Public vs. private ways
Learn about who's responsible for public and private ways in the City of Boston.
How do you know if you live on a public or private way? Check out our street book!
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Still have questions? Contact:
Public Works
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1 City Hall Square
Room 714Boston, MA 02201-2024
Street infrastructure
The City of Boston is responsible for all general maintenance of public ways.
Residents are responsible for all maintenance of the streets and sidewalks along the private way.
Street cleanliness
The City of Boston is responsible for street cleanliness in the public way.
The abutting property owners are responsible for street cleanliness in the private way.
Snow removal
The City of Boston is responsible for plowing and sanding the public ways. Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks along their property line.
Property owners are responsible for clearing both roadways and sidewalks. The City may plow roadways for emergency reasons at their discretion.
Trash pickup
The City will provide trash / recycling removal service to residential properties via curbside pickup on specific days.
The City will provide trash / recycling removal service to residential properties if City vehicles can safely enter and exit the private way.
Parking
The City sets and enforces all parking regulations and requirements.
Property owners are responsible for setting and enforcing any parking regulations within the private way.
Streetlights
The City of Boston manages and maintains all City-owned streetlights.
The City manages and maintains all accessible City-owned streetlights.
Utilities
Utility companies must file a permit with the City before beginning work on existing lines.
It is recommended that utility companies inform residents of work 7 - 10 days before starting. Residents may request the work be postponed.
More resources
More resources-
Still have questions? Contact:
Public Works
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1 City Hall Square
Room 714Boston, MA 02201-2024
