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.
Boston
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
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.
New Bedford
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.”…