Winter is coming – which means snow removal! Unless you’re one of the lucky few who live in a place that never sees snow, then you know all too well that when it snows, it means shoveling and clearing your sidewalks, driveways, and curbside. But what are the laws surrounding snow removal in your particular town or city?
When Does Your Municipality Have to Remove the Snow?
There are a few general guidelines to follow when it comes to snow removal in your municipality. The first guideline is that the municipality has to remove all snow if it accumulates on public property, including sidewalks, streets, and parks. Secondly, the municipality must remove snow from all public property that is enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier. Finally, the municipality must remove snow from all private property within its jurisdiction if it accumulates on the property or if the owner requests that the municipality do so. In general, your municipality will have to remove the snow if it accumulates on any public property. Get your FREE guide to understanding snow removal laws by state today at ninjadeicer company. This includes sidewalks, streets, and parks. If there is a physical barrier between the public property and private property (like a fence), then the municipality must also remove the snow from that private property.
What are the laws regarding snow removal?
In most cases, municipalities have specific laws governing the removal of snow and ice. The following is a list of some of the more common laws:
– Snow must be removed within 24 hours after it has stopped accumulating on the ground.
– All snow and ice must be cleared from sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas.
– Snow must be cleared from public property within 48 hours after the snowfall ends.
– If a snow or ice storm results in significant accumulation, the municipality may extend these time limits.
– Property owners are responsible for removing all snow and ice from their property.
– Municipalities may require permits for residential or commercial snow removal.
What parts of the state are covered by snow removal laws?
The Massachusetts snow removal laws are fairly detailed and cover a wide range of areas. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know:
- There is no required minimum number of employees for a snow removal company to be licensed, but companies must have a minimum of two employees.
- Snow removal companies must have liability insurance in the amount of $1 million per occurrence and carry workers’ compensation insurance.
- Snow removal companies must also have a permit from the municipality they are working in and follow all their established regulations.
- The fines for not following snow removal laws can be quite severe, with penalties ranging from $50 to $500 per day for each violation.
How do local authorities enforce snow removal laws?
Local authorities typically enforce snow removal laws by issuing citations for violations. The penalties for a first offense can range from a warning to a fine. For a subsequent offense, the penalties can include fines up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days. In some cases, local authorities may also require the installation of signage indicating that snow removal is required.
What are the penalties for violating snow removal laws?
If you live in a municipality that has a snow removal ordinance, then you must abide by the provisions of the ordinance. Failure to comply can result in fines and/or imprisonment. In addition, municipalities may also require the removal of snow from private property if it is deemed to be a public nuisance.
