Professional Snow Removal Services in Dedham, MA

Dedham Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Dedham, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners, encompassing both residential and commercial parcels. The Town of Dedham enforces specific municipal ordinances that establish strict timeframes for removal, minimum clearance standards for walkways, and a defined penalty structure for violations. Compliance is essential not only to maintain safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles but also to avoid substantial fines and potential liability for injuries or accessibility barriers.

Dedham Department of Public Works
55 River Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 751-9350
Official Website: Dedham Department of Public Works

Understanding Dedham's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Dedham’s snow removal ordinances require property owners, tenants, and property managers to clear all sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after snow has ceased falling. These regulations are strictly enforced to ensure public safety and accessibility. The minimum accessible path width is 36 inches, and all ice must be removed or treated with sand, salt, or other traction materials to achieve bare pavement conditions when possible. It is explicitly prohibited to shovel or plow snow onto public streets or sidewalks, as per Dedham’s General By-Laws, Section 173-8. For legal authority, see Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

• 24-Hour Timeline: All snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall event.
• Overnight Provisions: If snow falls overnight, sidewalks must be cleared by the end of the following day.
• Accessible Path: Walkways must be kept clear for at least 36 inches in width to allow for pedestrian and wheelchair access.
• Ice Removal: Icy areas must be treated with sand, salt, or similar materials to prevent slips and falls.
• Street Deposition: Depositing snow or ice onto public roads or walkways is strictly prohibited and subject to fines.

For details on Dedham’s bylaw, see Dedham General By-Laws §173-8.

Dedham Inspectional Services
26 Bryant Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 751-9240
Official Website: Dedham Inspectional Services

• Residential Fines: $50 per day, per violation for single- and two-family homes; $100 per day for larger residential properties.
• Commercial Fines: $200 per day for commercial and multi-unit properties.
• Street Deposition Fines: $100 per incident for depositing snow onto public ways.
• Separate Violations: Each day non-compliance continues is treated as a new violation.

Dedham Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Dedham’s neighborhoods present varied snow removal challenges due to differences in topography, building density, and infrastructure. Complaint data submitted through the Dedham Report a Concern system indicate several patterns in problem areas. Unique factors by neighborhood include:

• East Dedham: Narrow streets and older housing stock with limited off-street parking complicate plowing and sidewalk clearance.
• Oakdale: Hilly terrain increases runoff and creates hazardous icy patches, especially near schools and parks.
• Greenlodge: Suburban layout with wide driveways results in large snow banks at intersections, reducing sight lines for motorists and pedestrians.
• Dedham Square: Dense business district, mixed-use buildings, and high pedestrian activity require rapid snow and ice clearance to maintain accessibility and commerce.
• Riverdale: Proximity to flood zones and riverbanks can cause refreezing and additional ice buildup on sidewalks and roads.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Dedham Department of Public Works manages snow removal operations with over 80 lane miles of roads and 11 designated plow routes. Priority is given to arterial roads, emergency routes, and school zones, with secondary streets and cul-de-sacs addressed as conditions allow. Residents are advised to monitor municipal alerts for snow emergencies and to coordinate driveway and sidewalk clearance with street plowing schedules, as plows may deposit snow back onto cleared areas. Contractors hired by property owners must follow municipal guidelines to avoid conflicts with public works operations.

Dedham Office of Emergency Management
26 Bryant Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 751-9400
Official Website: Dedham Emergency Management

• Plow Schedules: Side streets may be cleared several hours after main routes.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Monitor the town website or local news for official updates.
• Contractor Coordination: Ensure hired snow contractors adhere to town regulations and coordinate timing with DPW plowing.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

During declared snow emergencies, Dedham enforces a town-wide parking ban on all public streets to allow plows to operate safely and efficiently. Space savers are not permitted on Dedham’s public roads or in municipal lots. Vehicles left on the street during a ban are subject to immediate towing and fines. Residents are notified of snow emergencies via the town’s website, reverse 911 calls, and local news outlets. Alternative parking locations are designated in municipal lots or school parking areas during bans. For more information, refer to Dedham’s Parking Regulations.

• Parking Ban: In effect for the duration of declared snow emergencies on all public ways.
• Towing and Fees: Vehicles in violation may be towed at the owner’s expense; towing fees are set by the town.
• Resident Alerts: Information provided via town website and reverse 911.
• No Space Savers: Use of objects to reserve parking spaces after plowing is prohibited.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Dedham does not operate a 311 system but provides a comprehensive online platform for residents to report snow removal violations, accessibility barriers, and other concerns at Dedham Report a Concern. Reports may also be submitted by phone to the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services. Complaints related to accessibility or compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may be filed directly with the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online: Report a Concern Portal
• Phone: DPW at (781) 751-9350; Inspectional Services at (781) 751-9240
• Email: Use contact forms provided on the respective department websites
• Accessibility Violations: File complaints with 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 on all property owners and managers to exercise reasonable care in the removal of snow and ice. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between natural and unnatural accumulations, requiring diligent maintenance of all walking surfaces. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners may be held liable for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions caused by snow or ice. Any person injured on a sidewalk or public way must provide written notice of the injury to the municipality within 30 days, as stipulated in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Owners must treat all snow and ice hazards, including sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairs.
• Injury Claims: Written notice to the Town required within 30 days of injury.
• Legal Liability: Failure to act may result in civil liability for damages or injuries sustained by pedestrians or occupants.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Dedham

Dedham Square: The historic downtown district features a concentration of mixed-use buildings, retail shops, and restaurants. High pedestrian traffic, narrow sidewalks, and municipal parking lots necessitate frequent and thorough snow clearance, with careful coordination to avoid business interruptions.

Oakdale: Oakdale is characterized by single-family homes, local schools, and a network of hilly streets. Snow removal in this neighborhood is complicated by steep inclines and school bus routes, requiring timely plowing and sidewalk treatment for student safety.

Greenlodge: This suburban area consists of spacious lots and winding roads bordered by mature trees. The broad driveways and cul-de-sacs often result in large accumulation of plowed snow, presenting challenges for driveway access and mailbox clearance.

East Dedham: East Dedham’s dense residential blocks with triple-decker homes and minimal off-street parking make snow storage problematic. Narrow roadways and high on-street vehicle density require efficient plowing schedules and strict parking enforcement.

Riverdale: Riverdale includes residential and light commercial properties along the Charles River. The neighborhood is prone to icy conditions due to river proximity, and sidewalks must be carefully maintained to prevent hazardous refreezing.

The Manor: This residential district features post-war homes on curved streets with moderate density. The area’s street layout can slow plowing operations, and residents must coordinate with DPW to avoid blocking intersections and hydrants.

Avery: Avery is a mixed-use neighborhood, home to both established businesses and newer condominium developments. Snow removal in Avery requires balancing commercial accessibility with the needs of residents, particularly around the Dedham Corporate Center MBTA station.

Sprague Street Area: The Sprague Street corridor includes a mix of industrial, commercial, and single-family residential parcels. Large parking lots and wide entrances require specialized equipment for timely snow clearance, and attention to stormwater management is critical.

Fairbanks: Fairbanks features a variety of housing from single-family homes to apartment complexes. The neighborhood’s proximity to open spaces and conservation land makes for variable road conditions and necessitates regular monitoring for icy patches.

Readville Border: Located along Dedham’s edge with Boston’s Readville, this area has a mix of historic homes and modern developments. Snow removal must account for MBTA commuter rail crossings and increased foot traffic to and from public transit stops.

West Dedham: This largely residential neighborhood features wide streets and larger homes. Snow removal operations are facilitated by ample space for snow storage, but coordination with private plowing contractors is often necessary for private drives and cul-de-sacs.

Dedham Village Historic District: The heart of Dedham’s heritage, this district includes preserved homes, churches, and municipal buildings with stone walls and narrow lanes. Snow removal must balance preservation concerns with modern accessibility and safety requirements for all residents and visitors.