New Streamlined Application Process for Zoning Relief and Historic Preservations

Beginning today, July 5, 2023, the City of Somerville Planning, Preservation, and Zoning (PPZ) Division will accept all new applications for permits for the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals through the City’s Citizenserve Portal, the same online portal currently used for building permits and licensing by the City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD).

The transition to Citizenserve centralizes all zoning relief and historic preservation project applications and documents into a single online platform. This change will help create a central repository for all project-related documents and streamline communications between applicants and assigned City staff. 

Applications/processes that can now be submitted via Citizenserve include:  

• Historic Preservation
• Demolitions of buildings over 75 years old 
• Alterations to properties within Local Historic Districts
• Memorandum of agreement (MOA) process 
• Zoning Permits
• Special Permits
• Site Plan Approval 
• Hardship Variances 
• Plan Revisions  

All applications submitted prior to July 5, 2023 will be processed under the previous system. 
 

Learn More or Submit an Application 

Additional information on submitting applications via Citizenserve is available at somervillema.gov/citizenserve. If you have questions, please email planning@somervillema.gov (zoning permit questions) or historic@somervillema.gov (historic preservation questions).

Questions about building permits and certificates of occupancy, please email isd@somervillema.gov. Questions about zoning ordinance enforcement and interpretations should be directed to isdzoning@somervillema.gov. 
 

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 in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.