Amendment ID: S21-19

Amendment 19

Snow Removal Penalties in the City of Boston

Mr. DiDomenico moves to amend the amendment Whereas, the deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to improve and enhance public safety during snow emergencies in the City of Boston, therefore, it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health and safety.

Section 1.  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the City of Boston by ordinance may impose a fine of up to one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) on any person who, in the conduct of commercial snow removal, removes snow, slush or ice from any property, public or private, and places it upon a public way.  For the purpose of this section, “commercial snow removal” shall mean snow plowing or shoveling conducted by, or on behalf of, the owner of any parking lot or any building containing commercial or institutional uses or more than six dwelling units.

Section 2.  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the City of Boston by ordinance may impose fines of up to one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) on any owner of a building, estate, or land abutting a sidewalk or curb ramp  who fails to remove snow, slush, or ice from abutting sidewalks and curb ramps in accordance with city ordinances.  This section shall not apply to owners of buildings containing six or fewer residential units.

Section 3.Notwithstanding section 5 of Chapter 40U, fines imposed under ordinances enacted pursuant to this act may be governed by the provisions of Chapter 40U or by the provisions of section 21D of Chapter 40..

Section 4.  The provisions of this act shall take effect upon its passage.