Snow routes for arterial streets, collector routes, and residential local-through routes are evaluated and assigned annually. Maps containing arterial, collector and residential local-through routes identify the priority of each street within the City. The snow route priorities are based on traffic patterns, traffic speeds, traffic volumes, transportation nodes, schools or other public institutions, village squares, and the steepness of the roadways. New annexations, street additions and changes in traffic patterns are considered when revisions are made. The Department of Public works factors in “hot spots” (areas prone to snow drifting, ice formulations, etc.) and other problem locations during the route assessment process.

Each snow route is plowed in a specific sequence and made passable as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once the storm is over, the routes are widened out by pushing the snow back to the curb line and clearing intersections. The City has a curb to curb, clear wet pavement snow plowing policy. Dangerous hills, curves, and bridges are maintained and treated as necessary throughout winter events. The City’s goal is to have all streets cleared within eight hours after the storm has ceased.

Crews have a difficult time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts behind snow banks. Please clear an area at the curb, or place containers next to or in front of snow banks. During extreme winter events solid waste and recycling collection is cancelled only as a last resort. If existing conditions warrant, scheduled collections may be delayed or cancelled.

Do:

• Place carts and barrels beside or next to snow banks rather than behind them
• Shovel or clear a space to place the carts or barrels

Don’t:

• Leave carts or barrels behind or on snow banks
• Place or deposit snow or ice next to carts or barrels

• Keep a distance of 100’ behind all plow vehicles.
• Place the snow and ice from the driveway apron “downstream” side (Left side of the apron as you are standing at the street looking up the driveway) when shoveling or plowing a driveway. This reduces the amount of snow the plows will catch and deposit back onto the apron during street plowing.
• Park in City owned parking lots overnight from November 15 through April 15. Permits are required and may be obtained through the Newton Police Department. (Insert Link)
• Clear sidewalks abutting your property within 30 hours after a storm has ceased. Residents who are physically or financially unable to clear their sidewalks may qualify for the snow exemption program. Please call or visit the Department of Senior Services at 617-796-1660 or on Skype at 617-796-1660

To ensure pedestrians safe travel throughout the City, the City of Newton requires all property owners or occupants of a building to maintain all paved and concrete sidewalks abutting their property or business in a non-slippery condition free of ice and snow within 24 hours after snow has ceased to fall or ice has formed.  By working together, the City, residents, and business can ensure that our streets and sidewalks are safe for everyone. Snow clearance on sidewalks is critical to maintaining safe walking conditions. If walkways, crosswalks, islands, and curb ramps are icy and/or not shoveled, travel is difficult and dangerous for pedestrians. Children, older people, and people with disabilities are most affected.

The City is also asking everyone to please check on their neighbors to see if they need help with clearing, especially older neighbors and people with health concerns.

Residents and business owners can be issued fines for failing to clear their sidewalk.

Residential properties:

1st Offense per 365 period - written warning

2nd and subsequent offenses per 365-day period - $50

Fines for commercial, institutional, or residential properties with more than four residential dwelling units:

1st Offense - $100

2nd Offense - $200

3rd and subsequent offenses in a calendar year - $300

Fines can be issued each day until the violation is addressed.

Please know that the Commissioner of Public Works may extend the 24- hour compliance timeframe when weather conditions necessitate.  

Annual exemptions from the sidewalk clearing requirement are available for citizens who upon written petition demonstrate hardship due to a combination of health and financial duress, or religious circumstances please contact the Department of Senior Services at 617-796-1675 or click here. 

For the snow clearing ordinances click here.

Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Exemption Request Form (PDF)

For the City's recommended use of de-icers to treat sidewalks, please see the Winter Snow and Ice Control Brochure.

Upon the declaration of a Snow Emergency by the Chief of Police in the City of Newton, no person shall stand or park or allow, permit or suffer any vehicle registered in his name or under his control to stand or park on any of the ways or parts thereof within the city in such a manner as to impede the removal or plowing of snow or ice. Violators are subject to a $20.00 fine and the vehicle will be towed.

All stickers or permits issued under the Municipal Lot Parking Program for overnight parking in municipal parking lots shall be automatically suspended upon the declaration of a snow emergency in the City of Newton and all vehicles must be removed from the municipal parking lot. Violators are subject to a $20.00 fine and the vehicle will be towed.

For additional information please visit the Newton Police Department web pages.

Residents may Park in City owned parking lots overnight from December 1 through March 31st. Permits are required and may be obtained through the Newton Police Department.

• Winter Weather Brochure 2023-24
• Winter Snow and Ice Control Brochure (Proper Use of De-icers)
• Sidewalk/Snow Shoveling Exemption Request Due to Health and Financial Duress
• Sidewalk/Snow Shoveling Exemption Request Due to Religious Circumstances