Types of Somerville Parking Permits

The proximity Somerville shares with Boston has made it a favored residential city for those who want to be close to the buzz of the big city, but not engulfed in it. Over the years Somerville has welcomed many residents. The influx of a residential and commercial crowd witnessed a lot of trailer traffic through the city.

Years of experience has made Somerville a city with one of the best managed parking systems to cater to a variety of requirements.

Types of Somerville Parking Permits
1.    Residential parking permit: Intended for those owning vehicles that are registered in Somerville.
2.    Visitor parking permit: For residents who would like to have a permit for their visitors.
3.    Business permit parking program: For those employers and employees keen on purchasing permits.
4.    Handicapped Parking Permit: Drivers having disabilities and capable of documenting the requirement for the space.
5.    Resident Moving Into the City or Somerville Moving Parking Permits.
6.    Moving Van/Container/Pod: for individuals or moving companies that require space for a moving van or other large vehicle.
7.    Extended Visitor (up to 30 days): For those residents who already own a visitor parking permit, but would like to extend the stay beyond 3 (up to 30) days.
8.    Health Care/Home Professional: For healthcare professional who regularly visits a resident within Somerville.
9.    Artist Permit: For artists who have a working studio in Somerville.
10.    Commercial Vehicle (Day): For those businesses in Somerville who have commercial vehicles registered in the city.
11.    Contractor (Buildings): For those contractors who are working in Somerville having valid building permits.
12.    Landlord: For a Somerville landlord who resides outside of the city    .
13.    Landlord Maintenance Permit: For those who own a property in Somerville and need a permit for their maintenance company.
14.    Landlord Viewing Permit: For those landlords who need to permit for showing property to potential renters.
15.    Military Parking Permit: For those military personnel who are currently living in Somerville on orders.
16.    Realtor: For those real estate agents who show properties in the city.
17.    Rental: For those residents who are using a rented car.
18.    Residential Commercial Vehicle (Overnight): For those residents who own and drive an unmarked commercial vehicle but for personal use.
19.    Small Event Permit: For residents who may be hosting an event and require additional parking permits but temporarily.

Parking Meters
Parking meters in Somerville are effective from morning 8.00am to evening 8.00pm on all weekdays except Sunday. Each meter has the timing and rates written on it (starting $1 per hour). They are color coded according to the number of hours allowed. Those allowing parking for up to 2 hours are marked with a yellow band; the ones catering to up to 3 hours are identifiable through orange color band.

Violation of the same can attract penalties from $25 to as high as $200 for parking in handicapped parking, or obstructing handicap ramp.

Somerville also has new Multi-Space Parking meters that, apart from being solar powered and therefore environment friendly, can also accept credit cards apart from coins and Parkcards.

What are parking cards or Parkcards?
One of the most convenient ways of paying the parking charges is through the ParkCard. It’s a reprogrammable card and works like a credit card for parking payment. The intelligent card deducts the parking charges for the maximum time limit allowed at the spot. However, the value can be re-added for unused time simply by reinserting the PackCard at the end.

Where to get more information?
For more details, one can contact the Traffic and Parking Department at
133 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144
Tel: 311 or from outside Somerville (617) 666-3311
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Thursdays from 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Fridays from 9:00AM to 12:00 Noon