SomArt Space Program
Space Use Policy: Infraction & Enforcement
Somerville Arts Council | Effective upon adoption
Purpose
This policy establishes clear expectations for the use of SomArt program spaces, defines infractions by level of impact, and outlines a consistent enforcement process. Its purpose is to protect shared resources, ensure equitable access for all users, and reduce the administrative burden on program staff by making consequences automatic and transparent.
Enforcement of this policy is the responsibility of the Space Steward. Program administration is not in the enforcement chain unless the Space Steward escalates a matter that cannot be resolved at that level.
Booking & Access Obligations
All users of SomArt program spaces are required to:
- Book space a minimum of 24 hours in advance through the designated booking system.
- Arrive no earlier than their confirmed booking start time.
- Depart by their confirmed booking end time.
- Complete the checkout form at the end of each session.
- Report any damage, equipment malfunction, or infrastructure concerns to the Space Steward at the time of occurrence.
- Leave the space in the condition in which it was found, including sweeping, trash removal (where required), and return of any moved items.
Users are not permitted to enter any space other than the one they have booked, under any circumstance.
Infraction Tiers
Infractions are classified into four tiers based on their impact on other users, program staff, and shared infrastructure. Tier determines the point at which the infraction enters the enforcement ladder (see Section 4).
| HIGHEST | Immediate strike. No warning issued. |
| HIGH | Warning on first occurrence. Strike on repeat. |
| MEDIUM | Documented reminder on first occurrence. Enters strike ladder on repeat. |
| LOW | Reminder only. Escalates to MEDIUM after one warning. |
| Infraction | Tier |
| Entering space without a booking (walk-in) | HIGHEST |
| Arriving before booking start time / displacing current occupant | HIGHEST |
| Moving items into a different space Users are not permitted to access other spaces under any circumstance. | HIGHEST |
| Using performance equipment without authorization (e.g. dimmers, rigging) | HIGHEST |
| Altering infrastructure components (amp cabinet, patching, rigging points) | HIGHEST |
| Altering cable runs | HIGHEST |
| Failing to report damage at time of occurrence Concealment of damage is treated as a separate infraction from the damage itself. | HIGHEST |
| Leaving door unlocked, lockbox unscrambled, or door ajar | HIGH |
| Leaving items in the space without prior communication or authorization | MEDIUM |
| Not emptying trash (required at Armory location) | MEDIUM |
| Leaving signage up after booking ends | MEDIUM |
| Misplacing items within the same space (repeat) | MEDIUM |
| Not completing checkout form Becomes medium after one warning. | LOW |
| Not sweeping properly: dust must be collected into dustbin, not swept into corners. Dustbin is for dust only — no food, gum, or non-dust debris. Becomes medium after one warning. Note: dustbin labeling is visible on the bin itself. | LOW |
| Misplacing items within the same space (first occurrence) | LOW |
Enforcement Ladder
Strikes accumulate across all infraction types. The enforcement ladder applies once an infraction reaches strike-eligible status per its tier (see Section 3). All enforcement actions are documented in writing by the Space Steward and communicated to the user via email.
| Strike | Consequence | Delivered by |
| Strike 1 | Documented written warning delivered to the user. | Space Steward |
| Strike 2 | 2-week booking suspension. User may not book or access the space during this period. | Space Steward |
| Strike 3 | 4-week booking suspension. Reinstatement requires a meeting with the Space Steward prior to access being restored. User is responsible for scheduling this meeting. | Space Steward |
The Space Steward does not consult program administration before issuing Strike 1 or Strike 2 consequences. Strike 3 suspensions should be reported to program administration as a matter of record.
Program administration is not available as an appeal route for infractions that have been correctly documented and applied per this policy.
Infraction Record & Reset
The Space Steward maintains a written log of all infractions, warnings, and enforcement actions. This log is the authoritative record for determining strike counts.
Infraction records reset after six (6) consecutive months of clean use with no documented infractions. After a reset, the user’s strike count returns to zero. Prior incidents are retained in the historical log but do not count toward future enforcement actions.
A booking suspension pauses the six-month reset clock. The clock resumes only once the suspension period has ended and the user has regained access.
Damage & Concealment
Damage to space infrastructure, equipment, or shared resources must be reported to the Space Steward at the time of occurrence, regardless of perceived severity.
Failure to report damage at the time it occurs constitutes a separate, independent infraction from the damage itself. Both may be recorded and may each enter the enforcement ladder.
Unauthorized attempts to repair or remediate damage — including any attempt made after being instructed to stop — will be treated as an infraction at the HIGHEST tier.
Unauthorized Items
Users may not leave items in program spaces between sessions unless those items are actively in use for an ongoing art-making process with a confirmed, scheduled return date communicated to and approved by the Space Steward in advance.
Items left without authorization will be treated as abandoned and may be removed without notice. The program is not responsible for items left in violation of this policy.
Acknowledgment
By booking and using a SomArt program space, users confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this policy in full.