Property owners in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and most Bristol County cities must clear sidewalks within 24 to 48 hours of snowfall. Papadopoulos (2010) established statewide premises-liability duty.
Bristol County municipalities require abutting property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent public sidewalks within 24 to 48 hours of snowfall ending. Fall River requires clearing within 24 hours; New Bedford within 24 hours; Taunton within 24 hours. A clear path of at least 36 to 48 inches wide is typical. Ice that cannot be chipped must be treated with sand, salt, or de-icer. Corner lots must also clear curb ramps to maintain ADA-accessible street crossings. After Papadopoulos v. Target Corp. (2010), Massachusetts abandoned the natural-accumulation rule and imposed full premises liability for slip-and-fall injuries from unnatural snow/ice accumulation. Elderly and disabled residents may qualify for city assistance programs. The city plows streets; sidewalk clearing is the owner's duty.
Failure to clear: $25 to $250 per occurrence under local bylaw. City may clear and bill owner. Civil liability for injuries under Papadopoulos v. Target Corp. 457 Mass. 368 (2010).
Attleboro, MA
Attleboro regulates construction noise under its general noise ordinance and zoning provisions. Any use that is significantly offensive or detrimental to sur...
Attleboro, MA
Attleboro addresses nuisance dogs under its animal control ordinance and state law MGL Ch. 140. Dogs that habitually bark or cause disturbances may result in...
Attleboro, MA
Attleboro adopted a noise ordinance giving police the ability to issue citations and fines for excessive noise. Noise plainly audible at 200 feet may trigger...
Attleboro, MA
Attleboro regulates vehicle parking through Chapter 10 of the Ordinances and the zoning code. Oversized vehicles must comply with general street parking rule...
Attleboro, MA
Attleboro regulates commercial vehicle parking through its traffic ordinances and zoning code. Service zone loading is limited to 15 minutes (30 minutes whil...
Attleboro, MA
Attleboro enforces parking regulations under Chapter 10 of the City Ordinances. During snow emergencies per Ordinance 10-5.1(A), parking is prohibited on bot...
See how Attleboro's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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