Planning, Preservation, and Zoning

Find below a list of adopted plans taking place in Somerville, broken out by neighborhood.

The SomerVision offers a Comprehensive Plan for the future of the city, focusing on the shared values of sustainability, diversity, opportunity, connectivity, and community.

View a City of Somerville zoning atlas.

Read the full zoning ordinances here.

The decision-making authority for all development that requires Site Plan Approval or a Special Permit in the Neighborhood Residence, Urban Residence, Commercial Industry, Commercial Business, and Tufts University zoning districts.

The decision-making authority for all development that requires Site Plan Approval or a Special Permit in all of the Mid-Rise, High-Rise, and Commercial Core zoning districts and more.

Within OSPCD's Planning & Zoning Division is Historic Preservation. This function has two distinct work areas – Historic Preservation and Historic Events & Education.

Design review of development proposals, provides advice and recommendations to the other Review Boards concerning how the design of proposed development will affect the quality of Somerville’s public realm.