Professional Snow Removal Services in Braintree, MA

Braintree Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Braintree, MA, ensuring that public ways and private premises remain safe and accessible throughout winter. The Town of Braintree enforces strict municipal ordinances governing snow and ice removal, which establish mandatory clearance timeframes, minimum width requirements, and significant penalties for non-compliance. Adherence to these regulations is essential for public safety, accessibility, and minimizing municipal liability during hazardous weather events.

Braintree Department of Public Works
85 Quincy Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: (781) 794-8950
Official Website: Braintree Department of Public Works

Understanding Braintree's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

The Town of Braintree requires all property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after a storm ends. Per Braintree General Ordinances, the minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches in width to accommodate pedestrian and wheelchair passage. In cases where snow falls overnight, property owners must ensure walkways are cleared by the start of the next business day. Ice must be treated with sand, salt, or other suitable materials to prevent unsafe conditions. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks. Each day that a violation persists constitutes a separate offense.

These requirements are supported by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which authorizes municipalities to regulate snow and ice removal. For further details, property owners can review the Braintree General Ordinances – Chapter 10.16: Snow and Ice Removal.

• Residential Property Fines: $50 per day for single-family homes, with higher fines ($100 per day) possible for multi-unit dwellings.
• Commercial Property Fines: $200 per day for failure to clear sidewalks or for snow deposited on public ways.
• Street Deposition Fines: Up to $300 per incident for placing snow in roadways.
• Separate Violations: Each day of non-compliance is considered a new violation and subject to additional fines.

Braintree Inspectional Services
1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: (781) 794-8070
Official Website: Braintree Inspectional Services

Braintree Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods across Braintree present varying snow management challenges due to topography, infrastructure, and building types. The Town of Braintree utilizes a municipal reporting system for complaints; data indicates certain neighborhoods experience more frequent issues related to snow clearance and accessibility.

• Braintree Highlands: Hilly terrain and winding roads increase the risk of snow accumulation and drifting, complicating both sidewalk and driveway clearance.
• South Braintree Square: Dense commercial corridors with high pedestrian activity require rapid and precise snow removal to maintain business access and comply with accessibility mandates.
• East Braintree: Proximity to the Weymouth Landing commuter area and a mix of residential and multi-family buildings create high sidewalk usage and elevated clearance demands.
• Liberty Park: Features older housing stock and narrow streets, making effective snow storage and plow access more challenging.
• South Middle: Mixed-use zoning and significant elderly population require special attention to sidewalk traction and curb ramp clearing for mobility devices.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Braintree Department of Public Works maintains an extensive snow removal operation covering over 180 lane miles, divided into 22 primary plowing routes that prioritize arterial roads, emergency routes, and school zones. Secondary routes and cul-de-sacs receive attention once primary roads are cleared, following a systematic schedule designed for efficiency and public safety.

Braintree Office of Emergency Management
2 Plain Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: (781) 794-8184
Official Website: Braintree Office of Emergency Management

Property owners are advised to:

• Expect municipal plows to deposit snow across driveway aprons; timely shoveling is essential for vehicle access.
• Monitor the Town’s website and social media for updated plowing schedules and snow emergency declarations.
• Coordinate with private contractors to avoid conflicts with municipal plowing, especially on narrow streets.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Braintree enforces town-wide snow emergency parking bans during declared winter storms. There is no official space saver policy in Braintree; residents are not permitted to use objects to reserve parking spaces once snow emergencies are lifted. Parking bans apply to all designated snow emergency routes, including main thoroughfares and certain secondary streets. Vehicles parked in violation of the ban are subject to immediate towing and fines, which may exceed $100 per incident. Residents are alerted through the Town’s website, local news, and reverse 911 calls. Alternative municipal parking locations are announced with each emergency declaration. For further details, refer to the Braintree General Ordinances – Parking Regulations.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Braintree does not currently utilize a 311 system but provides snow removal reporting through its online complaint form, as well as by phone and email. Residents can report uncleared sidewalks, street deposition, and accessibility obstructions. For accessibility-related issues, such as blocked curb ramps, reports may be filed directly with the Inspectional Services Department or through the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online: Braintree Snow & Ice Removal Complaint Form
• Phone: (781) 794-8950 (DPW)
• Email: publicworks@braintreema.gov

MA 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

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated distinctions between natural and artificial snow accumulations, holding property owners to a standard of reasonable care for all snow and ice hazards. This duty extends to sidewalks, walkways, parking areas, entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are liable for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions on public ways abutting their property. Claims for injury require notice within 30 days per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20. Failure to comply with municipal ordinances may significantly increase property owner liability exposure.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Braintree

Braintree Highlands: Characterized by single-family homes on winding, hilly streets, this neighborhood requires strategic snow plowing due to elevation changes and cul-de-sacs. Street parking is limited, and timely sidewalk clearance is essential for school and commuter access.

South Braintree Square: A vibrant commercial district with mixed-use buildings and older multifamily residences, high pedestrian traffic and narrow sidewalks create ongoing snow removal pressure. Accessibility at crosswalks and bus stops is a key priority.

East Braintree: Featuring a mix of residential and multifamily properties near the Weymouth Landing transit hub, this area faces parking constraints and heavy commuter foot traffic. Coordination with MBTA and nearby businesses is critical during storms.

Liberty Park: Primarily residential, Liberty Park is known for older homes and mature trees, resulting in shaded areas where ice lingers. Narrow roadways and limited on-street parking add to the complexity of effective snow removal.

South Middle: With a significant elderly population and several multi-unit dwellings, South Middle needs extra attention to sidewalk traction, curb ramps, and safe access for mobility devices. Plowing schedules must account for high-density housing and limited storage space for snow.

Pond Street Area: A blend of single-family homes and institutional buildings, this district includes several schools and recreational areas. Topography is relatively flat, but the presence of school zones requires early and thorough clearance to maintain safe routes for students.

Five Corners: As a major traffic intersection with commercial plazas, Five Corners experiences high vehicle turnover and large pedestrian volumes. Snow storage and visibility at crosswalks are particular concerns, especially during business hours.

North Braintree: Home to business parks, hotels, and highway access, North Braintree sees heavy vehicle and delivery traffic. Wide roads allow for efficient plowing, but parking lots and loading zones require coordinated snow management with private contractors.

Granite Park: This residential area features split-level homes and newer developments on moderately sloped streets. Sidewalks are continuous, and snow removal must prioritize safe walking routes for families and children.

River Street Corridor: Marked by mixed-use development and high-density housing, the River Street area presents challenges with narrow streets and limited off-street parking. Frequent bus routes demand rapid sidewalk and curb cut clearance.

Union Street District: With historic homes, schools, and civic buildings, this neighborhood requires careful snow removal to protect infrastructure and maintain access to public facilities. Coordination with local institutions is essential for timely service.