Professional Snow Removal Services in Easton, MA

Easton Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Easton, MA. The Town enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish mandatory timeframes for snow and ice clearance, define minimum accessibility standards, and outline penalty structures for non-compliance. Adherence to these requirements is essential for ensuring pedestrian safety, maintaining public accessibility, and supporting emergency response throughout the winter months.

Easton Department of Public Works
130 Center Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-0800
Official Website: Easton Department of Public Works

Understanding Easton's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Easton's snow removal requirements are governed by both local ordinances and Massachusetts state law. According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, municipalities have authority to regulate snow removal on sidewalks and roadways. Easton's bylaws require property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. If snow falls overnight, clearance is still expected within 24 hours of cessation. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs, and strollers. Property owners must also address ice accumulation by achieving bare pavement or applying sand or salt for traction. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets or roadways.

• Clearing Timeline: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Overnight Snowfall: Snowfall during nighttime hours does not extend the clearance deadline.
• Path Width: Minimum of 36 inches wide for accessible passage.
• Ice Removal: Bare pavement required or traction materials must be applied.
• Street Deposition: No snow or ice may be placed onto public streets.

Violations of these ordinances result in fines enforced by the Town of Easton:

• Residential Properties: $25 per day, per violation.
• Commercial Properties: $50 per day, per violation.
• Street Deposition: $100 per incident.
• Each day that a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

For further reference, consult the Easton General Bylaws.

Easton Inspectional Services
136 Elm Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-0630
Official Website: Inspectional Services

Easton Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Snow removal challenges in Easton vary significantly across the town’s diverse neighborhoods. Each district features unique topography, building types, and infrastructure that influence snow management complexity and compliance rates.

• North Easton Village: Dense historic district with narrow streets, high pedestrian traffic, and older sidewalks requiring careful snow clearance.
• South Easton: Mix of single-family homes and commercial properties, with wide driveways and larger property frontages creating added snow clearing demands.
• Five Corners: Busy commercial zone with high parking density and frequent snow pile buildup at driveway aprons and curb cuts.
• Frothingham Park Area: Proximity to recreational facilities and schools increases the need for prompt, accessible snow removal to ensure safe passage for children and elderly residents.
• Easton Center: Includes town offices and civic buildings, where compliance is essential for public accessibility and ADA standards.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Easton Department of Public Works manages snow removal operations across approximately 130 lane miles of roadway. The town utilizes a fleet of plow trucks and contractors divided into 12 plowing routes, prioritizing arterial roads, emergency routes, and school zones. Secondary and residential streets are addressed once primary routes are cleared. Emergency declarations may alter plowing schedules and expand service to critical infrastructure.

Easton Office of Emergency Management
130 Center Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-3350
Official Website: Office of Emergency Management

• Plow Coordination: Municipal plows may push snow into driveway entrances; property owners should plan accordingly.
• Side Street Schedules: Secondary streets are plowed after primary routes; monitor municipal updates for timing.
• Snow Declarations: Stay informed of snow emergencies via town communications and local media.
• Contractors: Private contractors must coordinate with DPW to prevent obstruction of municipal plowing efforts.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Easton enforces snow emergency parking bans during declared events to facilitate plowing and ensure emergency access. Vehicles must not be parked on any public street during a declared snow emergency. The Town of Easton does not permit the use of space savers to reserve parking spaces after plowing operations.

• Snow Emergency Parking Ban: All vehicles must be removed from public streets during snow emergencies; violators are subject to towing and a $50 fee.
• Notification: Residents are notified via the town website, CodeRED alerts, and local news outlets.
• Alternative Parking: Designated lots, such as those at town facilities, are available for off-street parking during bans.
• Space Saver Policy: No objects or markers may be used to reserve spaces; unauthorized items will be removed by DPW.

Refer to Easton Parking Information for complete details.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Easton does not operate a 311 system, but residents may report snow removal violations by phone, email, or through the town’s online reporting form. Concerns about uncleared sidewalks, accessibility barriers, or illegal snow deposition should be directed to Inspectional Services or Public Works. Online complaints may be submitted via the Town of Easton Contact Portal. For accessibility concerns regarding curb cuts and ramps, residents may file reports with the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Phone: (508) 230-0630 (Inspectional Services) or (508) 230-0800 (DPW)
• Email: inspectionalservices@easton.ma.us
• Online: Contact Us Form

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 Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), Massachusetts law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in the removal of snow and ice, abolishing the distinction between natural and artificial accumulation. The duty to maintain safe conditions extends to sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances, and stairways. Property owners may be held liable for injuries resulting from failure to clear snow or ice.

• Legal Liability: Owners must prevent dangerous conditions on all accessible areas of their property.
• State Law: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15 establishes owner liability for injuries due to unsafe property conditions.
• Notice Requirement: Injured parties must provide written notice within 30 days of an incident per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Easton

North Easton Village: Characterized by historic homes, commercial storefronts, and high pedestrian activity. Narrow streets, brick sidewalks, and parking limitations present unique winter maintenance demands, especially where accessibility is critical for civic institutions and retail corridors.

South Easton: Predominantly residential with a blend of single-family and multifamily properties. Larger lot sizes and cul-de-sac layouts require extra attention to driveway and sidewalk clearance, with school bus routes adding priority status for snow removal equipment.

Five Corners: A commercial and retail hub intersected by Route 138, featuring high vehicle and foot traffic. Plowing and sidewalk maintenance must accommodate business hours and multiple curb cuts, while parking areas require coordinated snow relocation.

Frothingham Park Area: Surrounding the town’s largest park and recreation complex, this neighborhood includes schools, athletic fields, and senior housing. ADA compliance and timing of snow removal are essential to maintain safe access for all users.

Easton Center: The civic center of town, home to town offices, libraries, and community spaces. Public parking lots and government building entrances must be cleared promptly to comply with accessibility standards and support public operations.

South Street/Borderland State Park: Features low-density residential properties adjacent to conservation lands. Hilly terrain and winding roads increase plowing complexity, while limited street lighting necessitates thorough post-storm inspection for residual hazards.

Queset: A residential district with moderate density, known for its mid-century housing stock and community schools. The neighborhood’s grid street pattern facilitates plowing but requires consistent monitoring to keep intersections and crosswalks clear.

Easton Industrial Park: An area of commercial and light industrial properties, with wide roadways and large parking lots. Coordination with private contractors is necessary to ensure uninterrupted access for delivery vehicles and emergency services.

Bay Road Corridor: Rural residential area along Bay Road, with long driveways and limited municipal sidewalk coverage. Greater emphasis is placed on driveway plowing and mailbox access, while road shoulders require attention to prevent ice formation.

Unionville: A small, close-knit neighborhood with mixed residential and agricultural land use. Seasonal farm activity necessitates flexible snow removal schedules, and local roads may require additional sanding for traction during icy conditions.

Stonehill College Area: Includes institutional properties, student housing, and supporting residential neighborhoods. High turnover of pedestrians and vehicles requires frequent sidewalk and parking lot clearance, particularly during academic terms and campus events.