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Somerville adopts two ordinances on redevelopment checklist and inclusionary zoning
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 2777 (adding a redevelopment checklist requirement) and Ordinance 2779 (an inclusionary overlay requiring affordable obligations for developments creating five or more units) to advance the borough's fair share housing plan.
Somerville Borough Council voted Dec. 1 to adopt two ordinances that change how certain developments are routed for local review and how affordable housing obligations are applied.
Planner Mike Cole explained Ordinance 2777 adds a checklist item for land development applications so that substantial developments are flagged for council review and potential designation of a redeveloper earlier in the process. "The ordinance adds a section on the checklist for land development applications that requires any substantial development to come before the council for review," Cole said.
Ordinance 2779 establishes an overlay inclusionary zoning requirement tied to the borough’s housing element and fair share plan. Cole said the ordinance requires developments that create five or more dwelling units to address an affordable-obligation component; developments under five units are covered by the borough’s development fee ordinance adopted earlier in the year.
Council opened and closed public hearings on both items with no public speakers and adopted both ordinances by roll call. Council documents referenced a March 2026 deadline for the borough’s compliance with the fair share housing obligations.
Both ordinances are intended to move Somerville toward compliance with its fair share plan and to ensure affordable housing obligations are addressed at the planning stage for larger developments.
