FAQs

Zoning is the City of Somerville’s ‘code’ of rules for what can be built and how something can be used on private property in different areas of the city. A zoning map divides the city into districts or zones. Standards are frequently different from one district to the next. 

A form-based code is a zoning code that prioritizes regulating the physical shape, bulk, and placement of buildings to create predictable and well-designed built outcomes. 

A dimensional standard is a regulation that controls physical shape, bulk, and placement of a building. This can include such as lot area, lot width, lot coverage, building setbacks, floorplate size, number of stories, and building height.  

A zoning envelope is the volume of space that is made up of the building setback and building height rules. A building is allowed to be located within the envelope, and nothing is allowed to project outside its boundaries. 

Building types are a way to classify different buildings. Building components are additional parts attached to the main portion of a building that increase the internal area or enhance the usefulness of a building. Building components include features like stoops, porches, decks, dormers, bay windows, side wings, and rear additions.    

A hardship variance is an official exception to the zoning standards that can be granted due to the existing soil conditions, topography, or shape of a property or the shape of an existing building.  

Frontage area refers to the area of a lot between the front of a building and the font lot line. Some lots, depending on shape and placement, can have two frontage areas.  

Base zoning is the primary set of rules that govern how land can be used and developed in a particular area. Base zoning can an overlay district.

An overlay district is a special zoning tool that applies additional rules on top of the existing base zoning for a specific area. It “overlays” extra regulations that can address unique community goals, such as historic preservation, environmental protection, design standards, or specific land uses. The base zoning still applies, but the overlay district adds another layer of rules to guide development and land use in that area.

The Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan is a community-driven vision adopted by the Planning Board to guide growth and development in the Assembly Square area. It outlines the vision, goals, and strategies for the future growth and development of the Assembly Square area. It was developed through extensive collaboration with residents, local businesses, city officials, and other stakeholders to ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. The plan addresses key topics such as land use, transportation, housing, open space, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan serves as a roadmap for city officials, developers, and the public to make informed decisions about how the area evolves in the coming years.

A Transform Area is a neighborhood the city has identified for focused growth and improvement. They are places where we want to encourage more housing, businesses, and transit options to create lively, walkable communities.

The process will unfold over the next several months, with staff interviews, public engagement, drafting, and ultimately submission to the City Council for review and adoption. Exact dates will be shared via project updates.

The update aims to balance citywide standards with local needs. Property owners and businesses will be informed throughout the process and have opportunities to provide feedback before any changes are adopted.

The Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development will offer public engagement opportunities both in person and online, where residents, property owners, and neighborhood groups can share their thoughts and feedback.

You can check the project page regularly for updates and subscribe to receive email notifications so you don’t miss any news about the zoning update.