Rhode Island follows the Connecticut rule: a business may wait a reasonable time after a storm ends to clear snow and ice, absent unusual circumstances (Benaski v. Weinberg, 2006). Massachusetts, since Papadopoulos v. Target (2010), requires reasonable care for snow and ice like any hazard. Town sidewalk ordinances add separate deadlines.
Updated November 11, 2026
If your portfolio crosses the state line, your snow standard should be the stricter one.
| State | Rule | Case |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | Reasonable time after the storm ends, absent unusual circumstances | Benaski v. Weinberg (2006); Terry v. Central Auto Radiators (1999) |
| Massachusetts | Reasonable care for snow and ice like any hazard | Papadopoulos v. Target (2010) |
| Town | Deadline | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Barrington | 6 p.m. day after snowfall | $50 |
| East Providence | 24 hours from daylight | $25, $50, $100 |
| Newport | 5 daylight hours; ice 4 | Enforced |
| Fall River | 5 daylight hours | Up to $200 |
Rhode Island leaves sidewalk rules to towns (R.I. Gen. Laws 24-5-14). We're not lawyers and this isn't legal advice.
Massachusetts.
They set separate municipal deadlines and fines; ask counsel how they interact.
A written storm plan, timely clearing and logs.
Tell us about the property. One local crew based in Bristol walks it and puts a scope and proposal in writing.
Plain, sourced answers for property managers and boards in Bristol and the East Bay, and one introduction to a local grounds and snow crew.
East Bay Commercial Landscaping is an independent referral service, not a contractor. We don't do, schedule or price work; the local crew we connect you with contracts with you directly and is responsible for its own insurance. We are not lawyers; nothing here is legal advice.
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