Somerville, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. VII (2026) § 7-155
Violations
Operative Text
It is unlawful for any school to fail to comply with the requirements of this section. The provisions of this section may be enforced by the superintendent of inspectional services by a noncriminal disposition pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 21D. Each violation of a provision of this section is a separate and distinct offense, and in a case of a continuing violation, each day that a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. Any school violating any provision of this section shall be punished in accordance with section 1-11 of this Code. The imposition of penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the city from instituting other remedies to abate violations of this article as permitted by law.
Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. VII § 7-155 establishes that any school's failure to comply with the requirements of the section is unlawful. Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, meaning penalties can accumulate over time. Enforcement may proceed through noncriminal disposition under Massachusetts General Laws ch. 40, § 21D, and the city retains the right to pursue additional legal remedies beyond monetary penalties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although § 7-155 is directed at schools rather than landlords, property owners or managers whose buildings house or are adjacent to regulated school facilities should be aware that the Somerville Superintendent of Inspectional Services enforces this provision. Operators generally maintain ongoing compliance with all applicable requirements under this section to avoid per-day penalty accumulation. Because the city may also pursue separate abatement remedies under § 7-155, documented compliance records are a standard part of responsible property management.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants and community members should know that § 7-155 gives the Somerville Superintendent of Inspectional Services authority to act against schools that violate this section, with each day of noncompliance potentially constituting a separate offense. If a school-related violation is affecting a residential situation, individuals can contact the Somerville Inspectional Services Department to report ongoing concerns. Tenant-rights organizations and local legal aid offices can help residents understand how this provision may intersect with their housing rights.
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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