Professional Snow Removal Services in Boston, MA

Boston Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Boston, MA is a critical legal obligation for all property owners and occupants. The City of Boston enforces comprehensive municipal ordinances that establish strict timeframes, clearance standards, and significant penalties to ensure public safety and accessibility during winter weather events. Adherence to these regulations is essential for maintaining safe sidewalks, reducing liability risks, and supporting citywide snow management operations.

Boston Public Works Department
1 City Hall Square, Room 714, Boston, MA 02201
Phone: 311 or (617) 635-4500
Official Website: Boston Public Works

Understanding Boston's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Boston maintains detailed local ordinances governing snow and ice removal from public sidewalks and abutting properties. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, municipalities are authorized to enforce snow removal requirements. Boston's municipal code, accessible via Municode Boston Ordinances, mandates that property owners, managers, or tenants must clear snow and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting their property within three hours after snowfall ends, or within three hours after sunrise if the snow stops overnight. The cleared path must be at least 42 inches wide to ensure accessibility for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities. Ice must be removed or treated with sand, sawdust, or another suitable material to prevent slipping. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow onto city streets or public ways.

• Timeframe for Removal: Within 3 hours after snowfall ends, or within 3 hours after sunrise for overnight storms.
• Minimum Path Width: 42-inch clearance required for sidewalks and ramps.
• Ice Removal: Must be removed or made safe with suitable materials.
• Prohibited Actions: Depositing snow onto public streets or crosswalks is not allowed.

Boston Inspectional Services Department
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-5300
Official Website: Boston Inspectional Services

• Residential Fines: $50 per day for residential properties (1-3 units); $100 per day for larger residential buildings (4+ units).
• Commercial Fines: $200 per day for commercial properties.
• Street Deposition: $200 per incident for depositing snow in the street.
• Separate Violations: Each day of non-compliance is a separate offense and subject to additional fines.

Boston Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Boston's diverse neighborhoods present unique challenges for snow removal, as documented by frequent 311 reports and municipal records. The city’s topography, building stock, and infrastructure require tailored approaches to snow and ice management in each district.

• Beacon Hill: Narrow, historic streets and brick sidewalks are difficult to clear, with steep inclines increasing slip risks. Dense on-street parking limits plow and equipment access.
• Allston/Brighton: High density of student rentals and multi-family triple-deckers leads to inconsistent compliance. Frequent turnover and absentee owners impact timely snow removal.
• South Boston: Coastal exposure results in drifting and ice accumulation. Heavy use of space savers and high parking demand affect sidewalk and curb access.
• Back Bay: Large commercial corridors and high-rise buildings generate heavy pedestrian traffic. Wide boulevards and historic parkways require coordinated snow management between public and private entities.
• Jamaica Plain: Hilly terrain and a mix of single-family and multi-unit homes complicate plowing and sidewalk clearing, especially on sloped side streets.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

Boston’s Department of Public Works manages one of the largest municipal snow operations in New England, responsible for more than 850 miles of public roads and hundreds of miles of sidewalks. The city divides its plowing operations into over 200 plow routes, prioritizing emergency routes, arterial roads, and high-traffic corridors for initial clearing. Side streets and residential areas are addressed on a staggered schedule following storm events.

Boston Office of Emergency Management
85 Bragdon Street, Boston, MA 02119
Phone: (617) 635-1400
Official Website: Boston Emergency Management

• Plow Deposits: Municipal plows may push snow across driveways and sidewalk curb cuts; property owners must clear these areas.
• Side Street Schedules: Monitor official city updates for plowing schedules on secondary roads.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Stay alert to city announcements and parking restrictions during snow emergencies.
• Contractor Coordination: Private property contractors should coordinate timing with city plow activities to avoid re-blocking public access.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Boston enforces strict snow emergency parking regulations, including designated emergency snow routes and citywide parking bans during declared snow emergencies. Residents must remove vehicles from posted emergency arteries, which are listed on the city's official snow emergency parking page. Vehicles parked in violation are subject to towing and fines, with fees starting at $100 plus towing and storage costs. Alternative parking locations are announced before and during snow emergencies via city alerts and media.

Boston also recognizes the tradition of "space savers," allowing residents to use objects to save a cleared parking space for 48 hours after the end of a declared snow emergency, except in the South End where space savers are prohibited. After 48 hours, all space savers must be removed or they may be collected by city crews. For specific details, see Boston's space saver policy.

• Emergency Routes: No parking on posted snow emergency routes during bans.
• Towing Fees: Minimum $100 fine plus tow/storage charges.
• Space Saver Limits: 48 hours maximum use post-emergency (prohibited in South End).
• Resident Alerts: Information disseminated through city website, email, text, and automated calls.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Boston uses the 311 system for reporting snow removal violations and accessibility concerns. Residents may file complaints by calling 311, submitting online requests through the Boston 311 website, or using the "Boston 311" mobile app available on iOS and Android platforms. Reports can also be submitted via email at 311@boston.gov. The system accepts a wide range of snow-related issues, including uncleared sidewalks, blocked curb cuts, and illegal street snow deposits.

• Phone: Dial 311 or (617) 635-4500
• Online: Boston 311 Online
• Mobile App: Boston 311 app available for download
• Email: 311@boston.gov

Accessibility violations, such as blocked curb ramps or impassable sidewalks for people with disabilities, can also be reported directly to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

Massachusetts Office on Disability
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-7440 | TTY: (800) 322-2020
Official Website: Mass Office on Disability

Premises Liability Protection Under MA Law

Massachusetts law imposes a duty of reasonable care on all property owners and managers to address snow and ice hazards. The 2010 decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) abolished the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations, clarifying that liability exists for all hazardous snow and ice conditions. This duty extends to sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are liable for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions due to snow or ice on public or private property. Injury claims must be filed within 30 days per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Required for all snow and ice conditions on sidewalks, paths, stairs, and parking lots.
• Papadopoulos v. Target Corp.: Liability applies to both natural and man-made snow accumulations.
• Notice Requirement: 30-day deadline for written injury claims.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Boston

Beacon Hill: Characterized by historic brick rowhouses and narrow, hilly streets, Beacon Hill faces challenges with limited sidewalk space, steep grades, and historic preservation requirements. Equipment access is constrained, requiring careful coordination and timely response for safe passage.

Back Bay: Featuring Victorian brownstones, wide avenues, and major commercial corridors, Back Bay contends with high pedestrian traffic and significant snow accumulation along Commonwealth Avenue Mall and retail blocks. Coordination with building managers and city crews is essential for prompt sidewalk and curb clearing.

South Boston: A dense mix of triple-deckers, new condominiums, and active business corridors, South Boston experiences high parking demand and heavy use of space savers. Coastal proximity increases exposure to drifting and ice, requiring vigilant sidewalk maintenance and timely snow removal along main commuter routes.

Allston/Brighton: Known for student housing and multi-family buildings, this area sees frequent tenant turnover and variable compliance with snow ordinances. Narrow side streets and high vehicle density present additional operational and timing challenges.

Jamaica Plain: With diverse housing stock, sloped terrain, and tree-lined streets, Jamaica Plain requires careful attention to sidewalk clearing, especially near schools and transit hubs. Topography and street patterns necessitate flexible equipment deployment and close coordination with city schedules.

Roxbury: Featuring mixed residential and institutional properties, Roxbury’s broad avenues, older infrastructure, and significant pedestrian use require reliable snow and ice control on both public and private walkways. Accessibility needs are heightened near health centers and community facilities.

Charlestown: As Boston’s oldest neighborhood, Charlestown has a blend of historic homes, steep hills, and modern developments. Narrow streets and limited parking make snow storage and access a persistent challenge, especially near Monument Square and waterfront areas.

Dorchester: The city’s largest neighborhood, Dorchester encompasses a wide range of property types, from single-family homes to high-density apartment complexes and active business districts. Varied street widths and heavy transit routes demand adaptable snow removal strategies and clear communication with residents.

East Boston: With waterfront exposure, high-rise developments, and dense residential blocks, East Boston faces unique challenges from wind-driven drifts and high pedestrian volumes. Proximity to Logan Airport requires careful coordination to maintain access and safety near major arteries.

Fenway–Kenmore: Home to large institutions, student housing, and major event venues, Fenway–Kenmore sees significant pedestrian and vehicular activity year-round. Snow removal must accommodate event schedules, high-rise access, and critical medical corridors.

Mattapan: Mattapan’s residential neighborhoods, commercial strips, and hilly terrain require targeted timing and equipment flexibility for snow and ice management. Accessibility for schoolchildren and elderly residents is a primary focus during winter storms.

South End: The South End’s historic brownstones, artistic corridors, and prohibition on space savers require efficient, manual snow clearing and strict adherence to city regulations. Narrow alleys and limited parking increase complexity during peak winter conditions.