Professional Snow Removal Services in Watertown, MA

Watertown Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Watertown, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and managers, established to ensure pedestrian safety, public accessibility, and the efficient functioning of municipal infrastructure during winter weather events. Watertown enforces strict snow removal ordinances that specify mandatory timeframes, clearance standards, and a defined penalty structure for non-compliance. Adherence to these municipal and state regulations is essential for maintaining safe walkways, reducing liability risk, and supporting effective winter weather management citywide.

Watertown Department of Public Works
124 Orchard Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6420
Official Website: Watertown Department of Public Works

Understanding Watertown's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Watertown's snow removal ordinances require all property owners, including both residential and commercial properties, to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 6 hours after the cessation of snowfall during daylight hours, or by noon following overnight storms. The minimum required accessible path is 36 inches wide. Sidewalks must be cleared to bare pavement when possible, or treated with sand, salt, or other traction materials to mitigate icy conditions. Deposition of snow or ice onto public streets or municipal sidewalks is strictly prohibited, reflecting the authority granted to municipalities under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Watertown's code further stipulates that each day a violation persists constitutes a separate offense. The fine structure is as follows:

• Residential properties (single-family): $50 per day of violation.
• Multi-unit residential (2+ units): $100 per day of violation.
• Commercial properties: $200 per day of violation.
• Depositing snow on public ways: $300 per incident.

The full ordinance text is available via the Watertown Municipal Code, Chapter 98: Streets and Sidewalks, Article IV.

Watertown Inspectional Services
149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6480
Official Website: Watertown Inspectional Services

Watertown Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Watertown features a variety of neighborhoods, each presenting unique snow management challenges related to topography, infrastructure, and demographic composition. These factors influence complaint patterns reported via the Watertown 311 system and affect both property owners and city operations.

• East Watertown: Dense multi-family housing, narrow residential streets, and limited off-street parking create difficulties for both sidewalk clearing and municipal plowing.
• Bemis: Sloped roadways and older housing stock increase the risk of icy sidewalks and obstructed curb ramps, especially near schools and transit stops.
• Coolidge Square: Mixed-use commercial corridors require frequent snow removal to maintain business access and pedestrian flow, with high parking demand complicating snow storage.
• Watertown Square: High-traffic intersections and bus stops necessitate rapid snow and ice clearance for commuter safety and ADA compliance.
• West End: Predominantly single-family homes with longer frontages may face challenges with snow windrows from plows and extended sidewalk maintenance requirements.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Watertown Department of Public Works manages snow and ice operations for approximately 80 lane miles, divided into 10 primary plowing routes. Arterial roads, school zones, emergency service routes, and public transit corridors receive top priority during snow events. Secondary residential streets and municipal parking lots are cleared as resources allow. Property owner awareness of these operational priorities enables better coordination and compliance during storms.

Watertown Office of Emergency Management
99 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6589
Official Website: Watertown Emergency Management

• Municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway aprons as part of standard operations.
• Side street plowing usually occurs several hours after main roads are cleared.
• Monitor city alerts for snow emergencies, parking bans, and schedule changes.
• Private contractors should avoid pushing snow onto public sidewalks or streets.
• Coordinate with neighbors to ensure continuous sidewalk clearance and compliance.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Watertown enforces citywide snow emergency parking bans when declared by the Department of Public Works. During a declared snow emergency, parking is prohibited on all public streets for the duration of the event to facilitate plowing and emergency response. Vehicles left on the street during a ban are subject to ticketing and towing, with fees determined by city ordinance. Residents are notified of parking bans via the city's emergency alert system, local media, and the city website. Designated municipal lots are available for alternative parking during emergencies.

Watertown does not permit the use of "space savers" for reserving street parking after snow removal. Any objects used to hold parking spots will be removed by city staff in accordance with municipal policy. For complete parking regulations, refer to the Watertown Traffic Rules and Orders.

• Snow emergency bans: Apply to all public streets and specified routes.
• Towing policies: Immediate removal for violations, standard towing and storage fees apply.
• Resident alerts: Distributed via phone, email, and text through the city’s notification service.
• Alternative parking: Available at select municipal lots and school facilities during declared emergencies.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Watertown residents may report unshoveled sidewalks, ice hazards, or blocked curb ramps by using the Watertown 311 system. Reports can be submitted through the online portal, by phone at (617) 972-6420, or via the city's mobile app. When submitting a complaint, provide the address, nature of the violation, and any accessibility impacts. Response times may vary based on storm severity and city resources.

• Online reporting: watertown-ma.gov/311
• Phone: (617) 972-6420
• Mobile app: Watertown 311 (available for iOS and Android)
• Email: publicworks@watertown-ma.gov

Accessibility violations impacting mobility-impaired individuals can be reported to the state as well:

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

Under Massachusetts law, property owners and managers in Watertown have a duty to exercise reasonable care in the removal of snow and ice from all walkways, entrances, parking areas, and stairways. The landmark decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) abolished the distinction between "natural" and "unnatural" accumulations, increasing liability exposure for all types of properties. Liability for injuries due to unsafe snow or ice conditions is governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, which covers damages arising from defective public ways or sidewalks. Additionally, Chapter 84, Sections 18-20 require that injured parties file written notice with the city within 30 days of the incident to preserve their rights for a claim.

• Reasonable care: Applies to sidewalks, driveways, entrances, and adjacent public areas.
• Scope of duty: Includes maintenance during and after storms, not just post-event.
• Notice requirement: 30 days to notify the city of injury for potential claims.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Watertown

Watertown Square: The town’s central hub, Watertown Square features a mix of commercial properties, multi-unit residences, and municipal buildings. High pedestrian volume and complex street patterns require frequent, coordinated snow removal and rapid response to maintain access to businesses, transit, and city services.

East Watertown: Characterized by its dense residential neighborhoods and vibrant retail corridors along Mount Auburn Street, East Watertown faces challenges related to limited off-street parking, narrow sidewalks, and older infrastructure. Timely snow clearance is essential for safe passage and ADA compliance.

Bemis: This primarily residential area on Watertown’s western edge is noted for its sloped streets and proximity to the Charles River. Snow accumulation and refreeze events can create hazardous walking and driving conditions, especially near schools and recreational areas.

Coolidge Square: A bustling commercial and transit node, Coolidge Square includes mixed-use buildings and high pedestrian activity. Snow storage and sidewalk clearance are complicated by heavy street parking and frequent bus stops, necessitating diligent compliance and coordination.

West End: Predominated by single-family homes and tree-lined streets, the West End presents issues with snow windrows from plows and longer frontages requiring more extensive shoveling. The area’s residential character means increased reliance on homeowner compliance for sidewalk and curb ramp accessibility.

Victory Field: Home to athletic facilities and schools, this neighborhood experiences high morning and afternoon pedestrian activity. Snow removal operations must prioritize school routes and ensure safe access to public parks and recreational spaces.

Nonantum Road/Charles River Corridor: Bordering the river and major roadways, this corridor includes multi-family housing and commercial properties. Proximity to the river can lead to additional ice hazards, and busy thoroughfares require careful timing of snow removal to minimize traffic disruption.

Mount Auburn Street Corridor: Running east-west through Watertown, this major arterial includes numerous businesses, medical offices, and residential complexes. Heavy traffic and on-street parking complicate plowing and sidewalk clearing, especially during peak business hours.

Arsenal District: Featuring a blend of historic industrial properties, new developments, and the Arsenal Yards mixed-use complex, this area has unique snow management needs. Large parking lots, service roads, and pedestrian walkways require coordinated municipal and private efforts.

Brigham Historic District: Comprising older homes and preserved streetscapes, this district’s narrow roads and mature trees present equipment accessibility challenges. Special care is needed to protect historic features during snow removal operations.

Oakley Country Club Area: With low-density housing and expansive properties, this neighborhood generally allows for easier snow storage but requires longer timeframes for complete sidewalk and driveway clearance. Coordination is needed for roads bordering club property and residential streets.

Watertown North: This region includes both residential and light industrial properties, with wider streets but increased truck and commuter traffic. Snow removal must balance the needs of homeowners, local businesses, and through traffic during winter weather events.