• Somerville Moving Permits

    If you’re moving to or from Somerville, Ma, it’s often necessary to get Somerville moving permits in order to ensure your moving truck has a place to park on moving day.

    Somerville moving permits aren’t too expensive. In fact, You can get a one-day permit for as little as $50, depending on the location.

    For example, if you want to pull and post Somerville parking permits for one address (and it’s a non-metered space), you’re looking at about $50, which is the cost of one permit ($40) plus the cost two signs ($10). You can get Somerville Moving Permits either in person or via the mail.

    Getting your Somerville Moving Permits in Person

    Since you need city hall to approve the permits at least four (4) days before your moving day, getting them in person is the quickest and easiest way to do it. So make your way to Somerville’s Department of Traffic and Parking, located in Davis Square at 113 Holland Street.

    To save time, you can print out the application for permits on the city’s website. Fill it out with the information it asks for, especially the type of container or truck you’ll be using. A standard moving truck is fine, as is a stand-alone container with no wheels. But a detached, wheeled trailer is not allowed under any circumstances. (Unattached trailers violate something called the “unattached trailer ordinance,” which is to make sure that anything with wheels taking up space on the city streets can be moved at a moment’s notice in case of an emergency.

    Getting your Somerville Moving Permits in the mail

    If you’re moving from far away or you’re going to be out of town during the time before your big move, you can also get your permits through the mail. Just print out the permit application, fill out the required information, and then send it along with a check or money order made out to “City of Somerville,” for the amount due to Somerville Parking Department 133 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144.

    If you get permits in person, the city processes them immediately. You can leave City Hall with permits in hand. But mailed applications take a little longer. The City of Somerville processes them within ten days of receipt. So if you decide to get permits via mail, it is extremely important that you mail your application at least two weeks before you move date. If you do so, you should then receive your permits in plenty of time to post them legally.

    Posting the Moving Permits

    Once you have your Somerville parking permits, post them at least 48 hours before your moving date. The permits will be valid from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Place the permits and tow signs (the big red “No Parking” signs and the smaller permit detailing their validity) on trees, meters, or any visible spot to warn others not to park there.

    Permits should be about 40 feet apart. This allows safe parking for the truck and ensures enough space for you or movers to carry items in and out of the truck.

    Additionally, make sure you use enough tape to securely post the permits. This way, the wind or rain can’t knock them down.

    You’ll also need to report that you posted them, and where you posted them to “311,” Somerville’s non-emergency information hot-line. You can either dial 3-1-1 from any Somerville telephone, or call 617-666-3311 from outside of Somerville. You’ll need to call again when you remove the signs.

    Permits are $40, and signs are $5 each, plus $35 for any meter. You can only reserve legal parking spots. If there’s a hydrant or handicapped spot where you want to park, you’ll need to find another solution. One Somerville Moving Company recommends hanging the moving permits a little further up the street if this happens.

    Somerville Moving Permits – Notify your Neighbors

    Leave notes on nearby cars or in neighbors’ mailboxes to inform them about upcoming parking restrictions. This can help keep your reserved spot clear.

    Beware of weather! The City of Somerville reserves the right to revoke any permit due to public safety and inclement weather. So if we get hit with a blizzard that necessitates plowing the roads, your permits will no longer be valid.

    Removing Cars from Somerville Moving Permits

    If you’ve hired movers, get up early on moving day. Check your reserved parking spots for any parked cars. Movers charge by the hour, so you don’t want to pay for their waiting time. Call Somerville police at 3-1-1 as soon as you see any cars in your spots. This way, you avoid paying movers to wait for a tow truck.

    If have questions about Somerville parking permits, you can call the city at 617-625-6600, 617-666-3311, or email the Department of Traffic and Parking.