Professional Snow Blowing Services in Somerville

Somerville Snow Blowing Compliance & Regulations

Somerville's 6-hour sidewalk clearing requirement applies equally to mechanically cleared surfaces and manually shoveled areas, creating urgent compliance deadlines following winter weather events regardless of equipment type. Professional snow blowing services provide efficient high-volume snow removal using commercial-grade equipment operated by trained personnel following OSHA safety protocols, proper discharge management practices, and environmental protection standards while completing clearing operations within required timeframes meeting municipal enforcement standards.

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

Snow Blower Injury Statistics and Safety Risks

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data documents approximately 5,740 hospital emergency room visits annually associated with snow thrower operations, with hand and finger injuries representing 36% of total incidents requiring medical treatment. These injuries result primarily from improper clog clearing attempts, maintenance performed with engines running, and operator contact with moving auger assemblies creating severe lacerations, amputations, and crush injuries.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 504-7923
Official Website: CPSC Snow Blower Safety

OSHA Snow Blower Operation Safety Standards

OSHA regulations require employers to protect workers operating powered snow removal equipment through proper training, personal protective equipment, and adherence to manufacturer safety guidelines.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
JFK Federal Building, Room E-340, Boston, MA 02203
Phone: (617) 565-9860
Official Website: OSHA Winter Weather Safety

• Clog Clearing Protocol: Shut off engine completely, wait for all moving parts to stop, disconnect spark plug wire, and use cleaning tool (stick or broom handle) to clear snow—never use hands or feet.
• Operator Protection: Wear safety glasses, use hearing protection when equipment exceeds 85 decibels, maintain firm footing with boots, and keep hands and loose clothing away from moving auger assemblies.
• Pre-Operation Inspection: Clear work area removing rocks, branches, and objects that could become projectiles. Inspect equipment for damaged components and ensure adequate lighting.
• Discharge Control: Direct discharge chute away from people, vehicles, windows, and buildings. Adjust chute direction using controls—never manually while equipment running.

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

Somerville Noise Ordinance and Snow Blower Operation Hours

Somerville noise regulations limit residential equipment operation during early morning and late evening hours, balancing property owners’ snow removal compliance obligations under the city’s 6-hour clearing requirement.

Somerville Noise Control Ordinance (Chapter 9.16) establishes maximum permissible noise levels:

• 50 decibels from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM (quiet hours)
• 65 decibels from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (daytime hours)

Most gasoline-powered snow blowers generate 85-100 decibels, exceeding quiet hours limits. However, snow removal represents necessary property maintenance, creating practical exceptions for operations meeting municipal deadlines.

• Weekdays: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM preferred for non-emergency clearing
• Weekends: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM respecting neighborhood peace
• Emergency snow clearing: Operations necessary to meet 6-hour compliance deadline receive practical exemption regardless of hour

Property owners should prioritize early morning operations (after 7:00 AM) rather than late evening clearing when possible.

• Somerville Police Non-Emergency: (617) 625-1600
• Environmental Violations: (617) 625-6600 ext. 5600

Snow Discharge Management and Property Damage Prevention

Snow blowers discharge snow at high velocity (typically 15-20 feet for residential units, up to 50+ feet for commercial equipment) creating property damage risks and liability concerns when discharge directed toward buildings, vehicles, or neighboring properties.

• Windows, glass doors, and architectural glass panels
• Parked vehicles, particularly windshields and body panels
• HVAC equipment, air conditioning condensers, and utility meters
• Neighboring properties without permission
• Public sidewalks and streets
• Landscaping, shrubs, and ornamental plantings

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 84, Section 15 establishes premises liability for property owners whose snow removal activities create hazardous conditions or cause damage to adjacent properties.

Plan snow placement pattern before beginning operations. Direct discharge toward property interior spaces avoiding boundary lines and rights-of-way. Avoid discharging snow onto streets violating Somerville Code of Ordinances Sec. 12-16.110 (additional $50–$100 fines per violation).

Parking Lot and Commercial Property Snow Blowing Standards

Commercial properties managing parking lots, loading zones, and vehicular traffic areas require efficient high-volume snow removal maintaining business operations, customer access, and employee safety throughout winter weather events.

• Fire lanes: 20-foot minimum width maintaining emergency vehicle access per 780 CMR Massachusetts Building Code
• Accessible parking spaces: ADA-compliant spaces, access aisles, and connecting paths to building entrances
• Primary traffic routes: Main vehicular circulation routes enabling customer access and delivery operations
• Loading docks: Commercial delivery areas requiring clear access for trucks and freight operations
• Pedestrian walkways: 42-inch minimum width paths from parking areas to building entries

Environmental Considerations for Snow Blower Operations

Gasoline-powered snow blowers generate air pollution emissions and consume fossil fuels creating environmental impacts beyond mechanical snow removal benefits. Somerville's climate initiatives and air quality standards encourage consideration of lower-emission alternatives when appropriate.

Somerville Office of Sustainability & Environment
50 Evergreen Avenue, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: (617) 625-6600 ext. 2100
Official Website: Somerville Office of Sustainability & Environment

Professional Snow Blowing Services Throughout Somerville Neighborhoods

Our professional snow blowing services extend throughout Somerville's diverse neighborhoods, providing efficient mechanical snow removal customized to property types, surface characteristics, and accessibility requirements.

Residential Neighborhoods: West Somerville, Ten Hills, and Spring Hill feature single-family homes, triple-deckers, and multi-family residences with driveways, front walkways, and rear parking areas requiring efficient clearing meeting 6-hour compliance standards while protecting landscaping and architectural features.

Dense Urban Areas: Davis Square, Union Square, and East Somerville contain limited outdoor space, narrow walkways, and proximity to neighboring properties requiring precise discharge control and noise-conscious operation schedules respecting high-density residential character.

Commercial Districts: Assembly Square, Magoun Square, and Ball Square demand early morning operations (5:00-8:00 AM) clearing parking facilities, loading zones, and pedestrian access before business hours enabling employee arrival and customer access throughout winter weather disruptions.

Institutional Properties: Tufts University campus areas and Somerville Hospital require 24/7 operations maintaining accessibility for students, patients, staff, and emergency vehicles regardless of hour or snowfall intensity.

Historic Areas: Prospect Hill and Central Hill present brick sidewalks, narrow streets, and preserved architectural elements requiring careful equipment selection avoiding damage to historic surfaces while meeting snow removal obligations.

Hillside Neighborhoods: Winter Hill and Spring Hill feature sloped terrain, stepped walkways, and elevation changes creating equipment control challenges and requiring experienced operators managing grades safely while preventing runaway equipment on icy inclines.