New rates will take effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Fee waivers will still apply for residents age 65+ or with disability placards or plates

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is updating residential and business parking permit fees, as well as parking meter rates as part of an ongoing effort to maintain and operate the City’s parking system amid rising costs and increasing demand for limited curb space.

The City will continue waiving residential parking permit and visitor pass fees for residents age 65 and older and for residents with disability placards or plates who will receive those permits at no cost.

Why are Parking Rates Going Up?
Residential parking permit fees were last updated in 2016, and parking meter rates were last adjusted in 2019. Since that time, the cost of administering and maintaining the City’s parking programs has increased substantially, including expenses related to permit and ticket processing contracts, parking meter maintenance and repairs, technology and data services, postage, and staffing.

At the same time, Somerville continues to face growing pressure on its limited on-street parking supply as the most densely populated city in the Northeast.

To continue meeting the operational needs of Somerville’s parking system, the City’s Parking Department conducted a broader review of parking operations, including current fee structures, peer municipality rates, system operating costs, and long-term program sustainability, to help inform the new rates.

For more information visit somervillema.gov/parking