Snow and Ice Removal Tips after a Storm

Property owners/residents are responsible for removing all snow and ice from sidewalks and accessible ramps next to their property following a storm per City Ordinance.

Here are some helpful tips to follow:

• Clear sidewalks next to your property at least 3 to 4 feet wide to bare pavement, enough for someone using a wheelchair, walker or stroller. This must occur within 12 hours after snow stops falling in the daytime, and before 1 p.m. when it has fallen overnight.

• Clear corner properties on all sides and access to ramps at crosswalks.

• Remove or melt all ice within 6 hours of the time it forms.

• Use snow and ice melt products sparingly. When the snow melts, these products from roads, sidewalks, and driveways flow into the nearest catch basin and into our waterways.

• Use ice melter with calcium chloride, which is the best choice for the environment and only a small amount is required to melt ice. Potassium chloride is okay too.

• Avoid rock salt and sand: Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) is particularly harmful to plants and wildlife and should be avoided. Likewise, avoid sand, which can actually make ice more slippery and clogs storm drains.

• Shovel first: For de-icers to be effective, snow should be shoveled first. During a storm, shovel early and often to help avoid snow compacting and forming ice. Remove as much snow and ice as you can, and only use de-icer on what you can’t take care of with a shovel. De-icers work by preventing ice from forming (and should not be used to melt snow that’s already fallen).

• Remove slush: Once de-icer has done its job, remove slush to avoid refreezing.

• The City provides salt barrels in several locations throughout the City for residents to use. Please take only what you need.

• Clear snow to curb so that collection crews can access your trash barrels and recycling bins.

• Keep street drains clear of snow (to avoid ponding/icing at the bottom of ramps).

• Please help shovel out nearby fire hydrants.

• Shoveling or plowing snow into the street and/or bike lanes is prohibited.

The fine for failing to comply with the City’s sidewalk clearance ordinances is $50/day for each day of non-compliance. Even if you aren’t around, it is your responsibility to ensure someone clears sidewalks and ramps next to your property.

Visit the Snow Center at www.cambridgema.gov/snow for more information and to learn how to report icy/snow issues.