Blocking sidewalks with vehicles, vegetation, trash bins, or construction materials is prohibited. Minimum clear path widths are enforced under local bylaws and ADA standards.
Middlesex County municipalities prohibit obstructing public sidewalks under local traffic and general bylaws. Cambridge Municipal Code 12.16 requires a minimum 4-foot clear pedestrian path. Somerville and Newton enforce similar standards referenced to Americans with Disabilities Act 2010 Standards requiring a 36-inch minimum accessible route with 60-inch passing spaces. Common violations include parked vehicles blocking sidewalks, overgrown hedges, trash barrels left out past collection day, construction dumpsters without permits, sandwich board signs, and snow piles blocking curb ramps. Obstruction fines typically range from 50 to 300 dollars per day. Construction, moving trucks, and dumpsters require street occupancy permits from DPW. Restaurant outdoor seating encroaching on sidewalks requires a license from the local licensing board.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Middlesex County's obstruction rules rules stack up against other locations.
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