New Bedford Residents Could Face Fines for Improper Snow Removal

With the messy mix of snow and sleet the SouthCoast has seen this season, it feels like we’re overdue for a real snowstorm.

When that happens, residents will be grabbing their shovels and snow blowers to clear their driveways and sidewalks. However, before you start tossing that snow, there’s something important to keep in mind: what you think is harmless could actually cost you.

I’ve lived all over New Bedford – North End, South End and now West End – and for years, I assumed that tossing a little extra snow into the street was no big deal. After all, the plows come by and push it all aside anyway, right?

Turns out, I was wrong.

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According to the City of New Bedford Code of Ordinances, it’s illegal to shovel or plow snow into public roadways. Anyone caught doing it could face a $50 fine. Specifically, the ordinance (Sec. 22-15) prohibits placing snow or ice onto city streets, and violations fall under Sec. 17-18, which outlines fines for noncriminal offenses.

As if dealing with snow removal wasn’t already enough of a hassle, homeowners in New Bedford also have another responsibility: clearing the sidewalk in front of their property.

The ordinance states that property owners (or occupants) must remove snow from sidewalks within a reasonable amount of time after the snow stops falling – and yes, failing to do so could also result in a $50 fine.

So as we brace for that inevitable big snowstorm (whenever that day comes, although I won't hold my breath), keep these rules in mind. Save yourself the fine (and your neighbors the frustration) by keeping the snow where it belongs – and not in the street.

It just might keep your wallet fat and full.