Professional Snow Removal Services in Arlington, MA

Arlington Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Arlington, MA. The Town enforces strict municipal ordinances that outline specific timeframes for snow and ice removal, minimum clearance standards, and penalties for failure to comply. Adherence to these protocols is essential to ensure pedestrian safety, accessibility, and compliance with town and state laws throughout the winter season.

Arlington Department of Public Works
51 Grove Street, Arlington, MA 02476
Phone: (781) 316-3301
Official Website: Arlington Department of Public Works

Understanding Arlington's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Arlington's snow removal ordinances require property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 8 hours during daylight after snow ceases to fall, or before 1:00 PM if the snowfall ends overnight. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate pedestrians and individuals with disabilities. Ice must be removed or treated with sand or similar materials to ensure safe passage.

Depositing snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited. Arlington’s local rules are enforced under the authority granted by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5. For a complete listing of Arlington’s regulations, refer to Town of Arlington Bylaws, Title V, Article 6: Removal of Snow and Ice from Sidewalks.

• Clearing Timeline: Remove snow/ice within 8 daylight hours or by 1:00 PM after overnight snowfall.
• Minimum Path Width: Sidewalk must be cleared to at least 36 inches wide.
• Ice Treatment: Sidewalks must be made safe by removing ice or adding sand/traction material.
• Prohibition: Do not place shoveled snow in the street or on public sidewalks.

Failure to comply with these rules results in fines. As of 2024, fines are $25 per day for residential properties and $50 per day for commercial properties. Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate offense. Additional fines may be imposed for depositing snow in the public way.

Arlington Inspectional Services
51 Grove Street, Arlington, MA 02476
Phone: (781) 316-3401
Official Website: Arlington Inspectional Services

Arlington Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct Arlington neighborhoods experience unique snow removal challenges due to topography, housing density, and infrastructure. Complaint data submitted via the town’s Report a Concern system demonstrates these variations throughout the community:

• East Arlington: Narrow residential streets and high parking density complicate snow plow access and sidewalk clearing.
• Arlington Heights: Steeper grades and sloped sidewalks create hazardous icy conditions and increase difficulty for elderly residents.
• Arlington Center: Concentrated business districts require prompt removal for heavy pedestrian traffic and compliance with accessibility standards.
• Jason Heights: Historic homes and mature tree canopies result in shaded sidewalks where ice persists longer after storms.
• Morningside: Larger single-family lots mean increased sidewalk frontage and longer clearing times for individual homeowners.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Arlington Department of Public Works manages over 130 lane miles of roadway and numerous sidewalks during winter storms. Snow plowing is organized into approximately 16 routes, prioritizing main arteries, emergency routes, and school zones for early clearance. Secondary and residential streets follow once critical infrastructure is passable.

Arlington Office of Emergency Management
112 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474
Phone: (781) 316-3930
Official Website: Arlington Emergency Management

• Driveway Access: Municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances; property owners are responsible for clearing this area.
• Side Street Plowing: Schedules for secondary roads may be delayed until after completion of primary routes.
• Emergency Declarations: Monitor town notifications for snow emergencies, parking bans, and changes in DPW operations.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must not impede public operations or deposit snow in the public way.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Arlington does not permit the use of space savers to reserve on-street parking spaces after snow events. During declared snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on designated streets, as identified in the Town of Arlington Snow Emergency Parking Ban List. Vehicles parked in violation of a ban are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense. Residents are notified of snow emergencies via the Town website, reverse 911 calls, and local media. Alternative parking locations are announced as available during prolonged bans.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Arlington does not use a 311 system but provides a centralized online platform, Report a Concern, for submitting snow removal violations and sidewalk accessibility complaints. Reports can also be made by phone to the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services. Residents may include photographs and location details for more effective enforcement. Accessibility-related snow removal violations can be reported directly to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

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

Arlington property owners must exercise reasonable care in removing snow and ice to prevent injuries on sidewalks, entrances, parking areas, and stairways. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated distinctions between natural and artificial snow/ice accumulations. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are liable for injuries caused by dangerous snow and ice conditions on public walkways abutting their property. Injury claims must be filed within 30 days per the notice requirements of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Arlington

East Arlington: Characterized by dense residential blocks and active commercial corridors along Massachusetts Avenue, East Arlington faces high pedestrian volumes and limited off-street parking. Narrow roads and high vehicle density present challenges for snow plowing and sidewalk accessibility, particularly for families and commuters.

Arlington Heights: This primarily residential neighborhood contains a mix of single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. Steep streets and hillside terrain increase the risk of icy sidewalks and make snow removal especially demanding for residents and municipal crews alike.

Arlington Center: The town’s civic and commercial heart, Arlington Center features historic buildings, institutional properties, and extensive sidewalk frontage. Heavy foot traffic and business access requirements necessitate prompt and thorough snow and ice removal to maintain accessibility and public safety.

Jason Heights: Known for its historic homes and mature trees, Jason Heights experiences persistent shade on sidewalks, leading to prolonged icy conditions. The area’s irregular street patterns and narrow passages complicate equipment access and require coordinated clearing efforts.

Morningside: Largely composed of owner-occupied single-family homes on generous lots, Morningside’s wide streets and long sidewalk stretches require significant effort from homeowners. Snow drifts and wind exposure can prolong accumulation, and school proximity increases the urgency for timely clearing.

Brackett District: This residential area is defined by family homes, public parks, and Brackett Elementary School. The presence of schoolchildren and older residents means sidewalk safety and compliance are especially important during winter storms.

Turkey Hill: Featuring steep grades and winding roads, Turkey Hill presents unique topographical challenges. Lower housing density can delay municipal plowing, and shaded areas may lead to persistent ice on sidewalks and driveways.

Poet’s Corner: A compact neighborhood with tree-lined streets and moderate-density housing, Poet’s Corner experiences heavy on-street parking and narrow roadways, impacting both plowing efficiency and pedestrian access during snow events.

Kelwyn Manor: Located near Spy Pond, Kelwyn Manor has a mix of single-family homes and waterfront properties. Proximity to water can create microclimates affecting snow and ice accumulation, and the area’s curved streets require careful navigation by snow removal equipment.

Arlington Gardens: With cul-de-sacs and a suburban street grid, Arlington Gardens’ design can complicate snow storage and prolong plowing schedules after major storms, particularly in areas with limited curbside space.

Dallin District: This neighborhood features a blend of residential and institutional properties, including Dallin Elementary School. School access and bus routes are prioritized for early clearing, while hilly terrain increases the risk of slip hazards.

Spy Pond/Monument Square: The area surrounding Spy Pond combines recreational amenities with historic residences and multi-unit buildings. High seasonal foot traffic and proximity to the Minuteman Bikeway mean sidewalk and crosswalk clearance is essential for both residents and visitors.