Following Papadopoulos v. Target (2010), Massachusetts property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to remove snow and ice. Municipalities may set sidewalk clearing rules.
The 2010 Supreme Judicial Court decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corporation eliminated the natural accumulation rule, holding all property owners to a reasonable care standard for snow and ice. M.G.L. Chapter 84 governs municipal liability for public ways. Cities and towns may enact ordinances requiring abutters to clear sidewalks within set hours after storms. Failure to clear creates premises liability for slip-and-fall injuries.
Municipal fines vary $50-$300 per offense; civil liability for slip-and-fall injuries; potential lien on property for repeat violations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Brockton, MA
Brockton enforces a Noise Control Ordinance that prohibits excessive noise disturbing the peace and quiet of residents. Nighttime noise restrictions are stri...
Brockton, MA
Brockton's Noise Control Ordinance addresses construction noise. Construction is generally permitted during daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with res...
Brockton, MA
Brockton's Noise Control Ordinance specifically addresses animal and bird noises. Persistent barking dogs that disturb neighbors are considered a nuisance un...
Brockton, MA
Brockton requires driveways to be properly constructed and maintained. Parking on unpaved front yard areas is prohibited under the property maintenance code.
Brockton, MA
Brockton regulates street parking with time limits, overnight restrictions, and winter snow emergency parking bans. The city enforces parking through the Pol...
Brockton, MA
Brockton restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas. Heavy trucks and equipment must be stored at appropriately zoned locations.
See how Brockton's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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