For Immediate Release: 2/21/2025 5:29 pm
Following last weekend’s winter storm, many sidewalks in Worcester remain impassible. The municipality reminds residents, businesses, and property owners of their responsibility to clear snow and treat sidewalks in order to maintain safe and accessible sidewalks.
Worcester’s Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance requires that owners and occupants of any residential or business property are required to clear and treat sidewalks adjacent to their property within 10 hours after snow ceases to fall. Snow and ice must be removed to a width of no less than 4 feet for the entire distance of abutting sidewalks. Crosswalks and curb ramps that abut properties must be cleared as well. Residents who do not comply with this ordinance are subject to a $75 fine daily.
Complaints can be reported to Worcester 311. If the owner or occupant fails to clear the sidewalk of snow within the time allowed, the municiaplity may remove the snow and clear the sidewalkand then seek reimbursement of the expense incurred from the owner or occupant.
Residents are also encouraged to help clear snow around fire hydrants, catch basins and along curbs to help melt water drain as temperatures rise.
More information concerning snow removal may be found at worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/snow-removal.
