Professional Snow Removal Services in Woburn, MA

Woburn Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Woburn, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners, including residents, landlords, and businesses. The City of Woburn enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish clear timeframes, accessibility standards, and penalty structures to ensure public safety and maintain compliance with state and local regulations. Effective snow and ice management protects pedestrians, supports emergency operations, and upholds accessibility standards throughout the city’s neighborhoods.

Woburn Department of Public Works
50 North Warren Street, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5890
Official Website: Woburn Department of Public Works

Understanding Woburn's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Woburn’s snow removal ordinances require that property owners, tenants, and managers clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of any snowfall. Overnight snow events must be addressed by the following day to maintain safe and accessible passage. A minimum accessible path of 36 inches wide must be maintained on all sidewalks abutting a property. When ice cannot be fully removed, sand or other traction materials must be applied to ensure safe passage. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto any public street or sidewalk that has already been cleared by city crews.

• Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends, including overnight snow events.
• Clearance Width: A continuous path at least 36 inches wide must be provided for pedestrian travel.
• Ice Removal: If ice cannot be removed, sand or traction materials must be applied to mitigate hazards.
• Street Deposition Prohibited: It is illegal to move snow or ice from private property onto city streets or sidewalks.

Authority for municipal snow removal is outlined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5. Woburn's full ordinances can be found on the Ordinances and Regulations section of the city's website.

Violations of these ordinances result in daily fines, assessed as follows:

• Residential properties: $50 per violation per day
• Commercial and multi-family residences: $100 per violation per day
• Depositing snow on city streets: $100 per occurrence

Each day of noncompliance constitutes a separate violation and may result in additional enforcement action.

Woburn Inspectional Services Department
25 Harrison Avenue, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5840
Official Website: Woburn Inspectional Services

Woburn Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Woburn features diverse neighborhoods, each presenting unique snow management challenges related to topography, building types, and infrastructure. The city receives frequent service requests through its 311 reporting system, with certain areas demonstrating higher complaint rates due to physical and demographic factors.

• North Woburn: Features hilly terrain and a mix of older homes, creating steep sidewalks and driveways that require intensive snow clearing.
• Downtown Woburn: High-density commercial and mixed-use buildings, narrow sidewalks, and heavy pedestrian traffic complicate removal and often lead to accessibility complaints.
• Central Square: Dense residential area with triple-deckers and row houses; parking congestion limits access for plows and increases the risk of sidewalk obstructions.
• West Side: Predominantly single-family homes with wide lots but limited on-street parking, requiring careful plow coordination to avoid blocked driveways.
• South End: Older infrastructure and elevated sidewalks, higher elderly population, and limited space for snow storage.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Woburn Department of Public Works manages over 140 lane miles of city streets during winter weather events. The city divides its snow removal operations into 22 plow routes, prioritizing arterial and emergency response routes for initial clearing before addressing secondary and residential streets. Plow crews operate throughout storms to ensure continuous access for emergency vehicles and essential services.

Property owners should be aware that municipal plows may create windrows (snow piles) across driveways and curb cuts as part of street clearing. Residents are responsible for removing these obstructions from driveway entrances. Plowing of side streets and cul-de-sacs may occur on a staggered schedule, depending on operational priorities. Monitoring city-issued snow emergency declarations and coordinating private contractors with city operations is essential to avoid redundant or obstructive snow placement.

Woburn Office of Emergency Management
25 Harrison Avenue, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5865
Official Website: Woburn Emergency Management

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Woburn enforces citywide snow emergency parking bans on designated streets during significant winter storms. Residents are required to remove vehicles from all city streets when a snow emergency is declared, allowing plows full access for snow clearance. City alerts are distributed via local news, the city's website, and reverse 911 notifications. Towed vehicles may be subject to fees starting at $100 plus daily storage charges. Alternative parking locations are announced with each snow emergency notice and can be found on the city's parking information page.

Woburn does not permit the use of space savers to reserve cleared parking spots. All parking spaces on public streets must be available to the public once plowing is complete; any objects used as space savers will be removed by city crews.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Residents and businesses can report snow removal violations, including uncleared sidewalks and accessibility issues, through the city's 311 online reporting portal, by calling (781) 897-5990, or visiting City Hall in person. The 311 system is accessible via desktop and mobile devices, providing a streamlined process for submitting complaints and tracking resolution status. For urgent safety hazards, residents may also contact the Woburn Police Department non-emergency line at (781) 933-1212.

Accessibility violations, such as blocked curb ramps or inaccessible sidewalks, should be reported directly to the Massachusetts Office on Disability using the contact information below.

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

Under Massachusetts law, all property owners are required to exercise reasonable care to prevent injury from snow and ice hazards, as clarified by the Supreme Judicial Court in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010). This decision abolished the distinction between "natural" and "artificial" accumulations, holding all owners equally responsible for addressing snow and ice on sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairways. Liability for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions is established under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15.

In the event of injury due to snow or ice, claimants must provide written notice of the claim within 30 days in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20. Failure to comply with this notice requirement may result in a loss of legal rights for recovery.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Woburn

North Woburn: This area features a blend of single-family homes and older multifamily residences, with hilly terrain and winding streets that pose challenges for snowplow access and sidewalk clearing. The combination of steep driveways and mature trees often results in more frequent snow accumulation and drifting, requiring prompt and thorough service.

Downtown Woburn: The city’s historic center has a high density of commercial properties, civic buildings, and mixed-use developments. Narrow sidewalks and frequent pedestrian activity necessitate rapid snow and ice removal to maintain accessibility and comply with ADA standards. On-street parking and limited snow storage space require coordinated efforts between property owners and city crews.

Central Square: Characterized by triple-decker homes, townhouses, and compact lots, Central Square faces significant snow storage limitations and parking congestion. The area’s grid street pattern and dense housing require specialized equipment for effective snow clearing on sidewalks and driveways.

Wyman Street Area: This primarily residential neighborhood includes both single-family and multifamily units, with moderate hills and cul-de-sacs that can be difficult for plows to navigate. Narrow roadways and frequent on-street parking increase the risk of snow blockage, particularly during heavy storms.

West Woburn: Known for newer developments and larger lots, West Woburn’s wider streets facilitate plowing, but long driveways and sidewalk segments require significant owner attention. The area’s mix of residential and institutional properties demands varied equipment and service timing.

East Woburn: A mix of residential, light industrial, and commercial properties, East Woburn experiences heavy commuter traffic and has several arterial roads prioritized for early plowing. Industrial driveways and business entrances require coordinated snow management to minimize business interruption.

South End: With a high proportion of elderly residents and historic homes, the South End presents unique challenges related to elevated sidewalks, granite curbing, and narrow streets. Special attention to accessibility and timely service is essential throughout the winter.

Horn Pond Area: This scenic neighborhood combines residential properties with public parkland and lakeshore access. Park pathways, recreational areas, and residential streets require coordinated effort to maintain year-round accessibility for all users.

Montvale: Located near the southern border, Montvale features a blend of mid-century homes and newer subdivisions, with gentle slopes and cul-de-sacs. Plowing coordination is important to ensure access for school buses and emergency vehicles, particularly during major snowfalls.

Shaker Glen: This neighborhood includes a mix of ranch and colonial homes, set on winding roads with moderate elevation changes. Snow clearing efforts must address both street and sidewalk continuity, as well as access for residents with mobility impairments.

Green Street Area: Comprising a mix of rental and owner-occupied properties, this area features high residential turnover and diverse building types. On-street parking and limited curb cuts require careful snow placement and prompt sidewalk maintenance to avoid accessibility violations.

Country Club Estates: An area of newer, high-value homes with wide streets and large lots, requiring extensive driveway and sidewalk service. The area’s distance from main thoroughfares can delay snow removal if not properly coordinated with city operations.