Boston property owners must clear snow from sidewalks abutting their property within 3 hours of snowfall ending during daytime, or by 3 hours after sunrise for overnight snow. Sidewalks must be cleared to a 42-inch path. Ice that cannot be removed must be treated with sand or melt agent.
Boston Code of Ordinances Section 16-12.16 places primary responsibility for snow and ice removal on the owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk. Snow must be removed within three hours of the storm ending, or within three hours of sunrise if the snow fell overnight. The cleared path must be at least 42 inches wide to comply with federal ADA accessibility standards, and corner-lot owners must also clear the adjacent curb ramp so wheelchair users and people with mobility devices can safely cross intersections. If ice cannot be fully removed, owners must apply sand, salt, or another approved melt agent to make the surface passable. Boston is unusually aggressive in enforcement: Public Works inspectors actively patrol after storms and issue citations on the spot. Property owners can be held civilly liable for slip-and-fall injuries under the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision in Papadopoulos v. Target (2010), which abolished the old natural-accumulation rule and now treats snow/ice the same as any other hazard.
Fines start at $50 for the first offense for residential properties and $200 for commercial. Each day of violation is a separate offense, and ongoing violations can compound to several hundred dollars. Fines may be appealed at the Boston Public Works Department.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
See how Boston's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.