Professional Snow Removal Services in Westwood, MA

Westwood Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Westwood, MA. The Town enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish precise timeframes for snow clearance, minimum width requirements for accessible pathways, and a structured penalty system for non-compliance. Adhering to these ordinances is essential for maintaining public safety, ensuring accessibility, and minimizing legal risks during Massachusetts’ winter months.

Westwood Department of Public Works
50 Carby Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 251-2587
Official Website: Westwood Department of Public Works

Understanding Westwood's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Westwood’s snow removal regulations require property owners, both residential and commercial, to clear all sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. The minimum clearance width for sidewalks is 36 inches, ensuring sufficient access for pedestrians and individuals with mobility devices. Removal of ice is equally mandated, requiring either bare pavement or the application of sand or other traction materials. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto any public street, sidewalk, or way. Overnight snowfall provisions require that all snow and ice be cleared by noon the following day.

Reference: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 (Municipal snow removal authority). For local regulations, see the Westwood General Bylaws, Chapter 281: Streets and Sidewalks.

• Timeframe: Snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours after snow stops falling.
• Overnight Snowfall: Snowfall ending overnight must be cleared by 12:00 PM the next day.
• Accessible Path: Sidewalks must be cleared to a minimum of 36 inches in width.
• Ice Removal: Ice must be removed or made safe by application of sand or similar material.
• Street Deposition Prohibition: It is unlawful to move snow from private property onto public streets or sidewalks.

Westwood Inspectional Services
580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 320-1091
Official Website: Westwood Inspectional Services

Fines for non-compliance are enforced as follows: residential properties are subject to a $50 fine per day; commercial properties may be fined $100 per day; and unlawful street deposition may result in additional fines of $100 per incident. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

Westwood Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods across Westwood face unique snow management challenges due to topography, building types, and infrastructure. The Town does not operate a 311 system, but residents may report concerns directly to municipal departments or via the town website. Common complaint patterns include delayed sidewalk clearing and issues at high-density intersections.

• Islington: Dense commercial area with high pedestrian traffic and parking congestion. Narrow sidewalks and proximity to train lines complicate snow storage and access.
• Downey: Residential neighborhood with rolling hills and winding roads. Sloped driveways and limited on-street parking require extra attention for snow clearance and visibility.
• Sheehan District: Mix of single-family homes and schools. Wide school frontage areas require consistent snow and ice management for student safety.
• Weatherbee Estates: Suburban layout with cul-de-sacs and limited street width. Plow access and snow pile placement are key concerns for emergency vehicle passage.
• High Street Corridor: Historic district with older sidewalks and stone walls. Preservation concerns and narrow passageways require careful snow management.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Westwood Department of Public Works manages snow operations across the Town’s approximately 100 lane miles of roadway, divided into 12 primary plowing routes. Priority is given to arterial roads, school zones, and emergency service corridors. Secondary roads and residential streets follow a scheduled clearing rotation, with updates provided via the Town’s website and emergency notification system.

Westwood Office of Emergency Management
590 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 320-1069
Official Website: Westwood Office of Emergency Management

• Municipal plows may deposit snow across driveways: Property owners are responsible for post-plowing clearance.
• Side street plowing schedules: Monitor updates for anticipated clearance times in residential areas.
• Snow emergency declarations: Stay informed via Town alerts regarding parking bans and operational changes.
• Contractor coordination: Private contractors must comply with municipal snow storage and removal protocols.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Westwood enforces a town-wide parking ban on all public streets during declared snow emergencies. Residents must remove vehicles from designated snow emergency routes to allow for effective plowing. The Town does not recognize or permit the use of space savers to reserve parking after snowstorms; any objects placed to claim cleared spaces are subject to removal.

• Snow Emergency Parking Ban: No on-street parking during active ban periods; violators may be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Towing and Fees: Towed vehicles incur fees as posted by the Westwood Police Department.
• Resident Alerts: Notifications are sent via the Town’s CodeRED system, email, and official website announcements.
• Alternative Parking: Residents are encouraged to use private driveways or designated municipal lots during snow emergencies.

For more details, refer to Westwood Snow Emergency Parking Policy.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Westwood does not utilize a 311 or SeeClickFix system. Residents may report snow and ice removal violations directly to the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services using the online reporting form available at the DPW website, by phone, or by email. For accessibility-related snow clearance issues affecting mobility or access, reports should be filed with the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Westwood DPW Online Request Form
• Phone: (781) 251-2587 (DPW) or (781) 320-1091 (Inspectional Services)
• Email: dpw@townhall.westwood.ma.us

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 property owners for all snow and ice hazards, as established by the precedent-setting case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010). This duty extends to sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairways, regardless of whether snow and ice are naturally or artificially accumulated. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners can be held liable for injuries resulting from dangerous snow or ice conditions. All injury claims must be filed within 30 days of the incident, as stipulated by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care Requirement: Property owners must clear snow and treat ice to prevent hazards.
• Scope of Duty: Obligations include all exterior areas accessible to the public or tenants.
• Notice Requirement: Written notice for injury claims must be submitted within 30 days.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Westwood

Islington: This central business district features a mix of commercial storefronts, multi-family residences, and commuter rail facilities. High pedestrian volumes, narrow sidewalks, and significant parking demand require coordinated snow removal and early morning operations to support business access.

Westwood Center: The civic heart of the town, home to Town Hall, the library, and community facilities. Sidewalks border historic buildings and public spaces, with limited parking and mature street trees necessitating careful snow placement and preservation of accessibility routes.

High Street Corridor: A blend of historic homes, churches, and small businesses along one of Westwood’s oldest thoroughfares. Stone walls, narrow right-of-ways, and mature landscaping present unique challenges for plowing and snow storage.

Downey: Predominantly single-family residential, with winding roads and gentle slopes. Driveway clearing and school zone safety are top priorities, especially for students walking to nearby Downey Elementary.

Sheehan District: Family neighborhoods surrounding Sheehan Elementary School, with broad lots and long driveways. School start times dictate early sidewalk clearance and coordination with bus routes.

Weatherbee Estates: Suburban development featuring cul-de-sacs and limited street width. Snow pile placement and emergency vehicle access are key considerations following significant storms.

Gay Street Area: Residential corridor with older homes and narrow streets. On-street parking restrictions intensify during snow emergencies, requiring collaboration between residents and municipal crews.

East Street Neighborhood: Transitional area with a blend of commercial and residential properties. Mixed-use driveways and complex curb cuts demand precise snow management to maintain both vehicle and pedestrian access.

Pond Plain: Residential zone near conservation land and wetlands. Environmental protection measures guide the handling of snow storage and the use of ice-melting agents to minimize runoff impacts.

University Avenue District: Major commercial and retail hub adjacent to the MBTA station. Large parking lots, high traffic volumes, and continuous business operations require overnight snow removal and careful coordination with property managers.

Everett Street Area: Quiet residential streets with older housing stock and mature tree canopies. Narrow driveways and lack of sidewalks in some sections present unique snow removal needs and timing challenges for property owners.

Clark House Neighborhood: Small pocket of historic homes and institutional properties near the town’s western boundary. Preservation concerns and limited road width necessitate specialized equipment and close scheduling with municipal operations.