Somerville, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. VI (2026) § 7-131
Purpose
Operative Text
It is the policy of the jurisdiction, pursuant to the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the Massachusetts Fair Housing Act, G.L. Chapter 151B (hereafter "fair housing laws"), to provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodation in rules, policies, practices and procedures to ensure equal access to housing and facilitate the development of housing for individuals with disabilities. This article establishes a procedure for making requests for reasonable accommodation in land use, zoning and building regulations, policies, practices and procedures of the jurisdiction to comply fully with the intent and purpose of fair housing laws.
Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. VI § 7-131 establishes the city's policy of providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities in housing-related rules, policies, and procedures, in alignment with both the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B. The provision sets up a formal process through which individuals can request modifications to local land use, zoning, and building regulations to ensure equal access to housing. It is a foundational, purpose-setting provision that frames the intent behind the rest of Article VI.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. VI § 7-131, the city has declared a policy of ensuring equal housing access for people with disabilities, which shapes how local zoning and building rules are applied. Property owners and managers operating in Somerville generally align their practices with this policy by being prepared to engage with reasonable accommodation requests as contemplated by the fair housing laws referenced in the provision. Familiarity with the Article VI process helps operators understand the framework within which accommodation requests are evaluated at the local regulatory level.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. VI § 7-131 affirms that individuals with disabilities have a right to seek reasonable accommodations in the city's land use, zoning, and building regulations to ensure equal access to housing. This provision establishes that a formal request procedure exists under Article VI, which tenants or prospective residents with disabilities may use when local rules or policies create barriers. Those seeking to understand or exercise these rights may find it helpful to review the full Article VI process or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with fair housing law in Massachusetts.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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