Quincy, MA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Snow deadline
- 5 hrs daytime / by 1pm next day
- Ice deadline
- 5 hours, or sand it
- Fine
- $50 per day, per violation
- Applies to
- Buildings with nonresidential use portion
Summary
Owners, tenants and occupants of buildings with a nonresidential portion bordering a Quincy sidewalk must clear snow within five daytime hours or by 1 p.m. the next day, and clear ice within five hours, or face a $50 daily fine.
The owner, tenant and occupant of any building, any portion of which is used for nonresidential purposes and bordering on any sidewalk, shall, after the ceasing to fall of any snow, if in the daytime within five hours, and if in the nighttime before 1:00 p.m. of the succeeding day, cause the snow to be removed therefrom. The preceding provision shall apply to snow that falls from buildings, other structures, trees or bushes as well as to that which falls from clouds.
B. Removal of ice. The owner, tenant and occupant of any building, any portion of which is used for nonresidential purposes and bordering on any sidewalk, any portion of which is encumbered by ice, within five hours after the sidewalk becomes encumbered with ice, shall cause such sidewalk to be made safe and convenient by removing the ice therefrom, or by keeping the same covered with sand or some other suitable substance.
C. Penalties for violation; criminal penalty. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of $50. Each day's violation shall constitute a separate offense. [Amended 6-1-2020 by Order No. 2020-012] § 305-25. Snow and ice removal from overhanging roofs.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4608810; v7 updated 2025-10-06; through 10-06-2025).
Full Breakdown
Quincy Code § 305-24 requires the owner, tenant or occupant of any building with a nonresidential portion abutting a sidewalk to remove snow within five hours after it stops falling in the daytime, or by 1:00 p.m. the following day if it fell at night, this covers snow from clouds and from buildings, trees or bushes. Ice must be cleared, or sanded, within five hours of the sidewalk becoming icy. A separate section requires snow and ice on overhanging roofs to be cleared within 24 hours.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $50 per violation under § 305-24C; each day the sidewalk remains uncleared is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to clear snow from a Quincy sidewalk?
What's the fine for not clearing a Quincy sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Quincy
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