Snow & Sidewalk Clearing: Somerville vs Waltham
How do snow & sidewalk clearing rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Somerville and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville requires abutters to clear sidewalks within 6 hours of daytime snowfall ending or by 10 am if the storm ended overnight. Fines escalate and the city can clear and bill the owner.
View full Somerville rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham property owners must clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within a set time after snowfall ends. The rule follows MGL c.85 s.5 authority and applies to residential and commercial abutters.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| State law | MGL c.85 s.5 | - |
| Daytime deadline | 6 hours after snow ends | - |
| Overnight deadline | 10 am | - |
| Minimum width | 36 inches | - |
| City clearing | Billed to owner | - |
| Who Must Clear | - | Abutting property owner |
| Min Width | - | Approximately 36 inches |
| Ice Treatment | - | Sand, salt, or ice melt |
| Prohibited | - | Pushing snow into street |
| Authority | - | MGL c.85 s.5 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerville FAQ
Does the 6-hour rule apply on weekends and holidays?
Yes. Somerville applies the same deadlines every day. Absent owners should arrange clearing in advance.
Can I be sued if someone slips?
Yes. Since the Papadopoulos decision in 2010, Massachusetts property owners are liable for negligent snow and ice maintenance on premises and abutting walks.
Waltham FAQ
Must I shovel my Waltham sidewalk?
Yes. Property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within the time set by city rules after a storm ends.
Can I push snow into the street?
No. Pushing snow into streets, onto hydrants, or onto bus stops is prohibited and can result in fines.
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