Newport has one of the tightest sidewalk rules around: clear within five daylight hours after the snow stops, and treat ice within four. One local crew plows and shovels downtown homes, rentals and storefronts in Newport and the rest of Aquidneck Island.
Updated November 11, 2026
Newport's Point and Historic Hill have 18th- and 19th-century homes right on narrow sidewalks with no room to pile snow; Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive have long drives exposed to wind off the water; and downtown storefronts and short-term rentals need walks clear before anyone arrives.
Newport's ordinance (sections 9.08.110 and 9.08.120) requires owners to clear sidewalks adjoining their property within five hours of daylight after snow stops falling, keeping a 4-foot path where there's no curb, and to remove ice or cover it with sand or ashes within four daytime hours.
Aquidneck Island and Tiverton: exposed coastline, drifting snow and tight downtown sidewalks. More on Newport County, RI, including every town in it.
Owners must clear adjoining sidewalks within five hours of daylight after snow stops, keeping at least a 4-foot path where there is no curb; ice must be removed or sanded within four daytime hours (sec. 9.08.110 and 9.08.120). Source: Patch Newport: Property owners expected to clear sidewalks of snow, treat ice
Newport's mandatory bans cover main streets including Broadway, Thames, Washington and Spring Streets; cars still parked 30 minutes after the ban starts may be towed. Source: City of Newport: Parking ban issued ahead of winter storm (Feb. 27, 2023)
During its February 2023 ban, Newport pointed residents to free parking at the Gateway Center, Mary Street and Easton's Beach lots. Source: City of Newport: Parking ban issued ahead of winter storm (Feb. 27, 2023)
City policies change; confirm with the city before you rely on a deadline.
Nearby: Portsmouth · Middletown · Tiverton
Before you sign anything: Sidewalk rules by town · Snow liability: RI vs MA · Seasonal vs per storm.
See the rules on this page for what Newport publishes; ordinances change, so confirm with the town.
Yes, or per storm. Ask before the first storm so you're on the route.
Ask for it in writing. It's the visit that matters most.
An independent local snow crew based in Bristol. Their name, insurance and terms are on the written quote. We're a referral service.
Tell us the address and what needs clearing. One local crew in Bristol calls to confirm and puts the terms in writing before the first storm.
Plain, sourced answers about snow in Bristol and the East Bay, and one introduction to a local crew when you want the driveway, walks and ice handled.
East Bay Snow Removal is an independent referral service, not a snow removal contractor. We don't plow, shovel, schedule or price work; the local crew we connect you with handles all of that directly with you and is responsible for its own insurance. We are not lawyers; nothing here is legal advice.
© 2026 East Bay Snow Removal.
