Professional Snow Removal Services in Waltham, MA

Waltham Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow and ice removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants in Waltham, MA. The City enforces strict municipal ordinances to ensure that sidewalks, walkways, and curb ramps remain accessible and safe for pedestrians throughout the winter season. Compliance with established timeframes, clearance standards, and penalty structures is mandatory for the protection of public safety and to minimize hazards associated with winter weather conditions.

Waltham Department of Public Works
165 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: (781) 314-3800
Official Website: Waltham Department of Public Works

Understanding Waltham's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Waltham’s snow removal regulations are codified in the City of Waltham Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article II, Section 12-32. Under these ordinances, property owners, tenants, and managers are required to clear sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after snow ceases. Overnight accumulations must be removed by noon the following day. The accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to allow safe passage for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities. Ice must be removed, or if removal is impracticable, the surface must be treated with sand, salt, or similar material to maintain safe footing. It is strictly prohibited to deposit shoveled or plowed snow into any public street or sidewalk.

Authority for municipal snow removal requirements is established under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5. For the full text of Waltham’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance, visit the City of Waltham Code of Ordinances.

• Clearing Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends; by noon for overnight snow.
• Accessible Width: Minimum 36-inch clear path required.
• Ice Removal: All ice must be removed or treated with sand/salt.
• Prohibited Actions: No snow may be deposited on public streets or sidewalks.

Inspectional Services Department
119 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: (781) 314-3150
Official Website: Waltham Inspectional Services

• Residential Fines: $50 per violation, per day.
• Commercial Fines: $100 per violation, per day.
• Depositing Snow on Street Fines: $100 per incident.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate offense.

Waltham Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Waltham’s diverse neighborhoods present unique challenges for snow and ice management due to variations in topography, building density, and infrastructure. Patterns in complaint data, as reported via the city’s 311 system, highlight areas with recurring winter maintenance difficulties.

• South Side: Dense residential blocks, narrow streets, and high parking density create limited space for snow storage and hinder plow access.
• The Highlands: Steep hills and winding roads increase runoff and ice hazards, with older homes often lacking off-street parking.
• Downtown Waltham: High pedestrian traffic, mixed-use buildings, and small business storefronts require rapid snow clearance for accessibility and commerce.
• Ravenswood: Primarily single-family homes with long driveways and cul-de-sacs, where delayed plowing and snowbank buildup are common concerns.
• North Waltham: Larger lots and institutional properties (schools, offices) demand coordinated clearing on extensive sidewalks and parking areas.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Waltham Department of Public Works manages comprehensive snow and ice operations, covering over 150 lane miles citywide. Snow removal is prioritized on main arteries, emergency routes, and school corridors before secondary streets and residential blocks. Operations are divided among multiple plowing routes to maximize efficiency and response time. During major storms, the city coordinates with emergency services to maintain access for first responders and essential transportation.

Waltham Office of Emergency Management
175 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: (781) 314-3400
Official Website: Waltham Emergency Management

• Plow Operations: Expect plow deposits across driveways after street clearing; property owners are responsible for clearing curb cuts.
• Side Street Schedules: Monitor city alerts for updates on plow timing in residential areas.
• Snow Emergencies: Stay informed of city declarations and parking restrictions.
• Contractor Coordination: Private snow contractors must not deposit snow onto city streets or block fire hydrants.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Waltham enforces citywide snow emergency parking bans during declared storms. When bans are in effect, parking is prohibited on designated snow emergency routes and main arteries to allow for effective plowing. Vehicles left in violation are subject to towing at the owner’s expense, with fees starting at $100 plus storage costs. Residents receive alerts via the city website, local media, and automated phone notifications. Alternative parking locations are designated at municipal lots and school properties during emergencies. As of this writing, Waltham does not permit the use of "space savers" to reserve parking spaces after storms; all such objects are subject to removal by city officials.

For full details, see the City Snow and Ice Removal Guidelines.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Residents may report unshoveled sidewalks, icy conditions, or illegal snow deposits using Waltham’s official 311 Citizen Service Center. Complaints may be submitted online, by phone, or in person at City Hall. The system allows users to track the progress of complaints and receive status updates. For accessibility violations affecting curb ramps or crosswalks, complaints may also be directed to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Phone: Dial 311 from within Waltham, or (781) 314-3100 from outside the city.
• Online: Waltham 311 Online Portal
• Email: 311@city.waltham.ma.us
• Mobile App: See city website for current app options.

Massachusetts 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

Legal liability for snow and ice hazards in Waltham is governed by Massachusetts law and recent court decisions. The Supreme Judicial Court’s Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) established that property owners must exercise reasonable care in addressing all snow and ice accumulations, regardless of whether they are natural or artificial. This duty applies not only to sidewalks but also to parking lots, entrances, stairways, and other areas used by the public or tenants. Liability for injuries caused by dangerous conditions is set forth in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15. Anyone injured due to alleged improper snow or ice removal must provide formal notice to the property owner within 30 days, as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Waltham

South Side: Characterized by high-density residential housing, including triple-deckers and apartment complexes, South Side features narrow streets and limited off-street parking. Snow accumulation quickly restricts visibility and car access, requiring swift, coordinated snow removal to maintain safety and traffic flow.

The Highlands: With a mix of single-family homes and small businesses, The Highlands is defined by hilly terrain and winding roads. Challenges include managing runoff and persistent ice formation on steep slopes, along with ensuring that school routes and bus stops remain clear and accessible.

Downtown Waltham: The city’s commercial and cultural center contains historic buildings, dense foot traffic, and busy intersections. Sidewalk clearance is essential for accessibility, and close coordination with business owners is necessary to keep storefronts and curb ramps unobstructed for all users.

Ravenswood: This primarily residential area includes long driveways and cul-de-sacs. Snowplow access and snowbank management are critical, particularly for elderly residents and those with mobility needs who rely on timely sidewalk and curb cut clearance.

North Waltham: Featuring larger properties, office parks, and several institutional sites, North Waltham requires robust snow removal for broad sidewalks and expansive parking lots. Equipment access and timing are coordinated to minimize disruptions to schools and businesses.

Cedarwood: A suburban neighborhood with moderate-density housing, Cedarwood’s winding road network and tree-lined streets can complicate plowing and snow storage. Coordination with homeowners is vital to keep pedestrian walkways passable.

Piety Corner: Known for its historic homes and varied topography, Piety Corner faces unique challenges ensuring that narrow, curving streets remain accessible. Preservation concerns must be balanced with modern snow removal techniques to protect infrastructure.

Lakeview: Located near Hardy Pond and the city’s western edge, Lakeview’s residential character and proximity to water require careful management of snow piles to prevent flooding and protect sensitive environmental areas.

Warrendale: This family-oriented neighborhood with a grid street pattern and several schools demands prompt sidewalk clearing for student safety and smooth traffic flow during morning and afternoon commutes.

Bleachery: A mixed-use district with industrial, commercial, and residential properties, Bleachery necessitates specialized equipment and flexible scheduling to accommodate heavy truck traffic and varying building setbacks.

Brandeis-Roberts: Adjacent to Brandeis University, this area features student housing and institutional properties. High pedestrian volumes, frequent vehicle turnover, and limited parking create ongoing challenges for snow and ice management during peak academic periods.