Professional Snow Removal Services in Newton, MA

Newton Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow and ice removal is a critical legal obligation for all property owners and occupants in Newton, MA. Strict municipal ordinances require property owners to maintain safe, accessible sidewalks and public ways during winter weather, with enforcement protocols that include designated timeframes, width and surface standards, and penalty structures for non-compliance. Adhering to these requirements is essential for public safety, accessibility, and legal compliance throughout the city’s neighborhoods and commercial districts.

Newton Department of Public Works
1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459
Phone: (617) 796-1000
Official Website: Newton Department of Public Works

Understanding Newton's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Newton’s snow and ice removal ordinances require every property owner, tenant, or occupant to clear abutting sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. Overnight snowfall must also be addressed by the following day to ensure walkways remain accessible to pedestrians, including those with disabilities. The city mandates a minimum 36-inch-wide accessible path on all sidewalks. When snow or ice cannot be fully removed, property owners are required to treat surfaces with sand or other traction materials to ensure safe passage. Depositing snow or ice into public streets or onto city property is strictly prohibited.

For more on Newton’s snow removal ordinances, refer to the Newton City Ordinances, Chapter 20, Section 20-10. The City enforces these regulations under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which empowers municipalities to regulate snow removal from sidewalks and streets.

• Timeframe for Removal: All snow and ice must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. Snowfall occurring overnight must be addressed by noon of the following day.
• Accessible Path Width: Sidewalks must have a minimum 36-inch-wide clear path for safe pedestrian access.
• Ice Removal: Ice must be removed; if not possible, it must be covered with sand or suitable material for safe passage.
• Prohibited Actions: Placing snow or ice upon any street, public way, or city property is not permitted.

Violations of these ordinances result in fines assessed per day, per occurrence. As of 2024, fines are:

• Residential Properties: $50 per violation, per day.
• Commercial Properties: $100 per violation, per day.
• Depositing Snow on Public Ways: Up to $100 per incident.

Newton Inspectional Services Department
27 Pine Street, Newton, MA 02464
Phone: (617) 796-1060
Official Website: Newton Inspectional Services

Newton Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Newton’s diverse neighborhoods present unique snow management challenges due to variations in topography, building types, infrastructure, and population demographics. The city’s 311 system (Newton 311) receives numerous winter complaints, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, older housing stock, or dense commercial corridors. Specific neighborhood challenges include:

• Newton Centre: High pedestrian traffic, mixed-use commercial corridors, and narrow sidewalks increase the urgency for timely snow removal. Proximity to the MBTA Green Line and frequent business deliveries further complicate clearance efforts.
• Newton Highlands: Hilly terrain and older homes with small frontage create snow storage issues. Steep side streets can be hazardous for both pedestrians and vehicles after plowing.
• West Newton: Dense residential blocks and busy village centers demand vigilant sidewalk maintenance, especially near schools and transit stops.
• Nonantum: Narrow, historic streets and high parking density make plowing and sidewalk clearance especially challenging. Many multi-family homes require cooperative effort for timely compliance.
• Newtonville: Commercial and institutional properties border residential streets, creating overlapping responsibilities and the need for coordinated snow management.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Newton Department of Public Works (DPW) manages municipal snow plowing, salting, and emergency response across approximately 300 lane miles of roadways and dozens of sidewalk routes. The city prioritizes arterial roads, emergency routes, and school access for initial plowing. Residential side streets are scheduled for clearance after priority routes are completed. Newton’s DPW operates multiple plow routes to ensure citywide coverage, adjusting operations based on storm severity and emergency declarations.

Newton Office of Emergency Management
1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459
Phone: (617) 796-1600
Official Website: Newton Emergency Management

• Plow Windrow Management: Property owners should be prepared to clear snow deposited by plow operations at driveway entrances and sidewalk crossings.
• Monitor Snow Emergencies: Stay informed about snow emergency declarations and parking bans through city alerts.
• Contractor Coordination: Private snow removal contractors must comply with city rules and avoid pushing snow onto public streets.
• Side Street Schedules: Plowing on lower-priority streets may follow a different timeline than main roads; check city updates for details.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

During declared snow emergencies, Newton enforces citywide parking bans on all public streets to facilitate plowing and emergency vehicle access. Residents are notified of snow emergencies and parking bans via the city’s website, emergency alerts, and Newton 311. Vehicles parked in violation of a snow emergency ban are subject to immediate towing and fines, typically $75 for towing and $25-50 for each parking violation. Alternative parking is available at designated municipal lots during storms.

Newton does not permit the use of space savers to reserve on-street parking after snow events. Residents must remove vehicles from public ways during snow emergencies and are not authorized to claim spaces after shoveling.

For more information, refer to the city’s Snow and Ice Removal Policies.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Newton maintains a robust 311 system for reporting snow removal violations and related winter hazards. Residents may submit complaints regarding uncleared sidewalks, illegal snow dumping, or accessibility issues through the following methods:

• Online: Newton 311 Online Portal
• Phone: Dial 311 inside Newton, or (617) 796-1000 from outside the city
• Email: 311@newtonma.gov
• Mobile App: SeeClickFix, available for iOS and Android

Complaints regarding snow-related accessibility violations may also be directed 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

Massachusetts law imposes a duty of reasonable care on all property owners and occupants to address snow and ice hazards on their premises. The landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations, holding property owners accountable for all snow and ice removal. Liability extends to sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, entrances, and stairs.

• Reasonable Care Standard: Owners must take reasonable steps to remedy hazardous snow and ice conditions.
• Scope of Responsibility: The duty applies to all accessible areas, not just sidewalk frontage.
• Legal Reference: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15 – liability for injuries from defective or dangerous conditions.
• Injury Claims Notice: Injured parties must file written notice with the city within 30 days under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Newton

Newton Centre: The heart of Newton’s commercial and civic life, Newton Centre features high-density retail corridors, historic churches, and multifamily residences. Snow removal is complicated by heavy foot traffic, transit stops, and narrow walkways, requiring diligent, repeated clearance and careful coordination with business owners and city crews.

Newton Highlands: Characterized by hilly streets and Victorian-era homes, this neighborhood faces steep terrain and limited off-street parking. Snow management involves careful attention to side street plowing and sidewalk treatment to maintain safe pedestrian routes, especially near the Green Line station and village center.

West Newton: This area combines dense residential blocks with a bustling business district and several major roadways. High parking demand and busy intersections demand precise, timely snow clearing on both sidewalks and crosswalks.

Nonantum (The Lake): Known for narrow, historic streets and a high concentration of multi-family housing, Nonantum presents challenges related to snow storage, tight roadways, and coordinated effort among property owners. Proximity to Watertown and commercial corridors adds to winter service complexity.

Newtonville: With a mix of institutional, residential, and retail buildings, Newtonville requires coordinated snow removal to maintain access to schools, commuter rail, and businesses. Infrastructure improvements and ongoing construction can impact plowing schedules and equipment access.

Auburndale: A neighborhood of single-family homes, parks, and Newton’s western gateway, Auburndale faces snow management issues related to commuter traffic, bridge crossings, and river proximity. Clearing sidewalks and high-traffic intersections is essential for resident and student safety.

Oak Hill: Featuring a mix of modern subdivisions and older homes, Oak Hill’s rolling landscape and winding streets can complicate snow removal operations. Service requirements include early morning plowing and extra attention to hills and curves.

Chestnut Hill: A blend of historic estates, academic institutions, and retail centers, Chestnut Hill’s snow removal needs are shaped by large properties, institutional campuses, and significant commercial parking areas. Coordination with Boston College and shopping centers is often required.

Waban: Known for tree-lined streets and a suburban character, Waban presents moderate density and gentle hills. Snow management here focuses on sidewalk accessibility for families and seniors, with extra attention near the village center and schools.

Thompsonville: This small, predominantly residential area features older homes and limited through-streets, leading to unique access and equipment staging challenges during snow events.

Upper Falls: Combining historic mill buildings and modern housing, Upper Falls has a mix of commercial and residential properties along busy arterials. Infrastructure constraints and variable property types necessitate flexible snow removal strategies.

Newton Corner: A major transportation hub, Newton Corner’s snow removal is complicated by high traffic volumes, on-ramps, and institutional property. Frequent bus and commuter traffic increases the need for rapid, coordinated winter response.