Professional Snow Removal Services in Everett, MA

Everett Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants in Everett, MA. The City enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish precise timeframes, clearance standards, and penalty structures to safeguard public safety and accessibility. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure safe pedestrian passage, reduce slip hazards, and maintain emergency access throughout the winter season.

Everett Department of Public Works
19 Norman Street, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2333
Official Website: Everett Department of Public Works

Understanding Everett's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

The City of Everett's snow removal ordinance requires property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks abutting their property within six (6) hours after snowfall ends during the day, or by 12:00 PM if snowfall ends overnight. Sidewalks must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches to allow safe pedestrian passage, including for persons with disabilities. Ice must be removed or treated with sand, salt, or other suitable material to ensure safety. It is expressly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks already cleared by the City. These requirements are supported by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which grants municipalities the authority to regulate snow removal.

The full Everett snow removal ordinance can be reviewed on the City of Everett Ordinances site.

• Clearing Timeline: Sidewalks must be cleared within 6 hours after snowfall ends, or by noon if snow ends overnight.
• Minimum Path Width: At least 36 inches of sidewalk must be fully cleared.
• Ice Removal: Surface must be bare or treated with sand/salt for traction.
• Prohibited Actions: No snow may be plowed or deposited onto public streets or sidewalks cleared by the City.

Everett Inspectional Services Department
484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2220
Official Website: Everett Inspectional Services

• Residential Fines: $50 per day for each day of violation for residential properties.
• Commercial Fines: $100 per day for commercial properties.
• Street Deposition Fines: $200 per incident for depositing snow onto public ways.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation and incurs additional fines.

Everett Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Everett’s neighborhoods present a range of snow removal challenges due to their unique topography, infrastructure, and demographic profiles. Complaint data collected through the City's 311 system highlights recurring issues in several districts:

• Glendale Square:
  • Dense commercial/residential mix with high pedestrian traffic
  • Narrow sidewalks and angled intersections complicate machinery access
  • Limited off-street parking increases snow storage challenges
• Village District:
  • Older triple-decker housing stock with minimal setbacks from the street
  • Sloped terrain increases ice accumulation and runoff concerns
  • Many elderly residents with increased accessibility needs
• North Everett:
  • Residential streets with a mix of single-family and multifamily homes
  • Higher volume of commuter vehicles results in parking congestion during storms
  • Close proximity to city borders complicates coordination with neighboring municipalities
• Everett Square:
  • High-rise commercial and civic buildings
  • Busy transit corridors require rapid, repeated snow clearance
  • Pedestrian safety is a critical concern due to bus stops and crosswalks
• Ferry Street Corridor:
  • Mixed-use corridor with businesses and dense residential blocks
  • Limited sidewalk width and frequent curb cuts for driveways
  • Snow piles from both commercial and residential properties can obstruct visibility

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Everett Department of Public Works manages the City’s snow and ice program, utilizing a fleet of plow trucks and contracted equipment to cover over 70 lane miles of public roadways. Priority is given to major arterial roads, emergency response routes, and streets serving schools and hospitals. Secondary and residential streets are cleared according to a published schedule, with updates provided via the City’s website and emergency alert systems.

Everett Office of Emergency Management
484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2265
Official Website: Everett Emergency Management

• Plowed snow may block driveways: Property owners are responsible for clearing entrances after municipal plows pass.
• Monitor official snow emergency declarations: Sign up for City alerts to receive plowing and parking information.
• Coordinate with contractors: Private snow removal services must comply with City rules and should not deposit snow in public rights-of-way.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

During declared snow emergencies, Everett enforces citywide parking bans on designated emergency routes. All vehicles must be moved from these streets by the announced deadline to allow for efficient plowing. Unauthorized vehicles are subject to towing and fines (typically $100 plus tow fees). Residents are notified of snow emergencies via the City website, text alerts, social media, and local news outlets. Alternative municipal parking lots are made available for displaced vehicles. Everett does not officially permit the use of "space savers" to reserve cleared parking spots; any such items left in the street are subject to removal by the City. For further details, refer to the City’s snow emergency ordinance.

• Emergency Routes: Marked with signage; must be kept clear during declared emergencies.
• Notification: Residents should monitor City channels for real-time updates.
• Space Savers: Not permitted; items left to reserve spaces will be removed.
• Towing: Non-compliant vehicles will be ticketed and towed at owner’s expense.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Everett residents can report snow and ice removal violations using the City’s 311 system, available online, by phone, or via mobile app. Complaints should specify the location and nature of the violation, such as uncleared sidewalks, obstructed curb cuts, or snow illegally deposited on public streets. The system routes reports directly to Code Enforcement for investigation and follow-up. Accessibility violations impacting curb ramps, bus stops, or crosswalks can also be reported through the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online: Everett 311
• Phone: Dial 311 within city limits or (617) 394-2270
• Email: info@ci.everett.ma.us
• Mobile App: Everett 311 (available for iOS and Android)

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 imposes a broad duty of care on property owners regarding snow and ice hazards. The landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) established that property owners are equally liable for both natural and artificial accumulations of snow and ice. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners must maintain all walkways, parking areas, entrances, and stairways in a reasonably safe condition. If an injury occurs due to a snow or ice hazard, the injured party must file notice of claim with the property owner and municipality within 30 days as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Duty of Care: Remove or treat snow/ice hazards on all pedestrian and vehicular access points.
• Injury Claims: 30-day written notice required to preserve legal rights.
• Scope: Liability extends to sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, entrances, and stairways.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Everett

Glendale Square: This vibrant commercial and residential center features mixed-use properties, busy intersections, and significant pedestrian activity. Snow removal is complicated by narrow sidewalks, minimal setbacks, and heavy vehicle and foot traffic, requiring precise and timely clearance to maintain accessibility.

Village District: Characterized by older triple-decker homes and sloped streets, this area demands special attention to ice accumulation and runoff management. The neighborhood’s elderly population and limited off-street parking increase the need for effective, accessible snow removal solutions.

North Everett: With a blend of single-family and multifamily residences and a growing commuter presence, North Everett faces parking congestion and cross-jurisdictional coordination challenges. Infrastructure includes tight roadways and border corridors, making coordinated plowing and compliance essential.

Everett Square: As the civic and commercial heart of the city, this district includes municipal buildings, high-rise offices, public transit hubs, and broad sidewalks. High pedestrian volumes and transit stops require repeated and thorough snow and ice clearance to ensure safety.

Ferry Street Corridor: Stretching through residential and commercial zones, Ferry Street experiences high traffic volumes and limited space for snow storage. Frequent curb cuts and mixed building uses necessitate careful coordination between property owners and DPW crews for effective snow management.

Woodlawn: Primarily residential, Woodlawn includes larger lots, moderate-density homes, and local parks. Winding streets and moderate slopes create logistical challenges for equipment access and thorough sidewalk clearance.

Madonna Neighborhood: This area features densely packed homes, religious institutions, and a mix of public and private properties. Narrow one-way streets and limited parking require timely compliance with snow emergency regulations and effective sidewalk maintenance.

Prescott Square: Combining residential and light industrial uses, Prescott Square has wider roadways but also significant truck traffic. The area demands synchronization between private businesses and municipal plowing schedules to keep thoroughfares open and safe.

Shute Library District: Anchored by institutional and educational facilities, this neighborhood sees increased student and family pedestrian traffic. Sidewalk safety and timely snow removal near schools and public buildings are high-priority service requirements.

West Everett: Featuring a mix of mid-century residential developments and retail corridors, West Everett’s broad avenues and parking lots necessitate both sidewalk and lot clearance, with particular attention to shopping centers and community facilities.

Chelsea Street Area: Bordering the city’s southeast, this corridor contains multifamily residences and commercial properties along a major commuting route. Heavy traffic and limited snow storage heighten the need for coordinated snow removal and enforcement efforts.

Lower Broadway: This rapidly developing district includes new multi-unit buildings, hotels, and entertainment venues. High density and ongoing construction present unique challenges for snow removal, access, and compliance with evolving city standards.