Professional Snow Removal Services in Plymouth, MA

Plymouth Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Plymouth, MA. Strict municipal ordinances establish clear timeframes and standards for clearing sidewalks and property frontages, with robust enforcement protocols and penalty structures in place to ensure compliance. Adhering to these requirements is essential for maintaining public safety, pedestrian accessibility, and minimizing liability exposure throughout the winter season.

Plymouth Department of Public Works
169 Camelot Drive, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-4162
Official Website: Plymouth Department of Public Works

Understanding Plymouth's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Plymouth’s snow removal regulations require property owners to clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to ensure passage for pedestrians, including those with disabilities. In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, municipalities hold the authority to enforce these requirements. If snow falls overnight, clearing must be completed by the end of the following day. Icy surfaces must be treated with sand, salt, or other traction materials to achieve either bare pavement or safe footing. Depositing snow onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited under town ordinance. For full details, consult Plymouth General Bylaws – Article II, Section 13.

• Clearing Timeline: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after precipitation ends, including after overnight storms.
• Minimum Width: Maintain a continuous path of at least 36 inches in width.
• Ice Removal: Surfaces must be rendered safe with salt, sand, or comparable materials.
• Street Deposition: Depositing shoveled or plowed snow onto roadways or public sidewalks is prohibited.

Plymouth Inspectional Services Department
26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620 ext. 10133
Official Website: Plymouth Inspectional Services

Fines for non-compliance are structured as follows:

• Residential Properties: $50 per day per violation.
• Commercial Properties: $100 per day per violation.
• Depositing Snow on Public Ways: $100 per incident.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day constitutes a separate offense and is subject to additional fines.

Plymouth Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Plymouth encompasses a diverse array of neighborhoods, each presenting unique challenges for effective snow removal. The town’s varied topography, historical districts, and mixed-use developments require tailored management strategies. Neighborhood complaint data can be submitted via the Plymouth Report a Concern portal.

• Downtown Plymouth: Narrow historic streets, high pedestrian activity, and limited on-street parking complicate snow operations and increase demand for rapid sidewalk clearance.
• North Plymouth: Mixed residential and industrial zones with densely packed single- and multi-family homes, combined with steep road grades, challenge both public and private snow removal efforts.
• Chiltonville: Hilly terrain and winding roads require careful plowing and salting, while larger lot sizes result in longer sidewalk frontages for property owners.
• Manomet: Coastal exposure leads to drifting and refreezing, affecting both residential areas and seasonal businesses with unique accessibility needs.
• West Plymouth: Suburban developments with cul-de-sacs and limited sidewalk networks demand coordinated snow clearing to maintain emergency access for residents.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Plymouth Department of Public Works manages snow removal operations across approximately 280 lane miles of public roadways, deploying a fleet of municipal and contracted plows. Priority is given to arterial roads, school zones, and designated emergency routes, with secondary and residential streets cleared as conditions allow. Property owners are advised to monitor official updates regarding plowing schedules and to coordinate with private contractors to avoid conflicts with municipal operations. Municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances; it remains the property owner’s responsibility to re-clear this area for safe access. Side street plowing may occur several hours after main routes are cleared, depending on storm severity and operational capacity.

Plymouth Office of Emergency Management
2209 State Road, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 833-5801
Official Website: Plymouth Office of Emergency Management

• Monitor snow emergency declarations via the town website and local media.
• Coordinate with private contractors to align timing with municipal plow operations.
• Do not place cleared snow back into the street after municipal plows pass.
• Plan for limited access on secondary roads during major storms and allow additional time for clearing.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Plymouth enforces snow emergency parking bans on designated routes as announced by the Department of Public Works and Office of Emergency Management. During snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on major streets and specified secondary roads to allow unobstructed plowing. Vehicles left parked in violation of bans may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Residents receive alerts through the town’s CodeRED system, local radio, and the official website. Alternative parking locations are typically available at select municipal lots during declared emergencies. Plymouth does not permit space saver devices to reserve parking spaces after snow removal; all such items must be removed immediately following the conclusion of plowing operations. For details on snow emergency parking regulations, refer to the Plymouth General Bylaws.

• Parking bans: Enforced during declared snow emergencies on posted routes.
• Towing policy: Violators are subject to towing and fines as established by town ordinance.
• Resident alerts: Provided via CodeRED notifications and the town website.
• Space savers: Not permitted in any Plymouth neighborhood; items left on street will be removed.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Plymouth does not operate a 311 system but provides a comprehensive online complaint and reporting platform. Residents and business owners can report unshoveled sidewalks, icy conditions, or other violations through the Report a Concern portal on the town’s website. Reports can also be submitted by phone to the Department of Public Works or via email to the appropriate municipal office. For accessibility-related snow removal violations, individuals may contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online system: Report a Concern
• Phone: (508) 830-4162 (DPW)
• Email: dpw@plymouth-ma.gov
• Accessibility complaints: Contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability below.

Massachusetts 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 strong duty of care on property owners for all snow and ice hazards on walkways, entrances, parking areas, and stairs. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) abolished the distinction between "natural" and "artificial" accumulations, holding that all property owners must act reasonably to address winter hazards. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are liable for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions due to snow or ice. State statute requires that any injury claim be submitted in writing within 30 days of the incident, as provided by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20. Failure to meet these obligations may result in significant civil liability.

• Legal standard: Reasonable care in clearing all snow and ice hazards.
• Scope of duty: Applies to all areas accessible to the public, not just sidewalks.
• Notice requirement: Written notice of injury claims within 30 days.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Plymouth

Downtown Plymouth: Characterized by historic buildings and dense commercial corridors, Downtown features narrow streets and heavy pedestrian traffic, requiring timely and thorough sidewalk and curb clearing. Equipment access can be restricted by on-street parking and preservation guidelines, necessitating careful coordination for snow storage and removal.

North Plymouth: This mixed-use neighborhood includes single-family homes, apartment complexes, and light industrial properties. The proximity to the waterfront introduces additional challenges related to windblown snow and ice, while the area’s older infrastructure means limited off-street parking and tight turning radii for plows.

Chiltonville: A primarily residential district with rolling hills and winding roads, Chiltonville’s low-density layout often requires individualized snow removal approaches. The area’s larger properties and private drives demand attention to timing and equipment compatibility for effective snow management.

Manomet: Stretching along the coast, Manomet features seasonal businesses and year-round residences exposed to drifting and freeze-thaw cycles. Steep grades and proximity to the shoreline can complicate both plowing and pedestrian access, particularly during nor’easters or heavy accumulations.

West Plymouth: Consisting of suburban subdivisions and shopping centers, West Plymouth has broad streets, numerous cul-de-sacs, and significant retail parking areas. Plowing schedules are carefully managed to maintain access to residential zones and commercial establishments, especially during peak business hours.

South Plymouth: Encompassing a variety of housing types from newer developments to rural homesteads, South Plymouth’s expansive area introduces timing challenges for snow removal crews. Roadside ditches and minimal street lighting require extra caution during nighttime or low-visibility conditions.

White Horse Beach: This coastal neighborhood is known for narrow lanes, seasonal traffic, and frequent sand accumulation. Limited parking and the need to protect sensitive dune environments require specialized snow storage and removal practices.

Saquish Neck: Accessible only via private roadways and causeways, Saquish Neck presents unique logistical challenges for snow and ice management. The area’s remoteness and environmental sensitivity necessitate coordination with residents for access and emergency response planning.

Pinehills: As a master-planned community with a mix of residential clusters, commercial amenities, and golf courses, Pinehills features wide boulevards, private drives, and community-managed spaces. Snow removal here requires cooperation among homeowners’ associations, contractors, and town services to maintain access and safety.

Cedarville: Situated near the southern town line, Cedarville’s residential neighborhoods and retail corridors demand efficient snow clearing for both private and public roads. Topographic variation and proximity to major highways influence equipment deployment and timing strategies.

South Pond: With its blend of single-family homes and conservation areas, South Pond’s narrow streets and unpaved sections present access and traction challenges. Maintaining open routes for emergency vehicles is a top priority during and after winter storms.

Federal Furnace: This residential area features mid-century developments and newer homes with moderate density. Sidewalk networks and cul-de-sacs require detailed plowing schedules and consistent communication with residents regarding snow emergency declarations and parking restrictions.