Norfolk County, MA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- County Rule?
- None: municipal enforcement
- Brookline
- 3 hours daylight / 24 hours night
- Quincy
- 6 hours after storm end
- Most Towns
- 24-48 hours
- Liability
- Papadopoulos v. Target (2010)
Summary
Norfolk County does not enforce snow clearing. Each municipality requires property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks after snowfall. Brookline: 3 hours daylight / 24 hours night. Quincy: 6 hours. Most: 24-48 hours.
Section 5: Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks by abutting landowners; penalties. Section 5. Cities by ordinance and towns by by-laws may provide for the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within such portions of the city or town as they consider expedient by the owner or occupant of land abutting upon such sidewalks. Such ordinances and by-laws shall determine the time and manner of removal and shall affix penalties, not exceeding fifty dollars in the case of a city or ten dollars in the case of a town, for each violation thereof.
Full Breakdown
Sidewalk snow clearing requirements are purely municipal across Norfolk County. Clearance timelines vary dramatically: Brookline requires removal within 3 hours during daylight or by 9 AM if snow ended overnight; Quincy requires clearance within 6 hours of storm end; Weymouth, Dedham, and Milton allow 24-48 hours. Typical required width is 36-48 inches clear path. Ice must be treated with sand or de-icer if it cannot be removed. Corner properties must clear curb cuts and ADA ramps. Many towns offer senior/disabled assistance programs. Failure to clear creates premises liability for slip-and-fall under Papadopoulos v. Target (2010). MA now holds property owners to the same duty for natural and unnatural snow/ice accumulation.
Violations & Fines
No county enforcement. Brookline: $50 first offense, $100 subsequent. Quincy: $50-$200. Other towns: $25-$250 per occurrence. Municipality may clear and bill owner. Civil liability for injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating snow sidewalk clearing rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norfolk County
Compare Norfolk County to another location·View the Massachusetts property maintenance overview
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