Construction hours, noise and dumpster permits in Somerville: what owners should know

The city is dense. On most streets around Davis Square, Union Square or Teele Square, your project is a few feet from somebody's bedroom window. That's why the City has clear rules about when you can work and where a dumpster can go.

Here's what I follow on every job, and what homeowners should expect from any contractor they hire.

Allowed construction hours in Somerville

ISD lists the allowed construction hours as (Somerville ISD Safety):

• Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday isn't on that list, so plan on no construction work on Sundays. If a job truly has to happen outside these hours, ISD's fee schedule includes a separate construction hours authorization permit (ISD fee schedule). Ask ISD before you count on getting one.

In practice, a 7 a.m. start doesn't mean a saw running at 7:01. On my jobs the loud work starts after the crew has set up, and we wrap up well before the cutoff.

Dumpster permits: street vs. driveway

Every construction dumpster in the city needs a permit. Which office issues it depends on where it sits (Somerville Fire Department dumpster requirements):

• On the street: permit from the Inspectional Services Division.
• On private property (driveway or yard): permit from the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Dumpster licenses are listed on the City's online permit portal, CitizenServe, and ISD also takes permit applications in person at 1 Franey Road (City of Somerville CitizenServe).

Where a dumpster can and can't go

The Fire Department's rules are specific. A dumpster can't be placed:

1. Within 20 feet of an intersection.
2. Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
3. Where it blocks traffic or fire apparatus.
4. Where it blocks anyone getting in or out of a building.
5. Under a fire escape.

A few more rules people miss:

• The dumpster must show the name and phone number of the company to call in an emergency.
• The top of a dumpster next to a building can't be less than 5 feet below a window or opening, and windows within 5 feet, including a neighbor's, must be boarded up.
• Dumpsters must be emptied when full.

On a tight triple-decker lot in East Somerville or Winter Hill, those window and hydrant rules often decide where the dumpster goes before anything else.

Sidewalks and the street

Materials, ladders and debris belong on your property or inside a permitted area, not across the sidewalk. People with strollers, wheelchairs and kids walking to school use those sidewalks every day. If you're not sure whether your setup needs a separate street or sidewalk approval, call ISD at the number on its Building Division page before the truck shows up. ISD also requires a Site Safety Plan for every project.

What neighbors can do

If work starts too early, runs on a Sunday, or a dumpster is blocking the street, neighbors can call 311 (from within the City) or use the online portal. The City says 311 takes calls 24 hours a day (Somerville 311). ISD can also be reached directly during business hours.

Honestly, most complaints I've seen could have been avoided with a two-minute conversation.

How a good contractor keeps the peace

• Give notice. I drop a short note on neighbors' doors with the start date, the expected schedule and my phone number.
• Keep the site clean. Sweep the sidewalk daily, cover the dumpster when we leave, and never let debris blow into yards.
• Respect parking. Crew vehicles shouldn't eat up a whole block of resident spots. We carpool and keep the street permit area tight.
• Stick to the hours. Loud work stays inside the allowed window, every day.
• Answer the phone. When a neighbor calls, I call back the same day.

Not sure how to tell a careful contractor from a careless one? My Massachusetts contractor hiring checklist covers the questions to ask.

Need a hand?

I pull the building permit, line up the dumpster permit, and keep your neighbors in the loop from day one. If you're planning a renovation nearby, book a walkthrough and I'll map out the schedule and site plan with you.

About the author

Mateus Magno is the founder of Magno & Co — a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $3 million in projects across Greater Boston.

More about Mateus →