Brookline winters are beautiful, but the snow and ice on your sidewalk come with clear obligations. If you own or manage property here, you are expected to keep paths safe for pedestrians and accessible for everyone. In this quick guide, you will learn exactly what Brookline requires, how fast you must act after a storm, what not to do, and how Massachusetts law views liability. Let’s dive in.
What Brookline requires on your sidewalk
Brookline’s bylaw requires you to clear a minimum pedestrian path of 36 inches on sidewalks that abut your property. You also need to keep curb ramps and other accessible features clear so people using mobility devices can pass safely. See the town’s summary of the rule on the Brookline Sidewalk Snow Laws page.
- Clear to pavement where possible.
- Keep curb cuts, driveway crossings, and ramps usable.
- Apply ice melt or sand to address slippery conditions.
Deadlines after a storm
Brookline starts the clock when the Department of Public Works (DPW) posts the official storm end time. Deadlines differ by property type. You can confirm timing on the DPW Winter Guide and the Sidewalk Snow Laws page.
Small residential properties (up to 4 units)
- You have 24 hours after the storm ends to clear your sidewalk.
- If the storm ends between 4:00 pm Friday and 12:00 noon Saturday, you have 30 hours.
Commercial and large multi‑family (5+ units)
- You have 3 hours after the storm ends to clear, or within 3 hours after sunrise if the storm ends at night.
Who is responsible
Responsibility typically follows ownership and control, and Brookline assigns sidewalk duty to abutting property owners.
Homeowners
You must clear the sidewalk abutting your property and your private paths. If you cannot shovel due to travel or disability, arrange help. The duty remains yours. See the town’s rules on the Sidewalk Snow Laws page.
Landlords and associations
Landlords are usually responsible for abutting sidewalks and common egress routes. Hiring a contractor helps, but you still must use reasonable care. Lease or condo documents may allocate duties for private areas. Massachusetts guidance outlines these distinctions in its snow removal and accessibility overview.
Businesses and public‑facing properties
Businesses must keep abutting sidewalks and accessible routes clear. Accessibility obligations add risk if routes are blocked. Review the state’s accessibility and snow removal guidance.
Renters/occupants
Your lease may assign certain tasks, but in Brookline the abutting sidewalk duty generally remains with the property owner unless transferred by contract. See state guidance on who may be responsible.
What not to do
- Do not push snow into the street, bike lanes, crosswalks, or curb cuts.
- Do not block hydrants or catch basins if you can help it.
- Do not leave packed snow that can refreeze into ice.
Town guidance and reminders are summarized on the Sidewalk Snow Laws page.
Liability basics under Massachusetts law
Massachusetts uses a reasonable‑care standard for snow and ice. In a leading case, the state’s highest court removed the old “natural accumulation” defense and held that owners can be responsible for hazardous conditions if they did not act reasonably under the circumstances. Read the decision in Papadopoulos v. Target.
- Hiring a contractor does not eliminate your duty to keep the property reasonably safe.
- Evidence like timing, treatment, and documentation can matter in a claim.
Municipalities have limited liability for snow and ice on public ways when the area is otherwise reasonably safe. See M.G.L. c.84 §17. Towns are allowed to assign sidewalk clearing to abutters under M.G.L. c.40 §21.
Fines and enforcement in Brookline
Brookline enforces its bylaw with notices and fines, often in the $100 to $250 per day range for noncompliance. The town emphasizes it can fine you but typically does not physically clear your sidewalk for you. See the town’s guidance on Sidewalk Snow Laws and this overview of enforcement and reporting.
Reporting and where to check storm timing
Use the DPW pages for the official storm end time and seasonal contacts. You can submit concerns through the BrookONline app or the town’s web form. Find current details in the DPW Winter Guide.
A simple winter sidewalk plan
Use this quick checklist each time it snows:
- Check the DPW’s posted storm end time to know your deadline. See the Winter Guide.
- Clear a 36‑inch path to pavement and keep curb ramps and driveway crossings open. Review the Sidewalk Snow Laws.
- Apply ice melt or sand and recheck for refreezing.
- Take time‑stamped photos of the cleared area and save contractor invoices and messages.
- If you will be away or cannot shovel, line up a contractor or neighbor in advance. Confirm the contractor is insured and keep records. See the liability context in Papadopoulos v. Target.
- For businesses and public entrances, prioritize accessible routes to reduce ADA exposure. See state accessibility guidance.
If someone is injured on your sidewalk
If an injury occurs, document conditions, save photos and witness names, and contact your insurer. Massachusetts generally allows three years to file most personal injury claims. See the statute at M.G.L. ch. 260 §2A.
Staying on top of these rules keeps your block safer and protects you from fines and claims. If you are planning a winter sale or purchase in Brookline, good access and clear walkways make showings smoother and less stressful. If you want seasoned local guidance on timing, preparation, and strategy, reach out to Ingvild Brown.
FAQs
How wide must a cleared sidewalk be in Brookline?
- Brookline requires a minimum 36‑inch pedestrian path, and you must keep curb ramps and accessible features clear. See the Sidewalk Snow Laws.
What are the Brookline deadlines after a snowstorm?
- Small residential properties have 24 hours (or 30 hours for storms ending Friday afternoon to Saturday noon). Commercial and 5+ unit buildings have 3 hours, or 3 hours after sunrise if the storm ends at night. Details are on the Sidewalk Snow Laws page.
Can the Town of Brookline force me to shovel my sidewalk?
- The town enforces with notices and fines and generally does not physically clear private abutters’ sidewalks. See enforcement and reporting guidance.
What happens if someone slips on the sidewalk by my property in Massachusetts?
- Liability follows a reasonable‑care standard. The “natural accumulation” defense no longer bars claims. See the SJC’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target.
Who must keep curb ramps and ADA features clear near my property?
- Abutting owners must keep accessible routes, curb cuts, and ramps clear under local bylaw, and accessibility rules stress maintenance of these features. See state accessibility guidance.
