Snow Removal Policy Toolkit
MAPC’s Snow Removal Policy Toolkit provides cities and towns with tools to increase snow removal compliance and safety.
The toolkit includes:
- sidewalk snow clearance policies maps
- policies and ordinances addressing timeframes and fees for snow removal
- sample snow removal policy brochures from municipalities
The toolkit is made timely recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision, Papadopoulos v. Target Corporation, which makes property owners more liable for not clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice.
Many of the tools and recommendations included in this Toolkit are part of the Boston Region Pedestrian Transportation Plan.
Download the full Snow Removal Policy Toolkit below.
Snow Removal Policy Toolkit sections
1. Implications of Papadopoulos v. Target Corporation
Summary of a recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision which makes property owners more liable for not clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice. Click here for more information about snow and ice laws in Massachusetts.
2. Sidewalk Snow Clearance Policies Map
This map is based on a recent survey of how property owners are subject to snow removal policies, by municipality.
3. Boston Region Pedestrian Transportation Plan—Snow and Ice Removal Excerpt
Excerpts from the Boston Region Pedestrian Transportation Plan that address snow and ice clearance policies, regulations and their enforcement.
4. Comparison Table of Snow Clearance Ordinances in the Boston Region
Table depicting how select communities handle sidewalk snow clearance by time allotted for snow removal and residential fine structure.
5. Examples of Snow Clearance Ordinances in the Boston Region
Ordinances in the Boston Region that address residential sidewalk snow clearing.
6. Snow Plow Tracking and Using Technology
Description of Seattle’s Winter Weather Response webpage which contains a real time map of snow plow locations with traffic cameras and Chicago Shovels a new, interactive online resource that helps Chicagoans engage and participate in winter-preparedness efforts.
7. Sample Community Snow Removal Brochures
Five exemplary brochures that convey community snow removal policies to property owners, businesses and residents.