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).
Fall River, MA
Fall River prohibits all noises that menace health or interrupt sleep between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on Sundays. The city's noise regul...
Fall River, MA
Fall River addresses barking and nuisance dogs under MGL Ch. 140 §157. A dog that is a habitual barker or creates a nuisance may result in a citation with a ...
Fall River, MA
Fall River regulates construction noise under its general noise ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise are prohibited duri...
Fall River, MA
Fall River's zoning code Ch. 86 §86-441 requires parking areas to be set back at least 10 feet from front lot lines and from abutting residential property li...
Fall River, MA
Fall River regulates the parking of trailers, semitrailers, and large vehicles on city streets under §70-320. Commercial buses designed to carry 7+ persons m...
Fall River, MA
Fall River enforces street parking regulations under Ch. 70 of the Revised Ordinances. A winter parking ban is declared when 3+ inches of snow are predicted,...
See how Fall River's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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