Pittsfield Snow Rules for Homes and Businesses: Sidewalks, Hydrants and Parking

Plowing the driveway is only part of a Pittsfield winter. The city puts a few obligations on property owners too, and they apply to homes and businesses alike. Here's what the City of Pittsfield's Snow & Ice page says, in plain English.

This reflects the city's website as of October 2026. For questions about street plowing, the city lists its Highway Division (413-499-9314).

Sidewalks: 24 hours after the storm ends

The city's rule is direct: property owners are required to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses within 24 hours after a storm ends.

The clock starts when the storm ends, not when it starts. For a storefront, that means deciding before the season who clears the walk after a Sunday-night storm, so it's done before Monday's customers arrive. For any business, a cleared and salted walk is also the first line of defense against a slip-and-fall.

Hydrants: keep 3 feet clear

If there's a fire hydrant near your property, the city asks you to clear the snow 3 feet around it. Plow piles are the usual culprit, so point the hydrant out to whoever plows your lot or driveway before the first storm.

Parking during storms

When snow is forecast, the city's DPW may declare parking restrictions. When it does, it's usually alternate-side parking, which lets plows clear one full side of the street each day. Start and end times are announced on the city's website and on social and print media, based on the timing and severity of the storm.

Regular parking rules still apply (hydrants, crosswalks, handicap spots), and the city says non-compliance may result in a ticket or tow.

Plan where the snow goes

The rules are easier to meet when the plan is set before the first storm. Whoever plows should know where the piles go: not on the hydrant, not blocking sight lines at the driveway or lot entrance, and not on the sidewalk you're required to clear.

Businesses and landlords usually write walkways and sidewalks into their snow contract. Ours cover walkways, sidewalks and entrances, salted, for homes and businesses alike. If you're comparing contracts, we covered seasonal vs. per-storm plowing and the questions to ask any contractor.