Sidewalk Snow Clearing Pilot on Broadway & School St. Starts Sat., Jan. 29

Properties on Broadway and School St. are part of the Winter 2022 Sidewalk Snow Clearing Pilot to test options to support safer travel. 

For the pilot, the City will 

1. increase enforcement of existing sidewalk snow removal rules, which can include issuing fines when sidewalks are not shoveled properly or on time; 
2. clear more snow from bus stops, ramps, and other pedestrian features, and 
3. clear snow from sidewalks not shoveled by property owners on time. 

What should I do? To avoid fines, home and business owners must clear snow from all sidewalks adjacent to their property within 6 daylight hours of the end of snowfall. A path at least 3 feet wide and down to the pavement must be cleared. Do not shovel snow into bike lanes. For more information, please visit www.somervillema.gov/snow.

What are the fines for not clearing snow from sidewalks? 

• Single-, two-, or three-family homes:
  • 1st offense: $100
  • 2nd offense: $200
  • 3rd and subsequent offense: $300
•  Four or more dwelling units or commercial establishments:
  • 1st offense: $150
  • 2nd, 3rd, and subsequent offenses: $300

What is the goal of the pilot? Safety is the goal. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City Council are working together to improve pedestrian safety including after snowfall. This pilot will test the feasibility of increasing City snow removal from sidewalks. 

Why were Broadway and School Street chosen for the pilot? These roads were selected because they cross the city; connect to bus, transit, and school routes; run through diverse neighborhoods; and offer a range of shoveling environments.

When will ticketing and snow clearing by the City begin? Ticketing can begin as early as six daylight hours after snow stops falling. City clearing of sidewalks that are not shoveled on time will commence as crews become available after sidewalk snow removal is complete in priority areas such as hospitals and assisted care facilities, schools and known daycares, and City buildings. 

For more detailed information on the pilot, please see the overview memo to the City Council. To review shoveling guidelines and fines, please visit somervillema.gov/snow or contact 311 (617-666-3311).

For information on the City’s Snow Teen Shoveling Program for seniors and persons with disabilities, visit www.somervillema.gov/snow. 

We thank our property owners for doing their part to keep our walkways safe.