Should Watertown Require Residents to Shovel Snow Off Their Sidewalks?

Walking around Watertown after the Blizzard of 2013 requires people to tread in the street, at least part of the way, because many sidewalks remain under feet of snow.

In Watertown, businesses in commercial districts must clear their sidewalks or face fines under the town's bylaws, but no such requirement exists for residential properties. Last year, the Town Council considered creating such a bylaw, but voted it down.

When the council discussed the ordinance in January 2012, Town Council Vice President Steve Corbett said that 22 communities in the Boston area have residential snow shoveling requirements and he encouraged Watertown to pass one. Other members did not like the idea of a requirement because some older residents and the disabled will not be able to comply without hiring someone to do it.

What do you think? Should Watertown require residents to shovel their sidewalks? If so, how long should they have to do it after the storm and what should a punishment be? If not, why not? Share the comment section below.