The subject brings constant angst, but do you know the rules on snow removal, sidewalks, and parking spaces in Fall River?

When it comes to snow, complaining about it has become a Fall River pastime.

Whether its plowing, parking spaces, or snow-covered sidewalks, there is constant criticism when that white powder begins to fall from the sky, but do you know the city’s rules on the subject?

Here is the city ordinance concerning snow and ice on sidewalks.

(a) No owner or tenant of any estate abutting on a sidewalk shall place or suffer to remain for more than five hours between sunrise and sunset any snow upon such sidewalk, or any ice upon such sidewalk unless such ice is made reasonably even and covered with sand, salt or other acceptable material to prevent slipping; nor shall any person place any ice or snow in a street outside of the sidewalk unless the ice or snow is made reasonable even at the time of placing. For the purpose of this section, sidewalks shall include wheelchair ramps extending from the sidewalk to the street.

(b) Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $50.00 for each offense, and not only the person actually doing the prohibited thing, but also his employer and every other person concerned in so doing, shall be punished by such fine.

For those who are unable to have their sidewalks shoveled due to disability, sickness, or being elderly, the City of Fall River gathers volunteers to clear them. If you need help or want to participate, you can contact Mayor Coogan’s office at 508-324-2600 when a storm is headed our way.

When it comes to claiming shoveled out parking areas, saving parking spots by placing furniture or household objects in the street is prohibited by law. Placing objects in the street to reserve a parking spot is punishable by fine. Makes you wonder if someone will ever pay someone to just stand in the spot in the freezing cold. If you find that person, you may just have a friend for life.

Some communities, such as Boston, allow parking space savers for 48 hours after a storm if it was labeled a snow emergency, should Fall River follow? Should sidewalk clearing be heavily enforced?