Professional Snow Removal Services in Concord, MA

Concord Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal and civic responsibility for all property owners in Concord, MA. The Town of Concord enforces strict municipal ordinances that require timely and thorough clearing of snow and ice from sidewalks and adjacent public ways to ensure pedestrian safety and maintain accessible routes throughout winter months. These requirements are supported by clear timeframes, minimum clearance widths, and a structured penalty system for non-compliance, reflecting Concord’s commitment to public safety and compliance with state law.

Concord Department of Public Works
133 Keyes Road, Concord, MA 01742
Phone: (978) 318-3220
Official Website: Concord Department of Public Works

Understanding Concord's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Concord's snow removal ordinances require property owners, occupants, or persons in charge of any building or lot abutting a public sidewalk to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours after snowfall ends. The required minimum clear width for sidewalks is generally 36 inches to allow for safe pedestrian passage, including accessibility for individuals with disabilities. When removal of ice is impractical, the surface must be treated with sand or other suitable material to ensure safe travel. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets or ways, as this can obstruct traffic and impede municipal operations. The Town of Concord’s regulations are closely aligned with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which grants municipalities the authority to regulate snow removal.

For the most current local ordinance language and updates, visit the Concord Snow Removal Policy.

• Timeframe for Clearing: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of snowfall; special provisions apply for overnight accumulations, requiring prompt action the following morning.
• Minimum Clearance Width: A path at least 36 inches wide must be maintained free of snow and ice.
• Ice Removal: If ice cannot be removed, it must be treated with sand or other traction materials.
• Street Deposition Prohibited: Shoveling or plowing snow into public streets or roadways is subject to enforcement action.

Concord Inspectional Services
141 Keyes Road, Concord, MA 01742
Phone: (978) 318-3280
Official Website: Concord Inspectional Services

• Fines for Non-Compliance: As of 2024, property owners face fines of $50 per day for residential properties and $100 per day for commercial properties for failure to comply with sidewalk clearing requirements. Each day of violation is considered a separate offense. Additional fines may apply for illegally depositing snow on public streets.

Concord Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Concord’s neighborhoods each present unique challenges for snow management, influenced by factors such as street layout, building density, and population demographics. The Town of Concord utilizes a municipal website-based reporting system for snow removal complaints, allowing residents to highlight persistent issues in specific districts.

• West Concord Village: Characterized by a dense mix of residential homes and small businesses, with narrow streets and high pedestrian traffic making sidewalk access critical and snow storage space limited.
• Concord Center: Features historic buildings and brick sidewalks, requiring careful snow removal to avoid damaging infrastructure and ensure accessibility for visitors and residents alike.
• Thoreau Hills: A primarily residential neighborhood with hilly terrain, resulting in significant accumulation on sloped driveways and increased risk of ice formation on sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Barrett’s Mill District: Includes a combination of single-family homes and working farms, where long driveways and rural roads require additional coordination for snow clearance and safe school transportation routes.
• Sudbury Road Corridor: High commuter traffic and mixed land use, with challenging intersections and limited on-street parking complicating snow plowing and sidewalk accessibility.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Concord Department of Public Works manages all municipal snow and ice operations, maintaining approximately 107 lane miles of public roadway divided into multiple plowing routes prioritized by traffic volume and emergency access needs. Priority routes include major thoroughfares such as Route 2, Main Street, and emergency access roads to Concord’s hospitals and public safety facilities. The DPW coordinates with public safety departments to ensure that arterial roads and school zones are cleared first, followed by residential streets and cul-de-sacs.

Concord Office of Emergency Management
219 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
Phone: (978) 318-3450
Official Website: Concord Emergency Management

• Driveway Snow Deposition: Municipal plows may deposit snow at the end of private driveways; property owners should plan for additional shoveling after plowing operations.
• Side Street Schedules: Secondary streets are cleared after primary routes; residents should monitor the DPW’s snow updates for projected timing.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Monitor local alerts for snow emergencies which may alter plowing priorities and parking rules.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must follow town regulations concerning snow placement and must not obstruct public ways or sidewalks.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Concord enforces snow emergency parking bans when significant snowfall is forecasted or in progress. During active bans, parking is prohibited on designated emergency routes and specified public streets to allow for efficient plowing and emergency vehicle access. Violators may be subject to towing and fines as posted by the Concord Police Department. Residents are notified of parking bans through the town website, emergency alert system, and local news outlets. Concord does not permit the use of "space savers" to reserve cleared parking spaces following snow events.

• Snow Emergency Routes: Key arterial roads and certain side streets are designated for parking bans to facilitate snow removal.
• Towing and Fines: Vehicles in violation of bans may be towed at owner’s expense and subject to fines as posted on affected streets.
• Resident Alerts: Parking ban alerts are issued via concordma.gov and town emergency notification services.
• Alternative Parking: Residents are encouraged to use designated municipal lots or arrange for off-street parking during bans.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Concord does not operate a 311 system but utilizes a Request Tracker system on the municipal website for reporting snow removal violations, accessibility issues, and other concerns. Residents may also file complaints by phone or email with the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services. Accessibility-related violations, such as blocked curb ramps, should also be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability for state-level attention.

• Online Reporting: Submit violations through Concord’s Request Tracker.
• Phone Reporting: Contact DPW at (978) 318-3220 for urgent concerns.
• Email Reporting: Email requests may be sent to publicworks@concordma.gov.

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 establishes clear legal duties for property owners regarding snow and ice removal. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) abolished the distinction between natural and unnatural accumulations, holding all property owners to a standard of reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions. This duty extends beyond public sidewalks to include parking lots, entrances, and access ways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners are liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions due to snow or ice. Anyone injured must provide written notice of the claim within 30 days, as set forth in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Property owners must act promptly to clear hazards and maintain safe walking surfaces.
• Scope of Duty: Responsibility includes sidewalks, building entrances, parking areas, and stairways.
• Notice of Injury: Written notice is required within 30 days for injury claims under state law.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Concord

Concord Center: The heart of downtown features historic commercial buildings, high foot traffic, and iconic brick sidewalks. Snow removal here is challenged by narrow streets, limited parking, and the need to preserve the character of heritage structures while ensuring public accessibility. Coordinated timing and gentle equipment are essential to protect surfaces and meet business district requirements.

West Concord: This vibrant neighborhood combines single-family homes, multifamily dwellings, and a bustling village center. Tight street patterns and heavy commuter activity demand careful snow plowing schedules to keep sidewalks and crosswalks open, especially near the MBTA station and retail corridors.

Thoreau Hills: A primarily residential area with winding roads and pronounced hills, Thoreau Hills presents significant challenges for both snow plowing and driveway access. Equipment must address steep gradients, and timing is crucial for school bus routes and morning commutes.

Barrett’s Mill District: With a blend of historic farmsteads and newer homes, this semi-rural district features long driveways and limited municipal street lighting. Efficient coordination is necessary to support both residential and agricultural operations, particularly during heavy accumulations.

Sudbury Road Corridor: A mix of suburban residences and local businesses, Sudbury Road’s narrow shoulders and frequent intersections require attentive snow clearing and strict parking enforcement during storms to maintain safety and traffic flow.

Mattison Field: Located near conservation land and open spaces, this neighborhood features cul-de-sacs and limited through streets, posing challenges for large plows and requiring additional effort to ensure access for emergency vehicles and outdoor recreation users.

Meriam’s Corner: A historically significant district with a combination of older homes and institutional properties, Meriam’s Corner has unique requirements related to landmark preservation and the maintenance of public memorials and monuments during winter weather events.

Alcott/Southfield: This residential area near schools and parks is characterized by moderate density and active community spaces. Snow removal must consider both school access and safe passage for families and children, with equipment routing closely coordinated with school schedules.

Nashawtuc Hill: An upscale neighborhood with large lots, winding private roads, and hilly terrain, Nashawtuc Hill presents challenges for both municipal and private plowing services, particularly after significant storms when access roads may become blocked.

Monument Street Corridor: Known for its scenic vistas and historic estates, this corridor includes long driveways and limited street lighting, requiring property owners to coordinate closely with municipal plowing for safe and timely access.

Conantum: A mid-century planned community with unique road layouts and shared open spaces, Conantum’s service needs include communal paths and driveways, as well as special considerations for preserving the neighborhood’s architectural integrity during snow operations.

East Quarter: A blend of new developments and longstanding residential areas, East Quarter features a mix of road widths and varying property types, necessitating flexible snow removal strategies to address both narrow lanes and multi-unit complexes.