Snow Regulations

 Parking

The Transportation Department would like drivers to be aware of parking guidelines that will be put into effect whenever a Snow Emergency is declared in Boston during the winter season.
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Shoveling

Inspectional Services wants Boston property owners to be aware of laws regarding snow removal from City sidewalks.

DO:

  • 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.


DON'T:

  • 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.

More Winter Tips »

Plowing

Public Works strategically dispatches City and contract equipment across 200 plowing routes as needed. At full deployment, Public Works utilizes over 500 pieces of equipment.

Small public alleys, side streets and dead ends will be fully cleared by the completion of all snow removal efforts.

In clearing roadways, plowing snow across driveways is unavoidable. When shoveling your driveway or parked car, please consider that crews make frequent passes until roads are adequately cleared.

Residents can place a request for street plowing by:

Laws and Fines

Snow Removal is governed by City Ordinance, Chapter 16-12.16.
City Council Resolution
City Ordinance, Chapter 16-12.16

Fines associated with Snow Removal:

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.

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