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 and ramps adjacent to their property within six daylight hours of the end of snowfall. A path at least three feet wide and down to the pavement must be cleared. Do not shovel snow into bike lanes. For more information, please visit somervillema.gov/snow.

What are the fines for not clearing snow from sidewalks? 

• Single-, two-, or three-family homes:

  • First offense: $100

  • Second offense: $200

  • Third and subsequent offense: $300

•  Four or more dwelling units or commercial establishments:

  • First offense: $150

  • Second, third, 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. If you do not live on one of these roads, please note that you are still subject to all snow removal guidelines and enforcement will continue citywide. 

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 information on the pilot please visit somervillema.gov/SidewalkClearing. 

To review shoveling guidelines, shoveling safety tips, and shoveling 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 somervillema.gov/snow. Please note that you must sign up for shoveling assistance well in advance of a storm.