Professional Snow Removal Services in Somerville, MA

Somerville Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants in Somerville, MA. The City of Somerville enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish mandatory timeframes, minimum clearance standards, and structured penalties for non-compliance, ensuring public safety during winter months. This page outlines the regulations, operational procedures, enforcement measures, and available resources related to snow and ice management throughout Somerville.

Somerville Department of Public Works
1 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: 311 or (617) 666-3311
Official Website: Somerville Department of Public Works

Understanding Somerville's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Somerville’s city ordinances, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, grant the municipality authority to regulate and enforce snow and ice removal. Per Somerville Code of Ordinances, Section 11-85, property owners and occupants must clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 6 daylight hours after snowfall ends. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide, suitable for pedestrian and wheelchair access. If ice accumulation prevents complete removal, sand, sawdust, or similar materials must be applied to provide traction until conditions permit thorough cleaning. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks that have already been cleared by the city.

• Clearing Timeline: Sidewalks must be cleared within 6 daylight hours after snow ceases. Overnight snow must be removed by the end of the following daylight period.
• Minimum Path Width: 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance is required for accessibility compliance.
• Ice Removal: Surfaces must be kept free of ice and made safe with sand or similar materials until fully cleared.
• Street Deposition: Shoveling or plowing snow into city streets, alleys, or municipal sidewalks is strictly prohibited.

Somerville Inspectional Services Division
1 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: (617) 625-6600 ext. 5600
Official Website: Somerville Inspectional Services

Fine Structure for Non-Compliance:

• Residential Properties: $50 per day, per violation.
• Commercial Properties: $100 per day, per violation.
• Depositing Snow in Street: $100 per day, per violation.

Each day a violation persists is considered a separate offense subject to additional fines.

Somerville Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods in Somerville present unique snow removal challenges due to topography, density, and infrastructure. The city’s 311 system records frequent snow and ice complaints, highlighting specific local concerns.

• Davis Square: High pedestrian traffic, mixed-use commercial and residential buildings, narrow sidewalks, and heavy on-street parking create clearance challenges and increase complaint volume after storms.
• East Somerville: Dense triple-decker housing, limited off-street parking, and closely spaced properties result in congested streets and constrained snow storage options.
• Winter Hill: Steep grades and sloped side streets complicate plowing and sidewalk clearing, especially near the Broadway corridor with higher commercial activity.
• Union Square: Ongoing construction, historic infrastructure, and mixed-use properties require coordination between city crews and private contractors for major storms.
• Ten Hills: Residential streets with limited width and proximity to the Mystic River lead to rapid accumulation and require vigilant management for accessibility and flood prevention.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Somerville Department of Public Works manages snow removal across approximately 100 lane miles of public roads, prioritizing arterial routes, emergency access roads, and key intersections. Plowing is conducted via designated routes, with main roads and bus corridors cleared first, followed by side streets and dead-ends. The city adjusts operations based on storm severity, with additional contractors deployed for major weather events.

Somerville Office of Emergency Management
165 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: (617) 625-6600 ext. 4300
Official Website: Somerville Office of Emergency Management

• Plow Operations: Expect plowed snow across driveways as streets are cleared. Property owners are responsible for removing these deposits.
• Side Street Schedules: Monitor city updates for anticipated plowing times on non-arterial streets.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Follow city alerts for parking bans and operational changes during major storms.
• Contractor Coordination: Private plow operators must coordinate with DPW to avoid depositing snow onto cleared public ways.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Somerville enforces citywide snow emergency parking bans during declared storms. Vehicles must be relocated from designated snow emergency routes, which are clearly marked and published on the city website. All residents must move their vehicles to alternative parking lots or permitted areas for the duration of the emergency. Towing is strictly enforced, with fees and storage costs assessed to violators.

• Space Savers: The use of space savers (objects to reserve cleared parking spaces) is not permitted at any time in Somerville. Items used to save spaces will be removed by city personnel.
• Notification: Residents receive alerts via phone, SMS, email, the city website, and social media platforms.
• Alternative Parking: Municipal lots and garages are available for public use during snow emergencies; a full list is accessible on the city’s Snow Emergencies page.
• Towing: Vehicles left on emergency routes are subject to immediate towing and fines.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Residents can report unshoveled sidewalks, hazardous ice, or illegal snow dumping via the City of Somerville’s 311 Customer Service Portal or by calling 311. Reports may also be submitted through the city’s mobile "311" app or via email at 311updates@somervillema.gov. Alleged violations are investigated by Inspectional Services, and accessibility concerns are prioritized for rapid response. The city’s reporting system is accessible and available 24/7.

• Phone: Dial 311 (within Somerville) or (617) 666-3311 (outside Somerville)
• Online Portal: https://www.somervillema.gov/311
• Email: 311updates@somervillema.gov
• Mobile App: Somerville 311 (available on iOS and Android)

For sidewalk and curb ramp accessibility violations, contact:

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

Property owners in Somerville are subject to state liability standards as defined by the landmark decision Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010). Owners and occupants are legally required to exercise reasonable care to address all snow and ice hazards on sidewalks, driveways, entrances, and parking lots. Liability for injuries is governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, making owners responsible for dangerous conditions on their premises. Persons injured due to snow or ice accumulation must provide written notice of their claim within 30 days, as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Owners must actively maintain all walking surfaces during and after storms.
• Premises Scope: Duty of care applies to sidewalks, driveways, entrances, parking lots, and stairways.
• Notice Requirement: Written notice of injury claims must be submitted within 30 days of the incident.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Somerville

Davis Square: This vibrant commercial and residential hub features apartment complexes, shops, and high pedestrian activity. Challenges include narrow sidewalks, frequent snow accumulation at curb cuts, and the need for rapid clearance due to transit connections. Parking and access are constrained by dense development, requiring coordinated snow operations.

Union Square: Known for its historic architecture and ongoing redevelopment, Union Square presents unique snow removal demands. Building types range from mixed-use blocks to older homes, with evolving infrastructure and construction zones that complicate plowing and pedestrian access. Timely snow and ice mitigation are crucial for both residents and businesses.

Winter Hill: Characterized by its sloped topography and broad arterial roads, Winter Hill contains a mix of single-family houses, multi-unit dwellings, and commercial strips along Broadway. Steep streets and high traffic volume necessitate proactive plowing and sidewalk maintenance, especially near schools and bus stops.

East Somerville: This neighborhood features dense triple-decker housing, limited off-street parking, and a diverse population. Tight street layouts increase the complexity of snow storage, and high occupancy rates require vigilant sidewalk clearing for accessibility and safety.

Ten Hills: A primarily residential area with single and two-family homes, Ten Hills abuts the Mystic River and is subject to rapid snow accumulation. The narrow streets and proximity to the water require efficient snow removal to prevent blocked access and localized flooding.

Magoun Square: This district blends residential properties and small businesses, with diagonal intersections and angled side streets. Limited parking and busy corridors necessitate prompt clearing to maintain mobility and prevent hazards.

Ball Square: A compact neighborhood known for its commercial storefronts and multi-family residences, Ball Square’s narrow streets and active foot traffic demand timely sidewalk and curb ramp clearance, especially near transit stops.

West Somerville: Featuring a combination of Tufts University facilities, family homes, and parks, West Somerville faces institutional service requirements and variable street widths. Snow removal must accommodate university schedules and maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles.

Spring Hill: With Victorian homes, elevated terrain, and winding roads, Spring Hill experiences challenges in snow plow access and sidewalk maintenance. Preservation of historic features and coordination among residents are essential for effective snow management.

Assembly Square: This major commercial and retail district includes large-scale buildings, parking garages, and high visitor volume. Wide roadways and expansive lots require mechanical plowing, while pedestrian walkways must remain accessible for shoppers and employees.

Prospect Hill: Known for its steep grades and historic landmarks, Prospect Hill’s residential blocks require extra attention to prevent icy conditions and maintain access for emergency services. Property owners must be diligent in sidewalk and stairway maintenance due to topographical challenges.

Ward Two (Lincoln Park Area): A mix of community facilities, schools, and residential properties, Ward Two requires coordinated snow removal to support institutional operations and neighborhood mobility. School zones and playgrounds demand consistent attention for child safety and access.