Fall River property owners must clear sidewalks within five hours of snowfall or face fines up to $200, according to city ordinances that kicked into effect after this week’s winter storm blanketed southeastern Massachusetts. As a major storm system approaches the New Hampshire coast, communities throughout the region are reinforcing their snow removal requirements to prepare residents for severe winter weather.
The city requires property owners and tenants to remove snow from sidewalks abutting their property between sunrise and sunset within the five-hour window, according to municipal regulations. The ordinance also mandates removal of ice unless it is “made reasonably even and covered with sand, salt or other acceptable material to prevent slipping.”
Fall River’s snow removal requirements extend beyond basic sidewalk clearing. Property owners must also clear wheelchair ramps that extend from sidewalks to streets, according to city rules. The ordinance prohibits placing ice or snow in streets outside sidewalk areas unless the material is “made reasonably even at the time of placing.”
Massachusetts state law allows cities and towns to create their own snow removal ordinances, with no statewide requirement for sidewalk clearing. State regulations permit municipalities to set removal timeframes and impose penalties up to $50 for cities and $10 for towns, though Fall River has set its maximum fine at $200.
Fall River’s approach differs significantly from neighboring communities in timing and penalties. New Bedford requires snow removal “within a reasonable time” after snowfall stops, defining reasonable as four hours for daytime snow and by 11 a.m. for overnight accumulation, according to that city’s ordinance. New Bedford’s maximum fine reaches $50.
Worcester mandates a four-foot-wide cleared path within 10 hours after snow stops falling, while Boston requires a 42-inch-wide path cleared within three hours of snowfall ending or three hours after sunrise for overnight snow. Boston’s fines can reach $200 depending on building type.
The ordinances address specific scenarios that arise during snow removal. Property owners cannot shovel snow onto a neighbor’s already-cleared sidewalk, which violates local regulations. However, residents can clear neighboring sidewalks voluntarily, and may be required to clear portions that abut their property lines.
Watertown defines abutting sidewalks as “any sidewalk that is bordering one’s yard, fence, driveway, or other property line,” while Springfield’s ordinance includes abutting fire hydrants and curb cuts in the requirement.
New Bedford’s ordinance extends beyond natural snowfall, applying to “snow falling from any building or accumulating upon such sidewalk from any other cause,” according to city regulations.
The local ordinances reflect municipalities’ efforts to maintain pedestrian safety and accessibility during winter weather. Fall River’s five-hour daytime window provides property owners flexibility while ensuring sidewalks remain passable for residents, including those using mobility devices.
Property owners who fail to comply with Fall River’s snow removal requirements face enforcement action and potential fines. The city’s $200 maximum penalty represents one of the higher fine structures among regional municipalities, matching Boston’s top-tier penalties.
The recent winter storm that affected southeastern Massachusetts triggered these ordinance requirements across multiple communities. While enforcement varies by municipality, property owners throughout the region face legal obligations to maintain sidewalk accessibility during winter weather events.
Fall River’s comprehensive approach addresses both removal requirements and proper snow placement, aiming to keep both sidewalks and streets safe for pedestrians and vehicles. The ordinance’s specific timeframes and penalty structure demonstrate the city’s commitment to winter sidewalk maintenance and public safety.
