Apply for a License or Permit
Scam Notice
Permit Applications are being targeted with fake payment requests. The City of Somerville will never ask you to send money via gift cards, peer-to-peer apps (like Venmo or Cash App), cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Official City emails come from @somervillema.gov addresses. Fees are requested only through the City’s standard billing/invoice processes or payment portals, such as via check or the CitizenServe Application Portal.
You can apply for permits and licenses online using the City of Somerville's CitizenServe portal.
Please note: If you would like to apply for a parking permit, visit the ParkSomerville page.
If you are unable to apply online, visit the appropriate department in person:
| Home/Property-Owner and Health Licenses and Permits |
Business Licenses | Alcohol/Restaurant Licenses | Planning and Historic |
| Inspectional Services Division 1 Franey Rd. Somerville, MA 02145 |
City Clerk's Office 93 Highland Ave. Somerville, MA 02143 |
Licensing Commission 93 Highland Ave. Somerville, MA 02143 |
Planning Division 167 Holland St, Suite 211 Somerville MA, 02144 |
Applying Online
The City of Somerville’s CitizenServe portal allows you to apply for a wide range of permits and licenses online. You will have to register the first time you apply for a permit.
Follow these instructions to apply for your permit of license:
1. On the CitizenServe portal, click on “Services” in the menu at the top of the page:
2. From the drop-down menu, choose whether you want to apply for a permit or a license:
3. On the next pages, you can register or log into your account and find information on the whether you need a permit or license, the information you will need to gather, and link to apply.
Planning, Zoning, & Historic Applications
Planning and Zoning Applications
For Zoning and Planning related permit, please apply through CitizenServe under “Zoning Permit” Application Type. Among the permits you may need are:
- Site Plan Approval and Plan Revisions
- Special Permits
- Variances
- Administrative Appeals
- Comprehensive 40B Permits
Please review helpful documents related to Zoning Permits here.
Historic Preservation Applications
If you are proposing to do any work on a Local Historic District Property or if you are proposing the demolition of a building that is 75 years or older, please apply through CitizenServe under “Historic Permit” Application Type.
Please review helpful documents related to Historic Permits here.
If you have any questions related to a Planning, Zoning, or Historic Permit, please contact planning@somervillema.gov.
Home & Property Permits
You can research and apply for home and property permits online using the City of Somerville’s CitizenServe portal. Among the permits you may need for projects on your home and property:
- Alterations to Local Historic Districts
- Building Permits
- Demolition Permits
- Driveway/Curb Cut Permits
- Occupancy Licenses
- Tree Removal Permits and Waivers
- Zoning Relief (Special Permits, Site Plan Approval, Hardship Variances, and Plan Revisions)
- and more
If you are unable to apply online, visit the Inspection Service Division in person at 1 Franey Road during Walk-In Hours: Monday through Friday 9 -11 a.m., and Monday to Thursday 1 - 3 p.m.
Health License & Permits
You can research and apply for health licenses and permits online using the City of Somerville’s CitizenServe portal. Among the permits you may need:
- Dumpster Licenses
- Dumpster Hauler Licenses
- Food Establishment Licenses
- Pool Licenses
- Body Art Licenses
- Electrical Licenses
- Farmers Market Licenses
- Occupancy Licenses
- Tanning Licenses
- Temporary Food Permit Licenses
- and more
If you are unable to apply online, visit the Inspection Service Division in person at 1 Franey Road during Walk-In Hours: Monday through Friday 9 -11 a.m., and Monday to Thursday 1 - 3 p.m.
Alcohol & Restaurant Licenses
You can research and apply for alcohol and restaurant licenses online using the City of Somerville’s CitizenServe portal. Among the permits you may need for projects on your home and property:
- Restaurants (with alcohol)
- Common Victualers (restaurants without alcohol)
- Private Clubs
- Farmer Pourers (breweries, distilleries, wineries)
- Inns
- Educational Institutions
- Package Stores
- Entertainment (without on-premise food service)
- ...and Amendments to these licenses, and
- Special Alcohol Licenses
- Special Farmer Wineries at Farmers Markets
- and more
If you are unable to apply online, visit the Licensing Commission in person in City Hall at 93 Highland Ave.
Business Licenses
You can research and apply for business licenses online using the City of Somerville’s CitizenServe portal. Among the permits you may need for projects on your home and property:
- Garages for Auto Repairs and Parking
- Used Car Dealers
- Drain Layers
- Extended Operating Hours (after midnight)
- Outdoor Seating or Goods on Public sidewalks
- Hawker Peddlers
- Junk Dealers
- Signs and Awnings
- Grants of Location
- Public Events
- Raffles and Bazaars
- and more
If you are unable to apply online, visit the City Clerk’s office in person in City Hall at 93 Highland Ave.
Cannabis Establishment Licenses
You can research and apply for cannabis establishment licenses online using the City of Somerville’s CitizenServe portal. Among the permits you may need for projects on your home and property:
- Marijuana Retailer
- Marijuana Cultivator
- Craft Marijuana Cooperative
- Marijuana Product Manufacturer
- Independent Testing Laboratory
- Marijuana Research Facility
- and more
If you are unable to apply online, please contact the licensing Commission by calling (617) 625-6600 x4100, or email licensing@somervillema.gov.
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