These Massachusetts Cities and Towns Will Fine You For Not Shoveling Snow

We're not technically into the winter season, which doesn't officially start until December 21, but Massachusetts residents know Mother Nature pays no attention to the calendar. Massachusetts already saw its first measurable snowfalls and we know more is on the horizon.

Shoveling is just something Massachusetts homeowners have come to accept, but it doesn't mean we like it. So after you take care of removing snow from your driveway, walkways, decks, and porches, make sure you hit that city or town owner sidewalk, otherwise, you could be facing fines.

That's right, in most Massachusetts municipalities homeowners are responsible for clearing public walkways in front of their homes as well as clearing snow surrounding any fire hydrants that might be on or abutting their property.

Each city and town in Massachusetts has its own regulations surrounding snow removal from sidewalks in some larger metropolitan areas, failure to remove snow can land you in hot water, or at least paying some hefty fines.

Check out the regulations in Boston and Worcester the two larges cities in Massachusetts.

Boston:

Fines up to $200 per day for every day snow is not removed. Property owners and businesses must clear snow within three hours of a snowfall, and cleared paths must be at least 42 inches wide

Worcester:

Property owners must clear sidewalks within 10 hours after a snowfall, and clear ramps at corners

Berkshire County Municipalities That Fine for Neglecting Snow Removal from Sidewalks :

Locally, here in Berkshire County, there are actually only two municipalities that will fine you for neglecting your sidewalks.

Adams:

Home and business owners have 24 hours to remove snow from public sidewalks and face a $50 fine if they do not comply.

Pittsfield:

Home and business owners have 24 hours to remove snow from sidewalks, to a width of 36 inches. Those who violate can face fines, however, the dollar amount is determined on a case-by-case basis.