Cambridge, MA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Snow removal deadline
- 12 hrs daytime / by 1 p.m. overnight snow
- Ice removal deadline
- 6 hours after ice forms
- Fine
- $50 per day, each day separate offense
- Enforcing agency
- DPW Commissioner / PW Enforcement Officer
- Extension allowed
- for unusually heavy snowfall
- Citation
- §12.16.110, penalty at §12.16.160
Summary
Cambridge property owners must clear sidewalk snow within twelve hours of a daytime snowfall, or by 1 p.m. after an overnight fall, and remove ice within six hours of it forming, under Municipal Code Section 12.16.110. Missing the deadline draws a fine of up to $50 per day under Section 12.16.160.
A.Removal of Snow from Sidewalks. The owner or occupant of private property bordering on a street where there is a sidewalk or footway shall, within twelve hours after snow ceases to fall in the daytime and before one p.m. after a fall of snow during the night, cause all snow that may be on such sidewalk or footway to be removed therefrom. In the event of an unusually heavy snowfall, the time limit shall be extended at the discretion of the Commissioner of Public Works. The provisions of this section shall apply to snow which falls from buildings as well as to that which falls from the clouds.B.Removal of Ice from Sidewalks. The owner or occupant of private property bordering on a street where there is a sidewalk or footway any portion of which is encumbered by ice shall within six hours after the sidewalk or footway becomes encumbered with ice cause such sidewalk or footway to be made safe and convenient by removing the ice therefrom, or by keeping the same covered with sand or some other suitable substance.
Full Breakdown
following an overnight snowfall; the Commissioner of Public Works can extend that deadline for an unusually heavy snowfall, and the duty applies to snow sliding off buildings as well as snow that falls directly. Subsection (B) gives a tighter six-hour window to remove ice, or alternatively make the sidewalk safe by covering it with sand or a similarly suitable substance. 40, Section 21D, with the Commissioner of Public Works or a delegated Public Works Enforcement Officer acting as the enforcing official. The code text notes this $50 figure represents an increase over the prior noncriminal fine for abutters who miss the snow-and-ice removal deadlines. Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, so an uncleared sidewalk can generate repeat $50 penalties until it's cleared.
Violations & Fines
Missing the snow or ice removal deadline in Section 12.16.110 triggers a fine under Section 12.16.160: up to $50 as a criminal penalty, or a $50 noncriminal disposition penalty under G.L. c.40, Section 21D, enforced by the Commissioner of Public Works or a delegated Public Works Enforcement Officer. Each day of noncompliance counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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Snow & Sidewalk Clearing in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle snow & sidewalk clearing.