Professional Snow Removal Services in Framingham, MA

Framingham Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and managers in Framingham, MA. The City enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish precise timeframes for snow and ice clearance, minimum accessibility standards, and significant penalties for violations. Compliance with these regulations not only promotes public safety and accessibility but also protects property owners from potential legal and financial liabilities associated with winter weather hazards.

Framingham Department of Public Works
100 Western Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-6030
Official Website: Framingham Department of Public Works

Understanding Framingham's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Framingham’s snow removal ordinances are developed in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, granting municipalities authority to mandate and enforce local snow clearance requirements. Framingham’s municipal code stipulates that property owners and occupants must clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 10 hours of daylight after precipitation has stopped. During overnight events, the clock resumes at sunrise. The minimum required width for sidewalk clearance is 36 inches to ensure accessibility for all pedestrians, including those using mobility devices. When ice cannot be fully removed, property owners must apply sand or a comparable traction material.

Disposal of snow onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with these ordinances may result in fines of $100 per day for residential properties and $200 per day for commercial and multi-unit properties. Each day a violation persists is considered a separate offense and may incur additional penalties. For the most current municipal code, visit the Framingham Code of Ordinances.

• Clearance Timeframe: Within 10 daylight hours after snowfall ends; overnight snow must be cleared by 10 a.m.
• Minimum Path Width: 36 inches on all sidewalks abutting the property.
• Ice Removal: Sand or equivalent must be applied if ice cannot be fully cleared.
• Street Deposition: Prohibited to move snow into public rights-of-way.
• Fines: $100/day residential, $200/day commercial; each day is a new violation.

Framingham Inspectional Services
150 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-5500
Official Website: Framingham Inspectional Services

Framingham Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods in Framingham present unique snow removal challenges based on topography, infrastructure, and demographics. The city utilizes the Framingham 311 System to receive and track snow removal complaints, which highlight recurring issues in certain areas.

• Downtown Framingham: High-density commercial and mixed-use buildings with narrow sidewalks and heavy pedestrian traffic intensify snow clearance demands and limit equipment access.
• Saxonville: Older residential infrastructure with narrow streets and aging sidewalks increases difficulty for effective plowing and sidewalk maintenance.
• Nobscot: Hilly terrain and winding roads cause snow accumulation and runoff problems, requiring extra attention for both vehicular and pedestrian routes.
• Framingham State University Area: Student housing density and high foot traffic necessitate rapid response, while off-campus properties often require targeted enforcement for compliance.
• South Framingham: Mixed residential and industrial zones with varied building types and on-street parking present coordination challenges during snow events.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Framingham Department of Public Works oversees over 350 lane miles of roadway during snow events, deploying a fleet of plows and salt trucks across designated plow routes prioritized for emergency access, major arterials, and school zones. Secondary and residential streets are addressed following primary route clearance, and timing is coordinated based on storm intensity and duration.

Property owners should be aware that municipal plows may create snow windrows at driveway entrances, and side street plowing typically occurs after main roads are cleared. Residents are advised to monitor official city alerts for snow emergencies and coordinate privately contracted services to avoid conflicts with municipal operations.

Framingham Emergency Management
100 Western Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-5800
Official Website: Framingham Emergency Management

• Plow Route Priorities: Emergency and main roads first, then secondary and residential streets.
• Driveway Windrows: Plows may deposit snow at driveway aprons; property owners are responsible for clearing them.
• Snow Emergency Notifications: Residents should sign up for city alerts and follow declared procedures.
• Contractor Coordination: Ensure private snow contractors do not impede city plows or deposit snow onto public property.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Framingham enforces citywide snow emergency parking bans during declared storms. Parking is prohibited on all public streets for the duration of the emergency to allow for efficient plowing and emergency vehicle access. Vehicles found in violation may be subject to immediate towing and fines. Alternative parking is available at designated municipal lots, and residents are notified of bans via city alerts, local media, and the official snow parking ban webpage.

Framingham does not permit the use of "space savers" to reserve street parking after snowstorms. Any objects used to claim cleared parking spaces will be removed by city personnel in accordance with municipal policy. Residents are responsible for compliance with all parking ban rules, and failure to do so may result in towing fees and additional penalties.

• Snow Emergency Alerts: Distributed via city website, email, and emergency notification system.
• Alternative Parking: Municipal lots designated during bans; see city website for locations.
• Space Savers: Not permitted; unauthorized objects will be removed.
• Towing Fees: Assessed per city ordinance for violations.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Framingham utilizes a 311 complaint system for reporting unshoveled sidewalks, ice hazards, and related violations. Complaints can be submitted online via the Framingham 311 portal, by calling 311 or (508) 532-5411, or through the city’s mobile app. Email submissions are accepted at 311@framinghamma.gov. Reports should include the address, nature of the violation, and any relevant details to assist city enforcement staff. Data from 311 is used to identify complaint trends and inform targeted enforcement efforts.

For accessibility concerns, including blocked curb cuts or non-compliant path widths, individuals may also contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability for state-level assistance and information on snow removal accessibility standards.

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 strict duty of care on property owners for snow and ice hazards affecting all areas of their premises, including sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and building entrances. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between "natural" and "artificial" snow accumulation, holding property owners responsible for all hazardous conditions regardless of source.

Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners may be held liable for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions due to inadequate snow or ice removal. Any person injured as a result of such hazards must provide written notice to the property owner within 30 days per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Applies to all walkways, parking areas, stairs, and entrances.
• Premises Extent: Duty extends beyond sidewalks to all publicly accessible areas of property.
• Notice Requirement: Written notice of injury claims within 30 days is mandatory for legal recourse.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Framingham

Downtown Framingham: This commercial and civic core features multi-story mixed-use buildings, dense sidewalks, and high pedestrian volumes. Narrow street grids and limited parking complicate snow clearance, particularly during business hours, and require coordinated timing for both public and private removal efforts.

Saxonville: Characterized by a mix of historic homes and compact residential lots, Saxonville’s narrow streets and mature tree cover pose operational challenges for snowplows. Preservation district guidelines also affect equipment and timing requirements for snow removal activities.

Nobscot: A largely residential area with rolling hills, cul-de-sacs, and larger single-family properties. The topography increases the risk of drifting snow and icy conditions on inclines, necessitating specialized equipment for effective service delivery.

Framingham Centre: Featuring institutional properties such as Framingham State University and several historic landmarks, this district requires careful coordination to protect heritage structures while ensuring high-traffic walkways and entrances remain accessible.

South Framingham: Contains a blend of older residential buildings, small businesses, and industrial sites. Railroad crossings, irregular street patterns, and high parking demand require flexible plowing strategies and careful enforcement of sidewalk clearance.

Tripoli/Salem End Road: This area encompasses low-density residential neighborhoods interspersed with woodland and conservation lands. Long driveways and limited street lighting create unique timing and access considerations for snow removal crews.

Coburnville: Home to both single-family residences and multi-unit apartment complexes, Coburnville faces challenges related to on-street parking congestion and the need for rapid clearance to accommodate school and commuter traffic.

Mount Wayte: A suburban neighborhood with moderate-density housing, Mount Wayte’s grid layout and mix of public facilities require close coordination between municipal and private snow removal teams, especially during school days and public events.

Learned Pond/Village Green: Includes both historic homes and new developments adjacent to parklands. Steep access roads and park entrances require additional attention to maintain safe passage for both vehicles and pedestrians in winter conditions.

Cherry Street/Francis Street Area: Characterized by older housing stock and close-set buildings, this neighborhood’s narrow sidewalks and frequent curb cuts require detailed attention for compliance with accessibility and safety standards.

North Framingham: Spanning several subdivisions with cul-de-sacs and wide lots, North Framingham’s snow removal needs focus on timely access for emergency services and safe passage for school buses and commuters, especially during large storms.