Snow & Shoveling: What’s the Rules?

With the nor’easter this past weekend the Town reminds its residents, property managers and landlords of the rules surrounding shoveling.

Town ordinance 12.24.010 requires the owner or tenant of any property to clear the snow and ice from the sidewalks abutting the property.  The ordinance states that you have “six hours between sunrise and sunset” to remove any snow or ice, unless the ice is made even and covered with sand, salt, ice melt, or such other product as to prevent slipping.  It also requires a path to be cleared that is at least thirty-six (36) inches wide, and suitable for passage of a wheelchair, and to clear any handicap access ramps on the sidewalks abutting the property.  You cannot place snow into the street or other public way.

Simply put, we’re looking for an accessible path of travel. While the rule is six hours, we try to be reasonable for deciding when we start the clock. Our goal isn’t to fine you. We just want people — especially youth and seniors — to be able to get around safely.

Failure to properly remove snow or ice from the sidewalk abutting a property, or placing snow into the street or other public way can lead to a fine of $25.00 for a first offense, $50.00 for a second offense, and $100.00 for a third and each subsequent offense.

Remember

• All sidewalks abutting a property must be cleared after each snow event.

• The path cleared must be at least 36 inches wide, and suitable for passage of a wheelchair

• Any handicap access ramps on the sidewalk abutting the property must be cleared

• Snow should be removed within six daylight hours of the end of the storm

• Any ice remaining on the sidewalk must be made even, and covered with sand, salt, ice melt, or other product to prevent slipping

• Don’t leave snow or ice on stairways or fire escapes.  All common means of exit must be clear in case of a fire or other emergency

• Clear snow around dryer and other vents to prevent issues

Things We Could Use Your Help With

• Please clear any snow that may be blocking a fire hydrant.

• Please make sure any storm drains adjacent to the property are clear of snow.  When melting occurs, the water needs to be able to get to the drain.

If you see a property that has not cleared the snow or ice from the abutting sidewalk, you can report it to us using this online form.  Please wait at least 24 hours after snowfall has ended before filing a report.