Mayor Katjana Ballantyne Sharing Tips to Help Making Moving to Somerville Stress Free for New and Returning Residents

As moving season gets underway, the Ballantyne Administration is sharing tips and reminders to help you get settled, stay safe, and feel connected. 

"We want every person moving to Somerville to feel supported and at home from day one," said Mayor Ballantyne. "This guide brings together the resources and reminders that can make a big difference during a busy time, so residents can focus on settling in and becoming part of our community." 

Contact 311 for any questions or concerns, 24/7 

• 311 is your one call to City Hall. Contact them 24/7 with any City-related questions or needs, and they’ll either take care of it or connect you to the right staff.  
• Pro tip: 311 is your best call for move in/move our essentials like reserving a parking spot for move-in day, scheduling mattress or box spring pick-up, extra trash collection, and more.
• Available by:
  • Phone: Dial 3-1-1 or (617) 666-3311 if outside of Somerville
  • Email: 311requests@somervillema.gov
  • Web and Live Chat: gov/311
  • App: 311 Somerville (available for iOS and Android)
  • Social Media: X/Twitter: @311
  • SomervilleFacebook: com/311Somerville
    • Instagram: @311somerville
    • Bluesky: @311somerville.bsky.social

Parking, Moving Van Permits & Resident Permits 

Somerville is dense and parking is precious, so plan ahead. You’ll find more information at somervillema.gov/parking but here are some key tips: 

• Moving Van/Container Permits
  • Reserve a spot for up to 3 days: $40/day. Street signage i $5 per sign; meters require a $35/day bagging fee  
  • Place signs at least 2 days in advance, call 311 to confirm, and be sure to remove and recycle them afterward  
  • Hand-deliver your application to Parking Dept (133 Holland St.) for immediate processing, or mail it and pick up within 10–15 business days  
• Annual Resident Parking Permits
  • Cost: $40/year. You’ll need vehicle registration (garaged in Somerville) and proof of residency like a utility bill  
  • Still updating registration? Get a free 30-day temporary permit with documentation
• Other Parking Essentials
  • Look out for street-sweeping signs (April–Dec), snow-emergency restrictions, and meter hours.
  • Visitors can get 2‑ or 3‑day passes that are valid up to 12 months
  • Guest passes can be requested by residents, and relaxed enforcement is available when you have a party/gathering 

Trash, Recycling & Waste Tips 

After unpacking, here’s how to keep Somerville clean and neighborly: 

• Keep trash in waterproof, covered barrels. You can set them out as early as 4 p.m. the day before pickup and must retrieve them by 7 p.m. on pickup day  
• Check your trash schedule and look up disposal rules for any item at gov/wastewizard
• Flatten and bundle moving boxes (3'×3') for recycling; small appliances go to the Electronic Waste Recycling Program at One Franey Road  
• Somerville uses a zero-sort system, just toss cans, glass, paper, cardboard, and plastics in one bin
• Please don’t block sidewalks or leave debris, call 311 to report cluttered pathways 

Visit somervillema.gov/trash for more information 

Utilities Setup 

Getting connected is key. Set up services with: 

• Internet/TV: The two licenses internet/Cable TV providers in Somerville are Comcast/Xfinity, and Astound (formerly RCN), and of course there are many satellite providers
• Electricity & Gas: Eversource (formerly NStar); Gas also via National Grid
• Water & Sewer: City’s Water & Sewer Division gov/water
• Trash & Recycling: Department of Public Works somervillema.gov/dpw; or private hauling for buildings larger than 6 units 

Also, hold onto your first few utility bills, they’re often required for permit and service applications 

Vote & Connect with Your Officials 

Your voice matters. 

• Register to Vote: Options include online, by mail, or in person. Make sure your address and signature are up to date  
• Find Your Ward & Electeds: Somerville has 7 wards (3 precincts each). Find your ward and learn who represents you at the state level and in Congress at  
  • Find info on the Mayor at gov/mayor  
  • Find your Ward and At-Large City Councilors at gov/citycouncil.
  • Find your School Committee member at k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee  

Stay Updated & Stay in Touch 

• Weekly eNewsletter for city events, news, and meetings
• City Alerts for emergencies (snow, construction, water issues) via text, email, or phone in multiple languages
• Construction Newsletter
• Social Media: Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky and follow departments like Arts or Schools
• 311: report issues, ask questions, get help via app, phone, or online  

Renters & Buyers: Know Your Rights & Resources 

Mayor Ballantyne and our community are committed to fair, inclusive housing. 

• Renters:
  • Discrimination is illegal. If you experience it, call the Fair Housing Commission at 617‑625‑6600 x2577  
  • Deposits are capped: first and last month’s rent, one month’s security, plus a lock fee. Non-refundable holding or credit check fees are not allowed. Security deposits must be escrowed and interest-bearing, with condition report within 10 days  
  • For unsafe conditions or landlord issues, contact Inspectional Services via 311.  
• Buyers:
  • The Inclusionary Affordable Homeownership Program helps first-time buyers get a foot in the door, sign up for availability alerts
  • Clean energy options through Community Choice Electricity and SEEN (Mass Save audits and discounts) help you save money and go green
  • Planning a renovation? Get permitting advice from Inspectional Services or apply online  

Getting Around Somerville 

• Somerville is walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly. From biking the seven hills to hopping on public transit, discover the best and safest ways to get around at the Getting Around Somerville resource
• Check our VisionZero page to learn about our efforts to achieve safe, sustainable travel for all at gov/visionzero.  

Be Proud, Be Somerville 

From vibrant neighborhoods and food scenes to community values and cultural festivals, Somerville’s 4.1 square miles are brimming with pride and community engagement. Dive in, get involved, and help us strengthen this city we all call home.  

One great way to start is with the City’s “Together in Public Spaces: Safety, Respect, and Support” guide. It offers information and resources on how to share public areas and help community members in need.  Learn more at somervillema.gov/howtohelp

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.