Professional Snow Removal Services in Abington, MA

Abington Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Abington, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants. The Town of Abington enforces municipal ordinances that mandate prompt and thorough clearance of snow and ice from sidewalks and walkways to ensure public safety and compliance with state and local law. Strict enforcement measures, including defined timeframes, required clearance standards, and a structured penalty system, are in place to maintain accessibility and minimize hazards throughout the winter season.

Abington Department of Public Works
234 Central Street, Abington, MA 02351
Phone: (781) 982-2122
Official Website: Abington Department of Public Works

Understanding Abington's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Abington’s snow removal ordinances establish clear requirements for sidewalk and walkway maintenance following winter storms. Under local regulations, property owners and tenants are required to remove snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. If snow falls overnight, removal must be completed by the next evening. The minimum clearance width required is 36 inches to ensure accessibility for all pedestrians, including those with mobility devices. Traction materials such as sand or salt must be applied if ice cannot be fully removed, and at no time may snow be deposited onto public streets or rights-of-way.

Massachusetts municipalities have explicit authority under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 to enact and enforce these requirements. For the latest updates on Abington’s ordinances, residents should consult the Town of Abington Bylaws and Regulations.

• Snow Removal Deadline: 24 hours after snowfall ends; overnight accumulations must be cleared by the following evening.
• Accessible Path Width: Minimum 36 inches, unobstructed, along sidewalks and curb ramps.
• Ice Removal: Ice must be removed or treated with sand/salt to render surfaces safe.
• Street Deposition Prohibition: Snow and ice may not be placed in public streets or roadways.

Abington Inspectional Services
500 Gliniewicz Way, Abington, MA 02351
Phone: (781) 982-2115
Official Website: Abington Inspectional Services

• Residential Fines: $50 per day, per violation.
• Commercial Fines: $100 per day, per violation.
• Street Deposition Fines: $100 per occurrence.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day a violation exists constitutes a separate offense.

Abington Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Abington’s diverse neighborhoods present unique challenges for snow removal compliance and public safety. Specific geographic and infrastructural factors influence winter operations and enforcement patterns throughout the town.

• North Abington: Features sloped streets and several older homes with narrow frontages, complicating sidewalk clearance and snow storage.
• Island Grove: High residential density with multi-family buildings and limited off-street parking, resulting in congested sidewalks and increased snow obstruction complaints.
• Center Abington: Historic district with brick sidewalks, mature trees, and dense commercial corridors, requiring extra caution to maintain accessibility and avoid property damage.
• Abington Heights: Suburban neighborhood with wide lots, but significant exposure to drifting snow due to open topography.
• South Abington: Mix of single-family homes and small businesses, with several school zones and senior residences that require prioritized pedestrian safety measures.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Abington Department of Public Works leads municipal snow removal operations across the town’s public roadways and municipal lots. The DPW manages multiple plow routes, covering more than 70 lane miles, and prioritizes main arterial roads, emergency service corridors, and school zones for initial clearing. Residential side streets and cul-de-sacs follow as secondary priorities. The department coordinates with the Office of Emergency Management to implement snow emergencies and to communicate with residents regarding operational changes and declared parking bans.

Abington Office of Emergency Management
215 Central Street, Abington, MA 02351
Phone: (781) 982-2125
Official Website: Abington Office of Emergency Management

• Plow Operations: Plows may deposit snow across driveways as they clear streets; property owners are responsible for clearing access points.
• Side Street Schedules: Side streets are cleared after main routes; monitor town notifications for plow timing.
• Emergency Declarations: Residents should monitor official channels for snow emergency notifications and parking ban announcements.
• Private Contractors: Property owners hiring private services must ensure contractor adherence to all municipal snow placement regulations.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Abington enforces snow emergency parking bans on designated streets during declared storms. Space saver policies are not permitted in Abington; residents may not use objects to reserve cleared parking spaces. During snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on major thoroughfares and posted routes to allow efficient plowing and emergency vehicle access. Towing and ticketing are enforced for violations, with typical fees ranging from $50 for parking infractions to full cost of towing and storage.

• Parking Bans: Activated during major storms; details announced via the town website, local alerts, and CodeRED notifications.
• Alternative Parking: Residents may use municipal lots or designated overflow areas when street parking is banned.
• Towing Policies: Vehicles in violation are subject to immediate towing; owners are responsible for all associated costs.

For further reference, see Abington’s Traffic and Parking Regulations and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Abington does not operate a 311 system but provides multiple avenues for reporting snow removal violations and accessibility concerns. Residents may submit complaints directly through the Abington municipal website, call the Department of Public Works, or email the relevant department. Accessibility issues impacting individuals with disabilities may also be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Abington Contact Portal
• Phone: (781) 982-2122 (DPW); (781) 982-2115 (Inspectional Services)
• Email: Refer to department contact listings on the town website
• Accessibility Concerns: Violations impacting access for persons with disabilities may be reported to the state office below.

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

Massachusetts law, as clarified in the landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), requires property owners in Abington to exercise reasonable care in treating all snow and ice accumulations, regardless of whether they are natural or artificial. The duty of care extends not only to sidewalks but also to driveways, entrances, parking areas, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners may be held liable for injuries resulting from unsafe conditions caused by snow or ice. For personal injury claims, Massachusetts law imposes a 30-day notice requirement following an incident on a public way.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Abington

North Abington is a largely residential district featuring older single-family homes and several small parks. Sidewalks are often narrow and bordered by mature trees, resulting in frequent snowdrift accumulation and limited storage space for plowed snow. Snow removal requires careful timing to maintain access for both residents and school bus routes.

Island Grove is characterized by higher-density housing, multi-unit dwellings, and proximity to recreational water features. The presence of apartment complexes and limited off-street parking presents ongoing challenges for sidewalk and driveway clearance, especially during heavy snowfall events.

Center Abington forms the historical and commercial core of the town, with a mix of brick storefronts and civic buildings. The area’s historic sidewalks and increased pedestrian activity necessitate prompt and thorough snow removal to ensure safe access and ADA compliance for residents and visitors.

South Abington includes residential neighborhoods with a blend of newer homes and established streetscapes. The presence of senior housing facilities and elementary schools requires enhanced attention to pedestrian walkway clearance and careful coordination with municipal plow operations.

Abington Heights is a suburban neighborhood with wide streets and cul-de-sacs. Open terrain leads to drifting and windblown snow, making repeated clearing essential for safe travel and emergency vehicle access.

Gliniewicz Way Area houses several municipal buildings and public safety facilities. High traffic volumes and continuous public use necessitate around-the-clock snow management and attention to parking lot accessibility.

Plymouth Street Corridor is a mixed-use district with businesses, retail centers, and adjacent residential properties. Complex parking arrangements and frequent customer turnover require coordinated snow removal to maintain both vehicle and pedestrian access.

Rockland Street Neighborhood consists of single-family homes along winding streets with limited sidewalks. Narrow roadways and the absence of sidewalks in some areas present special challenges for both road and driveway snow clearance.

Bedford Street Corridor is a main commercial zone featuring retail plazas, restaurants, and service businesses. High parking turnover and late business hours create additional pressure for timely snow and ice removal to minimize slip-and-fall risks.

Railroad Avenue District includes a blend of residential and light industrial properties. Proximity to the commuter rail station increases pedestrian foot traffic, necessitating consistent maintenance of walkways and access points.

Chestnut Street Area features a mix of older homes and newer subdivisions. Curved roads and varying lot elevations require frequent monitoring of snow accumulation and attention to stormwater drainage.

Linwood Street Neighborhood is a residential area with moderate density and several intersecting side streets. The neighborhood’s layout can lead to snow piles narrowing travel lanes, making coordination with municipal plows and adherence to parking bans especially important.