Understanding The Boston Snow Removal Ordinances
The responsibilities of those who live in Boston, MA is clear when it comes to snow removal. The City has clearly defined and designated the tasks. Whether you want to know about clearing sidewalks or where to park when it snows, the snow removal ordinance has it covered. In this article, you will find a clear route to understanding the basics about snow removal in Boston.
Responsibilities of the City
The responsibility of snow removal from city streets lies with Public Works. In total, they commit around 700 pieces of equipment, including snow plows, to de-ice and clear 2,000 lane miles. Any state-owned transport routes are the responsibility of its specific Massachusetts agency. The length of time it takes for all the snow to be removed depends upon whether the street is a major arterial route or a residential one.
The Responsibilities of Property Owners
Property owners bear responsibility for clearing the ice, sleet, slush, and snow from sidewalks and curb ramps that abut and are adjacent to their property. Under Boston MA ordinances in the section titled “Requirements for snow and/or slush,” property owners must do so within three hours following the end of the snowfall unless it snows overnight. If the latter is the case, they must remove it within 3 hours following sunrise.
Certain other specifics apply to ice and snow removal. Three in particular merit close attention for those living in a residence or operating a business:
1. Sidewalks must be cleared, whenever possible, to the bare pavement. If this is not possible, at least assure the surface is level
2. The sidewalk must be a minimum of 42 inches wide to allow for the passage of strollers and wheelchairs.
3. Under no circumstances is the snow to be dumped into the streets
Violators of any of the above face fines. This applies to not only property snow removal but other matters arising because of emergency snow events.
Parking Restrictions and Other Matters
During an emergency snow event, you cannot leave your car on the street. This is particularly true for main arteries. If you do not remove your car, it will be ticketed and towed. Always check the regulations governing the parking of a vehicle on Boston Streets before leaving it there.
People also tend to forget to check the little things – those that they do automatically. Even these can be affected by a snow emergency. One of the most common is trash removal. The city states you must clear a spot in the snowbank closest to the road or beside it on the curb – not behind any snowbank. Place the trash containers here to help the garbage crew remove the bins safely.
Fines
The fines for failing to heed the city’s snow removal requirements vary according to whether you are commercial or residential, live in a single unit, or operate a multiple unit apartment building or complex. The amount of snow involved also influences the fine. Accordingly, a commercial property owner/manager responsible for not removing snow amounting to less than one cubic yard must pay $150; for more than one cubic yard of snow, the fine is $200.
Residential fines in dwellings of 16 or more units total $100 for less than one cubic yard and $150 for more than one cubic yard of snow. If the residential unit is fewer than 16 units, the fines are $50 for less than and $100 for more than one cubic yard of snow.
Boston MA Snow Removal Ordinances
If you live in Boston MA, it is important to understand the specifics of the snow removal ordinance. Those who fail to comply face substantial fines. The city does not make exceptions. In the case of the elderly, disabled, or infirm, they do make a suggestion. Hire a professional. By contacting a snow removal contractor through a third-party service such as Edenapp, it is possible to prevent potential injuries and fines. Simply go online to Apple, Android, or edenapp.com to find exactly what you need.