A proposed addendum to snow removal ordinances

Dear Editors,

Regarding Waltham ordinances about sidewalk snow-removal, a supplementary approach to consider could include requiring a designated “snow piling” area on site plans for new construction. Zoning bylaws typically require a setback — an open area between a lot’s front property line and the face of a proposed building. Building permit approvals could require the lot’s proposed site plan include enough area adjacent to the sidewalk and close enough to it in height elevation (that is, not too high above it) to allow shoveled snow to be piled on the property. The object would be to leave a wide enough space for pedestrians to use the sidewalk after it’s cleared.

Leah Greenwald