Massachusetts Towns Can Issue Fines for Uncleared Sidewalks

After a powerhouse winter storm dumped feet of snow on southeastern Massachusetts, businesses and residents are being reminded to clear snow and ice from sidewalks.

According to a Herald News report, cities and towns in Massachusetts can create laws requiring property owners to shovel their sidewalks or face a penalty. Fall River is one municipality that has adopted these rules.

In Boston, individuals must clear a 42-inch-wide (3.5 feet) path on sidewalks within three hours after the snow stops falling or three hours after sunrise if the snow occurred overnight. If you don't remove the snow, Boston can issue fines of up to $200, depending on the building. Pushing the snow into the street is also subject to a fine.

Fall River requires property owners or tenants abutting a sidewalk to remove snow within five hours of sunrise to sunset. The ordinance also requires the removal of "any ice upon such sidewalk unless such ice is made reasonably even and covered with sand, salt, or other acceptable material to prevent slipping." Additionally, people must clear wheelchair ramps from the sidewalk to the street.

Fall River can fine violators up to $200 for failing to clear sidewalks.

In New Bedford, a city ordinance states that property owners or occupants abutting a sidewalk or public place in the city must clear sidewalks "within a reasonable time after such snow has ceased to fall." 

The city explains that a reasonable time is four hours if the snow falls during the day. If it falls at night,  the snow must be removed by 11 a.m. New Bedford's ordinance extends beyond snow falling from the sky and encompasses "snow falling from any building or accumulating upon such sidewalk from any other cause." New Bedford's fine is $50.

Worcester ordinances require property owners to clear the sidewalks in front of and adjacent to their property. Sidewalks must remain clear, with a 4-foot-wide path, within 10 hours of the snow stopping.

In addition to rules on sidewalk clearing, Massachusetts communities do not permit business owners or residents to use objects to save parking spaces in front of their businesses or homes.