Property owners must shovel sidewalks by 1:30 p.m., Saturday

The City of Somerville’s snow emergency will end Friday, January 7, at 5:00 p.m., and normal parking rules will resume at that time. Vehicles can be parked on the even side of the street starting at 5 p.m. As of midday Friday, crews are still plowing. To avoid ticketing and towing, do not move to the even side before 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted. The information below offers tips to avoid ticketing and towing as well as strategies for being a good neighbor and staying safe.

CARS IN LOTS: Residents parked in municipal lots during the snow emergency have a two-hour window to move their vehicles after the end of a snow emergency. Cars still parked in municipal lots after 7 p.m. on Friday will be subject to ticketing and towing to ensure crews are able to safely plow lots.

PERMIT VISIBILITY: Please note that by 5:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8 (24 hours after the end of the snow emergency), residential or visitor parking permits must be cleared of snow and visible or the vehicle may be ticketed. 

SNOW REMOVAL FROM VEHICLES: Please note that by 5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 9 (48 hours after the end of the emergency), your vehicle must be fully cleared of snow to avoid ticketing.

SIDEWALK SHOVELING: To allow safe passage for all and to avoid being ticketed, property owners must clear snow from their sidewalks by 1:30 p.m. Saturday (within six daylight hours of the end of snowfall). A path down to the pavement and at least 36 inches wide is required to allow wheelchair passage. Do not shovel snow into the street or bike lanes. Please remember to also treat your walks in the coming days for ice that can form overnight as meltwater refreezes. Be sure to stay warm and take frequent breaks while shoveling. Review cold weather safety tips at somervillema.gov/coldweather. 

SHOVELING ASSISTANCE: If you are a senior or are otherwise physically unable to shovel, please call the Council on Aging at 617-625-6600 x2300 during normal business hours to sign up in advance for assistance during the NEXT storm. 

BIKE TRAVEL: Crews have been working to remove snow from bike lanes. Shovelers, do not shovel snow into the road or bike lanes. Cyclists, use caution when riding a bike post-storm, and consider using other modes of transportation if you must travel until pavement is fully clear of snow and ice. 

HOW TO HELP: Check on Neighbors, Shovel Hydrants, Use Your Driveway, Park Considerately. Please consider assisting neighbors who may need help with shoveling and consider checking in on elderly neighbors or others who may need additional assistance. Our crews are also working to shovel out fire hydrants and catch basins. If you are able, we greatly appreciate any assistance in shoveling hydrants and catch basins in your area. Finally, parking is often tight following a storm. If you have a driveway, please use it and consider sharing it with others, and if you park on the street, try to maximize room for others.

THANK YOU & MORE INFO: We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this storm. For more information on post-snow policies, please visit somervillema.gov/snow. 

For more information or to make a non-emergency service request, please dial 311 (627-666-3311) or visit the city’s website, www.somervillema.gov. 311 may also be contacted via fb.com/311Somerville, @311somerville, and the 311 app for iOS or Android.