Rules tend to vary from one community to the next.

It’s a common question this time of year around Massachusetts as the skies grow dark and the weather forecasts get grim: Who’s responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks?

(Note: The same information displayed on the maps is available in a table here as well. )

But in order to avoid fines, you’ll want to be up to speed on the regulations that may apply to you.

The following maps created by state officials may help clear up some of the confusion.

The colorful, interactive maps show the responsibilities of homeowners, businesses, and municipal governments in each city and town statewide when it comes to removing those pesky mountains of snow from sidewalks.


The data are current as of Feb. 3, 2016, officials said.

If you click on a city or town, a box will appear with additional details.

Some communities do not have sidewalks, do not have regulations, or have not yet provided information; those places are left blank.

For more detailed information on the rules within a specific community, state officials recommend that you visit that town or city’s official website.

Homeowners

This map shows whether homeowners are required to remove snow from sidewalks contiguous to their property. (To see what the color-coding means, click the button in the top left corner of the map with the >> symbols.)

Businesses

This map shows whether businesses are required to remove snow from sidewalks contiguous to their property. (To see what the color-coding means, click the button in the top left corner of the map with the >> symbols.)

Cities and towns

This map shows whether the municipality is required to remove snow from sidewalks. (To see what the color-coding means, click the button in the top left corner of the map with the >> symbols.)


Matt Rocheleau can be reached at matthew.rocheleau@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @mrochele