Winter Sidewalk Clearing

In the City of Newburyport, property owners, tenants, and occupants are responsible for keeping the sidewalks along their properties free of snow and ice. Sidewalks must be cleared within 6 hours after the snow event ends, or before noon if the snow ends during the night. Failure to comply with these deadlines can result in a fine of $50 for the owner or occupant.

The City of Newburyport typically clears sidewalks in the downtown, around schools and other city-owned property, and along the Clipper City Rail Trail.

Despite these rules and procedures, sidewalks, crosswalks, and pathways blocked by snow and ice continue to be a major winter safety concern for pedestrians and bicyclists at a number of locations around the city. In the winter of 2018-2019, NLS members began monitoring sidewalks and recording problematic locations. We have now created an online form that residents can use to identify sidewalks, crosswalks and other pathways that are not being cleared of snow after storm events. You can fill out a report by clicking here.

Resources

City ordinance Sec 12-52 — sidewalk snow removal

Department of Public Services Snow and Ice Plan, 2025-2026 Season