Professional Snow Removal Services in Attleboro, MA

Attleboro Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants in Attleboro, MA. The City enforces strict municipal ordinances and public safety standards to ensure sidewalks and streets remain accessible during the winter months. Compliance with local and state regulations is essential to protect public safety, avoid penalties, and maintain safe passage for all residents, visitors, and emergency responders.

Attleboro Department of Public Works
101 Lamb Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 223-2221
Official Website: Attleboro Department of Public Works

Understanding Attleboro's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Attleboro's municipal ordinances require that property owners, tenants, and managers clear snow and ice from adjoining sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a storm. The minimum required clearance width on sidewalks is typically at least 36 inches to allow for pedestrian and wheelchair accessibility. Overnight snowfalls and storms of extended duration require compliance within 24 hours of storm cessation. Property owners are also responsible for removing or treating ice to maintain safe, passable conditions, either by achieving bare pavement or applying suitable traction materials such as sand or salt. Depositing snow onto public streets or sidewalks after municipal plowing is expressly prohibited under local ordinances and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

For references to Attleboro's municipal ordinances, see the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance (PDF, city website).

• Clearing Timeline: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall stops.
• Accessible Path Width: Minimum of 36 inches must be maintained on all sidewalks.
• Ice Removal: Ice must be removed or treated with sand/salt to ensure safe passage.
• Street Deposition: Depositing snow or ice onto roadways or public sidewalks is prohibited.

Attleboro Inspectional Services Division
77 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 223-2222 ext. 3244
Official Website: Inspectional Services

• Residential Fine: $50 per day for non-compliance. Each day constitutes a separate violation.
• Commercial Fine: $100 per day for non-compliance.
• Street Deposition Fine: $100 per incident for depositing snow onto city streets or sidewalks.

Attleboro Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Snow removal presents unique challenges in several Attleboro neighborhoods due to variations in topography, infrastructure, and land use. Key areas with distinct management issues include:

• Downtown Attleboro:
  • High-density mixed-use district with narrow sidewalks and heavy pedestrian activity.
  • On-street parking increases snow storage difficulty and limits plow access.
• South Attleboro:
  • Predominantly single-family homes with driveways and limited off-street parking.
  • Major commuter corridors require rapid sidewalk clearance and frequent plowing.
• Hebronville:
  • Historic district with narrow, older streets and limited snow storage capacity.
  • Topography includes gentle slopes and proximity to waterways.
• East Side:
  • Mixed residential neighborhoods with high student and elderly populations.
  • Accessibility and timely clearance are crucial for safety.
• West Attleboro:
  • Suburban area with cul-de-sacs and collector roads, often requiring specialized plowing schedules.
  • Variable lot sizes complicate uniform enforcement.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Attleboro Department of Public Works manages comprehensive snow operations, which typically involve over 100 lane miles of roadway and multiple plow routes prioritized for emergency access, main arterials, and school zones. Plowing begins with primary routes and continues with side streets and residential areas. Residents should be aware that plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances as part of citywide operations, and side street plowing may occur later in the schedule.

Attleboro Office of Emergency Management
77 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 223-2222
Official Website: Emergency Management

• Monitor snow emergency declarations on the city website or local media.
• Coordinate with contractors to avoid conflicts with municipal plowing schedules.
• Keep walkways and curb cuts clear for emergency and accessibility access.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Attleboro enforces snow emergency parking bans when significant storms are forecasted. During active bans, parking is prohibited on designated emergency snow routes; violators are subject to towing and fines up to $100. Residents are notified of parking bans via the city website, local news, and email/text alerts. Alternative parking is available at designated municipal lots during snow emergencies. Attleboro does not permit space savers on public streets following snow removal operations. All personal items placed in the street to "hold" a space are subject to immediate removal by city staff.

• Designated Emergency Routes: Clearly marked and listed on the city website.
• Towing Policy: Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed at owner's expense.
• Notification: Alerts are issued through the city's official website and community notification systems.
• Alternative Parking: City-designated lots are available during banned periods.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Attleboro provides multiple avenues to report snow removal and accessibility violations. The Department of Public Works accepts complaints via phone and through the Request Tracker portal on the city's website. Residents can submit concerns regarding uncleared sidewalks, street deposition, or accessibility barriers. While Attleboro does not currently utilize a 311 or SeeClickFix system, prompt reporting through official channels is encouraged to ensure rapid enforcement.

• Online: Request Tracker (submit snow/ice concerns)
• Phone: (508) 223-2221 (Department of Public Works)
• Email: dpw@cityofattleboro.us

For accessibility-related complaints, residents may also contact:

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 holds property owners and managers to a duty of reasonable care regarding snow and ice hazards. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) established that property owners are liable for injuries caused by both natural and artificial accumulations of snow and ice. Responsibilities extend to all accessible areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners are liable for dangerous conditions resulting from inadequate snow or ice removal. Injured parties must provide written notice of injury within 30 days as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Duty of Care: Reasonable steps must be taken to address snow/ice hazards on all accessible property areas.
• Liability Standard: No distinction between natural/artificial snow accumulation for liability purposes.
• Notice Requirement: Written notice of injury must be provided within 30 days to pursue a claim.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Attleboro

Downtown Attleboro: The city’s historic commercial center consists of mixed-use buildings, busy sidewalks, and heavy pedestrian traffic. Narrow streets and limited on-street parking create significant snow storage and clearance challenges. Coordination is required for both business and residential properties to maintain accessibility and comply with city regulations.

South Attleboro: Primarily residential with a mix of single- and two-family homes and several retail plazas along main corridors. Wide streets facilitate plowing, but high vehicle traffic and driveways require prompt sidewalk clearance. Proximity to the MBTA station increases the need for timely snow removal around public transit facilities.

Hebronville: A historic neighborhood featuring older homes, narrow roads, and unique topographical features. Limited curb space and proximity to the Ten Mile River present drainage and snow storage considerations. Historic preservation restrictions may impact some snow management activities.

East Side: Characterized by a blend of multifamily housing, schools, and senior living facilities. The area requires rapid and thorough snow clearance for vulnerable populations and to support safe access to major roadways. School zones and high foot traffic necessitate vigilant enforcement.

West Attleboro: Suburban area with larger lots, cul-de-sacs, and a mix of residential and light commercial properties. Snow equipment access can be challenging in dead-end streets, and coordination is needed for private contractors operating alongside municipal crews.

Briggs Corner: Predominantly residential with some agricultural properties and scattered commercial uses. The neighborhood’s winding roads and fewer sidewalks mean plowing priorities differ, focusing on main access routes and school bus stops.

Dodgeville: Features industrial parcels, older housing, and some steep terrain. Industrial driveways and parking lots require attention to ensure compliance with both city and state regulations. Accessibility for emergency vehicles is a particular concern.

Tiffany Street Area: Contains a mix of new subdivisions and established homes, with wide, newer streets that facilitate municipal plowing. However, rapid housing growth has increased demand for timely snow removal and clear communication with residents.

La Salette District: Known for its institutional properties, including schools and the La Salette Shrine. Large parking areas and event-based surges in traffic require coordinated snow operations and additional monitoring during large gatherings.

Capron Park Area: A residential district adjacent to the city’s largest park, with curvilinear roads and several schools nearby. Recreation access and safe pedestrian routes are prioritized, especially during winter events at the park.

Pike Avenue Corridor: Features a mix of commercial and residential uses, with heavy commuter traffic and multiple intersections. Timely sidewalk and curb ramp clearance is necessary to maintain safe passage for both vehicles and pedestrians.

North Attleboro Line: Bordering North Attleborough, this area includes both residential clusters and commercial strips. Inter-jurisdictional coordination may be required when snow events impact boundary roads or shared infrastructure.