City of Worcester, MA

City Reminds Residents of Sidewalk Ordinance

For Immediate Release: 2/9/2017 8:19 pm

Worcester, MA (February 9, 2017) - A two-hour delay for the Worcester Public Schools on Friday gives residents a chance to get their sidewalks clear to make sure the trip to school is a safe one.

The City is reminding residents they have up to 10 hours from the end of a winter storm to clear the sidewalks abutting their property of any snow and ice. This ordinance was implemented to ensure safe passage for children, seniors, those with disabilities and everyone throughout the City. Residents who are able are also asked to clear snow around fire hydrants in their neighborhoods.

More information is available on the City's website. Some highlights of the ordinance include:

• Please make a path of at least four feet in width and also clear ramps at corners that abut your property.
• Complaints can be made to Department of Public Works and Parks if snow/ice is not cleared 10 hours after snow ceases. Department of Public Works and Parks can be reached at (508) 929-1300, or use our Online Customer Service Center.
• The fine for failing to comply with the City's sidewalk snow removal ordinance is seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per day.
• A provision of this ordinance also permits that if the owner or occupant fails to clear the sidewalk of snow within the time allowed, the City may remove the snow and clear the sidewalk. The City may then seek reimbursement of the expense incurred from the owner or occupant.
• Elderly or disabled homeowners may qualify for assistance. View the City's List of Referrals for Sidewalk Snow Removal or contact the DPW&P Customer Service Center at (508) 929-1300.

Nearly 400 pieces of equipment continue to work Thursday evening to plow Worcester's streets. Plowing could continue possibly until midnight. Once the snow is clear, the operation will shift to salting and sanding across the City.

More winter storm safety tips are available on the City's website​.​