Bristol County, MA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 24 to 48 hours
- Width
- 36 to 48 inches
- Liability
- Papadopoulos (2010)
- Corner Lots
- Clear ramps
Summary
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.
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
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.
Violations & Fines
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating snow sidewalk clearing rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts property maintenance overview
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