Everett Commercial Snow Removal Services

Everett Commercial Snow Plowing & Parking Lot Clearing Services

Commercial properties in Everett, MA operate under stricter enforcement protocols for snow removal than residential buildings, reflecting their greater impact on public safety and accessibility. The City of Everett’s municipal code (Section 13-76) mandates that commercial property owners clear sidewalks and adjacent areas within 6 hours of snowfall cessation, with violations subject to fines of $200 per incident. In addition, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to maintain accessible parking spaces, curb ramps, building entrances, and pedestrian routes throughout winter months, regardless of weather conditions. This page details key compliance obligations, enforcement procedures, and requirements for commercial snow plowing and parking lot clearing in Everett.

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

Everett Commercial Property Snow Removal Fines and Enhanced Penalties

Everett enforces commercial snow removal through systematic citation procedures, imposing substantially higher penalties than those for residential properties. These higher fines reflect the increased risk to customers, employees, and public safety when businesses fail to maintain accessible, ice-free walkways and access routes. The fine structure for commercial properties in Everett includes:

• All commercial properties: $200 per violation for failure to clear sidewalks within the required 6 hours after snow stops falling.
• Each day of non-compliance: Constitutes a separate violation and additional $200 fine per day.
• Depositing snow on public streets: $300 additional penalty depending on volume and impact.
• Repeat violations: Escalating enforcement including potential operating restrictions or business license review.

Common violations triggering commercial penalties include:

• Failure to clear sidewalks within 6 hours after snowfall ends
• Ice-covered accessible parking spaces or access aisles
• Blocked curb ramps preventing wheelchair access
• Obstructed building entrances or emergency egresses
• Snow piles blocking accessible routes between parking and entrances
• Depositing snow onto public streets or adjacent properties

Important: Each separate violation (blocked entrance, uncleared parking lot, icy sidewalk) constitutes an independent fine. Multi-building commercial complexes can accumulate significant penalties from a single storm event if snow removal is inadequate across multiple frontages and access points.

Fire and Life Safety Access Requirements for Commercial Properties

The Everett Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services require that commercial properties maintain emergency vehicle access at all times during winter weather conditions. Compliance obligations extend beyond pedestrian safety to include life-threatening emergency response scenarios, where blocked fire lanes or hydrants can delay or prevent critical services.

Everett Fire Department
384 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2349
Official Website: Everett Fire Department

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
PO Box 1025, State Road, Stow, MA 01775
Phone: (978) 567-3100
Official Website: Mass Fire Services

• Fire Lane Maintenance: All designated fire lanes within commercial parking lots must be cleared to pavement and maintained with a minimum width of 20 feet for emergency vehicle passage. Snow piles that reduce clearance below standards must be removed. Fire lane striping and signage must remain visible above snow accumulation.
• Fire Hydrant Access: A three-foot radius around all fire hydrants must be cleared immediately after snowfall, with hydrants visible from the street. Ice accumulation on hydrant caps and mechanisms must be removed, and hydrant locations marked if covered by plowed snow. Coordination with the Everett Water Department is advised for hydrant functionality.
• Emergency Vehicle Access Standards: Maintain a minimum 20-foot clear width for fire apparatus, 13 feet 6 inches vertical clearance, and adequate turning radius. Surfaces must be treated for traction, and aerial ladder access provided within 15 feet of building structures.

The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) requires that all commercial properties maintain unobstructed emergency egresses at all times. Emergency egress priorities include:

• All marked emergency exits cleared and operational
• Exterior fire escapes and stairs free of snow and ice
• Emergency assembly areas accessible and marked
• Panic hardware and exit doors functional and ice-free
• Exit pathway lighting operational and snow-free

Federal ADA Title III Compliance for Commercial Snow Removal

The Americans with Disabilities Act Title III imposes federal accessibility requirements on businesses and public accommodations, mandating that accessible features remain operational regardless of weather. These obligations exist independently from municipal snow removal ordinances, creating dual compliance requirements and potential liability exposure for business owners.

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (800) 514-0301
Official Website: ADA Title III Information

• Accessible parking spaces: Cleared to pavement with access aisles fully passable
• Curb ramps: Cannot be blocked by snow piles or ice
• Building entrances: Primary and accessible entrances must maintain barrier-free access
• Pedestrian routes: Pathways from parking to entrances must be a minimum 36 inches wide and clear
• Loading zones: Accessible loading areas for deliveries must be maintained
• Outdoor amenities: Routes to ATMs, outdoor seating, and customer service areas must remain accessible

Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB)
One Ashburton Place, Room 1310, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-0660
Official Website: MAAB Regulations

Massachusetts MAAB regulations enforce state accessibility standards that exceed federal minimums in some applications, requiring commercial properties to maintain accessible features fully operational under 521 CMR regulations at all times.

Commercial Parking Lot Snow Management and Operational Requirements

Commercial parking facilities in Everett require comprehensive snow management plans that extend beyond basic plowing. Requirements include maintenance of designated accessible parking, traffic flow management, snow storage planning, and coordination with business operating hours to ensure uninterrupted customer and employee access throughout winter weather events.

• Fire lanes and emergency access: First priority for clearing and kept open at all times
• Accessible parking spaces: ADA-designated spaces and access aisles must be cleared immediately after fire lanes
• Primary traffic lanes: Main circulation routes cleared to facilitate customer access
• Secondary parking areas: Cleared according to capacity and business needs
• Loading docks: Maintained for commercial deliveries and supply chain continuity

Everett Code Enforcement Contact:
Phone: (617) 394-2220
Report online: Everett 311 System or equivalent

Business Liability Protection and Premises Insurance Requirements

Commercial property owners in Everett face substantial premises liability exposure when inadequate snow removal contributes to slip-and-fall incidents involving customers, employees, delivery staff, or other business visitors. Massachusetts premises liability law, as established in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions, regardless of whether snow accumulation results from natural precipitation or mechanical processes.

• General liability insurance: Minimum $1-2 million coverage for slip-and-fall incidents
• Commercial property insurance: Coverage for building and lot damage from plowing equipment
• Workers’ compensation: Required for employees injured during snow removal
• Umbrella coverage: Additional liability protection exceeding standard policy limits

Commercial Districts Throughout Everett Requiring Specialized Service

Our commercial snow plowing services extend throughout Everett's diverse business districts, addressing unique operational requirements, accessibility standards, and customer access priorities specific to different commercial property types.

Broadway/City Center District: The heart of Everett’s commercial activity, featuring office buildings, banks, and retail storefronts. High pedestrian traffic, limited snow storage, and proximity to transit hubs require rapid clearing of sidewalks, curb ramps, and building entrances to ensure business continuity and ADA compliance.

Everett Square Retail Corridor: A busy shopping destination with retail plazas, restaurants, and service businesses. Extended business hours and high customer turnover demand frequent snow and ice management, with special attention to accessible parking and pedestrian routes.

Commercial Triangle Industrial Park: Home to warehouses, distributors, and light manufacturing. Large parking lots, delivery bays, and loading docks require coordinated plowing schedules and snow storage planning to maintain supply chain operations and ensure emergency vehicle access.

Glendale Mixed-Use Developments: This area combines residential, retail, and office spaces with underground garages and shared parking. Clearing rooftop access points, maintaining garage entrances, and coordinating with property management are essential for resident and customer safety.

Hospital and Medical Facilities District: Everett’s medical centers and outpatient clinics require uninterrupted access for patients, ambulances, and staff. Strict protocols for fire lanes, accessible parking, and emergency routes must be maintained at all times, with enhanced communication regarding entrance conditions.

Village Business District: Neighborhood businesses, grocery stores, and service providers located on smaller lots require prompt sidewalk and storefront clearing, with focus on maintaining safe access for local residents and elderly patrons.

Riverfront Commercial Zone: Featuring newer office complexes and hospitality venues adjacent to the Malden River. Snow removal operations must address limited parking, shared access drives, and potential drainage issues, all while preserving sight lines for emergency response vehicles.

Institutional and Government Complexes: Municipal buildings, schools, and public facilities in Everett require coordinated snow management to support high-volume pedestrian access, scheduled public events, and strict compliance with state and federal accessibility standards.