Professional Snow Removal Services in Holbrook, MA

Holbrook Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow and ice removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Holbrook, MA. The Town enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish detailed timeframes, clearance standards, and penalties to maintain public safety and accessibility throughout the winter season. Compliance with these requirements is essential for reducing hazards, ensuring safe passage for pedestrians, and avoiding significant fines or legal liability.

Holbrook Department of Public Works
50 Maple Avenue, Holbrook, MA 02343
Phone: (781) 767-1800
Official Website: Holbrook Department of Public Works

Understanding Holbrook's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Holbrook’s local ordinances require property owners—including both residential and commercial entities—to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. These requirements are enforced to provide safe, accessible routes for pedestrians and to comply with state and federal accessibility laws. Overnight accumulations must also be fully addressed within the prescribed window. The Town mandates a minimum accessible path width of 36 inches on all sidewalks, and property owners must ensure that all ice is removed or treated with sand or other suitable materials to provide safe footing. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets or other municipal property.

• Compliance Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall stops.
• Minimum Clearance: At least 36 inches of sidewalk must be accessible to pedestrians.
• Ice Control: All icy areas must be treated or cleared to bare pavement, or traction material must be applied.
• No Street Deposition: Property owners may not place snow or ice onto public roadways.

For more on the municipal authority governing snow removal, refer to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5. Holbrook’s snow removal bylaws can be reviewed at the Town of Holbrook General Bylaws (see Article XIII, Section 8).

Holbrook Inspectional Services / Code Enforcement
50 Maple Avenue, Holbrook, MA 02343
Phone: (781) 767-4322
Official Website: Holbrook Building Department

• Residential Fine: $50 per day for non-compliance.
• Commercial Fine: $100 per day for non-compliance.
• Street Deposition Fine: $100 per occurrence.
• Repeat Offenses: Each day constitutes a new violation subject to additional fines.

Holbrook Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Holbrook’s neighborhoods present a variety of unique snow removal challenges due to their differing topography, building types, and infrastructure. The Town does not operate a traditional 311 system, but residents can file complaints directly through municipal channels. Patterns in complaint submissions highlight recurring issues in several districts:

• East Holbrook: Contains steep streets and older single-family housing, making sidewalk and driveway clearing difficult during heavy accumulations.
• Union Street Corridor: High-density mixed-use area with limited on-street parking and narrow sidewalks, requiring rapid snow removal for business and pedestrian access.
• South Holbrook: Features a higher proportion of elderly residents and multi-family dwellings, creating greater demand for accessible walkways and timely removal services.
• Holbrook Center: Historic district with narrow lanes and older infrastructure, often presenting logistical challenges for plows and property owners alike.
• Pinecrest: Suburban layout with cul-de-sacs and winding roads, complicating plow access and increasing snow pileup at driveway aprons.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Holbrook Department of Public Works manages winter storm operations across approximately 40 lane miles, divided into multiple plow routes prioritized according to public safety needs. Arterial roads, emergency routes, and school approaches receive initial attention, followed by secondary streets and residential areas. Snow operations include salting, sanding, and plowing, with continual monitoring of weather conditions and resource allocation.

Holbrook Office of Emergency Management
50 Maple Avenue, Holbrook, MA 02343
Phone: (781) 767-1212
Official Website: Holbrook Emergency Management

• Driveway Access: Municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances; property owners are responsible for clearing these areas.
• Side Street Schedules: Secondary routes may be plowed later in the operational cycle; monitor announcements for specific timing.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Stay alert to official notifications for parking bans and plowing schedules.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must not interfere with municipal plowing and must comply with local snow disposal requirements.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Holbrook enforces snow emergency parking bans during declared storms to facilitate rapid and efficient plowing. Residents are prohibited from parking on designated emergency routes and risk fines or towing. The Town does not allow space savers (objects to reserve street parking spaces) following snow removal. Once a snow emergency is declared:

• Parking Ban: All vehicles must be removed from designated streets until the emergency is lifted.
• Towing: Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense (fees vary; typical towing charge is $100+).
• Resident Alerts: Notifications are issued via the Town website, CodeRED alerts, and local media.
• Alternative Parking: Residents are advised to use private driveways or approved municipal lots as identified by the Town.

Official guidance and updates are available at the Holbrook Snow Removal Information Page.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Holbrook does not maintain a 311 or SeeClickFix system; instead, complaints regarding unshoveled sidewalks, ice hazards, or snow deposition are reported directly to the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services. Residents may file complaints by phone, email, or using the online contact forms provided by the Town.

• Phone: (781) 767-1800 (DPW) or (781) 767-4322 (Inspectional Services)
• Email: Contact forms are available at Holbrook DPW
• In-Person: Visit 50 Maple Avenue, Holbrook, MA 02343 during business hours

For accessibility and ADA-related violations, contact:

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 strict premises liability standards on property owners for snow and ice hazards. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between natural and artificial snow accumulations, requiring all owners to exercise reasonable care in addressing winter hazards. This duty extends beyond sidewalks to include parking lots, entryways, and stairs.

• Statutory Liability: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15 holds property owners liable for injuries due to dangerous conditions on their premises.
• Notice Requirement: Injured parties must provide written notice within 30 days, per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.
• Reasonable Care Standard: Owners must proactively inspect and mitigate snow and ice hazards to avoid liability.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Holbrook

Holbrook Center: The town’s historic core features a mix of government buildings, small businesses, and older residences. Narrow streets and high pedestrian activity require coordinated snow removal and quick response to ice hazards, particularly around public facilities and schools.

Pinecrest: Suburban neighborhood characterized by cul-de-sacs and winding roads. Lower-density housing and landscaped lots pose challenges for equipment access, especially after heavy storms that block driveway entrances.

East Holbrook: Primarily single-family homes on sloped terrain, where steep driveways and hilly streets complicate both sidewalk and street clearing. Attention to traction and prompt plowing is essential to prevent hazardous conditions.

South Holbrook: Includes a significant elderly population and several apartment complexes, with a focus on maintaining accessible walkways and ensuring timely snow removal for vulnerable residents. Parking constraints and multi-unit buildings require additional coordination.

Union Street Corridor: High-density commercial and residential mixed-use area with limited off-street parking. Rapid snow clearance is necessary to support business activity and maintain safe pedestrian routes.

West Holbrook: Consists of post-war residential developments with wide roads and mature trees. Snow accumulation from plowing can be significant at intersections; equipment access is generally good, but curbside piles require attention.

Oak Street District: A blend of mid-century homes and small businesses. Infrastructure limitations such as older sidewalks and narrow streets demand careful plowing and adherence to clearance standards.

Holbrook Highlands: Elevated area with new developments and larger lots. Greater distances between homes require extended plow and sidewalk clearing times; hilly topography increases risk of ice buildup on both roads and private walkways.

Lincoln Park: Dense residential neighborhood with a mix of rental and owner-occupied homes. High parking demand and narrow streets heighten the importance of compliance with parking bans and timely snow removal.

Railroad District: Area near the MBTA station and Main Street corridor. Transit access points require prioritized clearing, and plow schedules are coordinated to ensure commuter safety and accessibility.

Brookville: Outlying section with semi-rural characteristics, larger lots, and longer driveways. Snow removal is more labor intensive, and equipment access is a critical concern during major storms.

Wellington Hill: Elevated neighborhood with a mix of older and newer homes. Sloped streets and limited street width require careful plowing and strong compliance with sidewalk regulations to maintain safe routes for pedestrians and vehicles alike.