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Jan 04

Sidewalk Snow/Ice Removal, Enforcement & Reporting

Posted on January 4, 2018 at 10:48 PM by Stephanie Orsini

The deadline for Sidewalk Snow/Ice Removal By-Law enforcement for commercial and multi-family buildings is 10:00am on Friday, January 5th. The deadline for single family and residential buildings with less than five families is 12:00pm on Saturday, January 6th.


Note: It is important to understand the Town by-law regarding the Removal of Snow and Ice From Sidewalks and how it is enforced BEFORE reporting violations or making snow or ice removal requests. The Town can issue fines only; the Town cannot force anyone to remove snow or ice nor does the Town remove snow/ice for those who are not in compliance. As a result, when violations are found or reported, the next step is a fine. This may or may not result in the snow/ice being removed by the property owner. In most cases, property owners do eventually comply with snow removal. Your understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated!


Reporting Unshoveled or Icy Sidewalks in Brookline:

The town will be monitoring snow/ice removal compliance, but citizens can also help. There are easy ways to submit a report:


1. Download the free BrookONline app for iPhone and Android. With the BrookONline app, you can report unshoveled/icy sidewalks, plowing/sanding requests, broken streetlights, graffiti, broken parking meters and much more. Plus, requests can be geo-tagged and include pictures.


2. Fill out the online Citizen Reporter Form located on our website.


Other Snow-Related Information:


FIRE HYDRANTS:

Please do not bury fire hydrants with shoveled snow! If you haven't done so already, please take time to locate your nearest fire hydrants, and make a commitment to clear them off (don't assume someone else will do it). Below are the guidelines:

  1. Remove any snow and ice
  2. Clear a wide enough perimeter around the hydrant for firefighters to work (about 3 ft)
  3. Clear a path from the hydrant to the street


BROOKLINE'S WINTER PREP TIPS:

Winter is here!  Take time to learn how you can be prepared here in Brookline.  Visit our online Winter Prep Tips for information on how to receive emergency notifications, download the Public Works Winter Guide, how to deal with power outages, and more.


Thank you for your cooperation!