Snow Removal Policies & Bylaws

Downtown Area Snow Removal

If snow becomes a hazard within the Downtown area, the DPW will implement its snow removal plan. The removal will begin after the storm and may require additional days to ensure that all areas are safe for pedestrians. Removal will generally take place during business hours to minimize the financial impact on the Town budget.

Fire Hydrant & Catch Basin Cleaning

During winter months, fire hydrants and catch basins must be kept free and clear of snow and ice. This ensures the safety of your neighborhood in the event of an emergency.

Keeping catch basins clear of snow and ice will reduce the possibility of street flooding during heavy rains or snow melting periods.

Your assistance is important in making sure snow is cleared from hydrants and catch basins. Please shovel the hydrant and catch basin nearest your house after each storm to ensure your property's protection.

Bylaws

Removal of Snow and Ice, Chapter 147

• The owner, agent, or occupant of private property bordering a street in the Town where there is a sidewalk or footway duly established and defined and delineated on attached map, "Sidewalk Snow Removal Required By Property Owner (PDF),"[1] shall cause all snow and ice to be removed within 12 hours after snow ceases to fall and shall maintain said sidewalk in a non-slippery condition suitable for pedestrian travel at least 36 inches in width along the length of said sidewalk. Whenever any sidewalk or footway shall be encumbered with ice, the owner or occupant of such private property shall remove the ice therefrom, or so treat it that it shall be safe and convenient for travel in a non-slippery condition. In the event of an unusually heavy snowfall, the time limit shall be extended at the discretion of the Town Administrator. The provisions of this section shall apply to snow which falls from buildings as well as to that which falls from the clouds.
  [1] Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Town offices.
• The owner, agent, or occupant of private property bordering a street in the Town where there is a sidewalk or footway duly established and defined and delineated on map, "Sidewalk Snow Removal Required By Property Owner," where the awning or signage of such building slopes towards such street so as to cause snow and/or ice to accumulate on the sidewalk or footway, shall cause all snow and ice to be removed from below such awning and sign within 12 hours after the same has fallen or formed.
• The prohibition contained in § 155-21 that no person(s) shall place, or cause to be placed, ice or snow upon any public way of the Town, unless exempted by the Director of Public Works, applies to this chapter.
• If any person(s) subject to the provisions of this by law neglects or fails to comply with the provisions of § 147-1, 147-2, or 147-3, then the Franklin Police, the DPW Director or their designee, and/or the Building Commissioner or their designee shall make reasonable attempts to notify such person(s) of their neglect or failure and obligate them to do so, and, if the person(s) does/do not comply forthwith, the person(s) shall be fined $50 for each offense, by any of the Town officials designated herein to enforce this bylaw.

Uses of Streets, Chapter 155-21

• No person shall plow, push, deposit, throw or pile snow or ice into or across any public street, sidewalk or property nor direct nor cause the same to be done unless in the employ of the Town.
• This bylaw is important and necessary to ensure safe roads and sidewalks. It also helps the DPW to reduce its cost of snow and ice operations.
• Violators may be fined up to $300 for each day such violation continues.

Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban, Article X

• The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.

Obstructing Streets and Sidewalks, Chapter 125-4

• No person shall park any vehicle upon a sidewalk or any portion thereof. No person shall place any object in or upon any public street or sidewalk so as to obstruct travel thereon or to create a risk to public health or safety.