cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

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Snow Removal from Sidewalks

The City of Boston wants property owners to be aware of regulations regarding snow removal from sidewalks after a snow storm.

City Regulations on snow removal can be found in the Boston Code of Ordinances, 16-12.16.

Remove snow, slush, and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting your property within 3 hours of snowfall ending (or 3 hours from sunrise if snow falls overnight) as required by law. Violators will be fined (see fines below).
Remove snow, slush, and ice from the full paved width of the sidewalk and curb ramp or a minimum path of 42 inches wide. Narrow paths encumber carriages and wheelchairs, and properly cleared pathways ensure flow and safety of pedestrian traffic.
Remove ice to bare pavement or make as level as possible and treat with sand, sawdust or similar material.
Please clear any snow that may be blocking a handicapped ramp, fire hydrant or catch basin.

Shovel or plow snow into the street: Violators caught shoveling snow from private property into the street will be fined.
Overexert while shoveling: Excessive strain from the cold and hard labor may cause heart attacks. Please help out elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
Leave snow or ice on stairways or fire escapes. All common means of egress must be clear.

Type of Property	Failure to Remove Snow/Ice From Sidewalk	Removal of Snow/Ice From Private Property to Street or Sidewalk
		More Than One Cubic Yard	One Cubic Yard or Less

Commercial Property	$200*	$200*	$150*

Residential Property With More Than 16 Units	$100*	$150*	$100*

Residential Property With 16 or Fewer Units	$50*	$100*	$50*

* Each day that a violation exists is considered a separate and distinct violation.