Zoning for Somerville Artists
Throughout 2021 the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) worked in partnership to create the Somerville Art Space Risk Assessment. This report analyzes the impact of development pressure on arts organizations and spaces across the city and makes recommendations for how to protect art spaces and support the creative economy.
In January 2022 SAC and MAPC hosted a public forum and subsequently released the final report that provides analysis and recommendations to address policies concerning arts spaces, zoning, and planning.
The first round of draft zoning changes based on the recommendations outlined in the Somerville Art Space Risk Assessment are ready to be implemented. As a community let's continue to roll out these policies and initiatives.
Learn more: Somerville Arts Space Risk Assessment
We want your feedback!
Zoning Listening Session for Somerville Artists (Virtual Meeting)
The meeting took place on Tuesday, September 19 at 6:00 P.M.
Meeting Slides: Artist Listening Session Presentation.pdf
Meeting recording: Artist Listening Session - Proposed Zoning Changes 20230919.mp4
At the meeting, a presentation outlined the potential changes, then city staff wanted to hear thoughts and reactions from Somerville Artists in attendance. The three documents attached to this webpage display the potential zoning changes in detail, and there is a summary of each document below.
Can't make it to the meeting or prefer to submit written feedback?
Summary of Potential Zoning Changes
Document 1: Article 2 - Glossary Changes
The proposed zoning amendment results in changes to the definitions section of the zoning ordinance (Article 2 - Glossary). Changes to the glossary section include the addition of a Live/Work Studio definition and revisions to the definitions for Creative Studio and Rooming Unit.
Document 2: Use Table Changes
This table shows where uses are allowed either by-right (P), Special Permit (SP), or not permitted (N) in certain zoning districts. This amendment permits Arts & Creative Enterprise (ACE) uses by-right in the MR, HR, and Commercial zoning districts (including Fabrication). Office uses will not be permitted in the Fabrication zoning district as proposed with this zoning amendment.
Document 3: Article 9 - Use Provisions
This document shows the changes to the zoning ordinances use provisions including ACE Use and Office Use. Main changes as a result of this zoning amendment are as follows:
- Arts shared workspace and arts education are separated out and now independent uses categories within the ACE
- Move Coworking out of ACE uses and into the Office Uses
- Repeal Work/live creative studio ACE use category
- Create Live/work creative studio - Dwelling unit with attached Creative Studio
- Create Artist Housing land use
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如果您需要語言方面的協助 請撥打 311 (617-666-3311) 或於somervillema.gov/ContactSomerviva 聯絡 彩薩默: 移民事務辦公室。
如果您需要语言方面的协助，请联系 (somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva)或者请拨打 311（617-666-3311）。
