Professional Snow Removal Services in Burlington, MA

Burlington Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Burlington, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners, encompassing both residential and commercial properties. The Town of Burlington enforces strict municipal ordinances that define timeframes, clearance standards, and establish a comprehensive penalty structure to ensure public safety and accessibility. Compliance with these regulations supports safe pedestrian passage, emergency access, and reduces risks associated with winter weather hazards.

Burlington Department of Public Works
25 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: (781) 270-1670
Official Website: Burlington Department of Public Works

Understanding Burlington's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

The Town of Burlington requires all property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their premises within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. This ordinance is established to promote pedestrian safety and maintain accessibility in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5. The full text of Burlington’s municipal code relating to snow removal can be reviewed here.

• Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours following the end of a storm event. Snow and ice from overnight storms must also be addressed by the 24-hour deadline.
• Minimum Path Width: A minimum accessible path of 36 inches must be maintained to comply with accessibility standards.
• Ice Removal: Sidewalks must be made safe by removal of ice or by applying sand, salt, or similar materials to provide traction if immediate removal is not possible.
• Prohibition: It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto any public street, sidewalk, or way.

Violations of these ordinances result in fines assessed by the Town’s Inspectional Services Department. Fines are as follows:

• Residential Properties: $50 per day, per violation.
• Commercial Properties: $100 per day, per violation.
• Depositing Snow on Public Ways: $100 per incident.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate offense and is subject to additional fines.

Burlington Inspectional Services
29 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: (781) 270-1950
Official Website: Burlington Inspectional Services

Burlington Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Burlington contains several neighborhoods with unique characteristics that present distinct snow removal challenges. Local topography, building density, and infrastructure variations contribute to the complexity of winter maintenance. The Town provides a public complaint portal for snow removal issues via its online reporting system.

• Pine Glen: Features winding residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Topography includes mild slopes, increasing accumulation in certain areas and making sidewalk clearance more difficult for homeowners.
• Town Center: High-density commercial and mixed-use properties with significant pedestrian traffic. Large parking lots and business entrances require coordinated snow management and rapid turnaround to meet safety standards.
• Fox Hill: Primarily single-family homes with wide frontages. Sidewalk coverage can be sporadic, placing more responsibility on individual property owners to maintain continuous pedestrian access.
• Winnmere: Contains both residential and light industrial zones. Narrow roads and higher on-street parking density can impede plowing and complicate snow storage during major storms.
• Burlington Heights: Includes multi-family complexes and steep roadway grades. Elderly residents in some developments require prioritized sidewalk treatment to ensure mobility and reduce slip hazards.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Burlington Department of Public Works manages a fleet of plows and over 100 lane miles of roadway during winter weather events. The Town delineates priority routes that focus first on arterial and emergency access roads to ensure critical services are not disrupted. Plowing is completed in multiple phases, including main roads, secondary streets, and cul-de-sacs.

Burlington Office of Emergency Management
25 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: (781) 270-1911
Official Website: Burlington Emergency Management

• Plow Deposits: Municipal plowing operations may result in snow being pushed into driveway aprons; property owners are responsible for clearing these deposits.
• Side Street Schedules: Side streets and cul-de-sacs may receive secondary service after major arteries are cleared. Monitoring town notifications ensures property owners are aware of timing.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Residents should monitor official channels for emergency declarations affecting parking and travel restrictions.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must synchronize with municipal plowing schedules to prevent repeated blockage of cleared areas.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Burlington implements snow emergency parking bans during declared winter storms. No on-street parking is permitted on any public way during a snow emergency to allow for efficient plowing. Vehicles left in violation may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. There are no provisions for space savers in Burlington; reserving shoveled street spaces with markers or objects is not permitted.

• Designated Emergency Routes: All public roads are subject to parking bans during snow emergencies, with specific focus on major arteries and school bus routes.
• Towing Policy: Vehicles interfering with plows are subject to immediate removal and fines as posted by the town.
• Resident Alerts: Residents are notified via the Town website, local cable, and automated phone systems.
• Alternative Parking: Temporary arrangements may be available in municipal lots, as announced during emergencies.

For more information on parking restrictions, consult Burlington’s Snow Emergency Parking Ban policy.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Burlington does not utilize a 311 system but provides an online request tracker for snow removal and code enforcement complaints. Residents may also file reports by contacting the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services directly by phone. Issues related to accessibility and ADA compliance can be submitted to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Burlington Request Tracker
• Phone Reporting: Department of Public Works: (781) 270-1670; Inspectional Services: (781) 270-1950
• Email Option: info@burlington.org (general queries)

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

The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) established that property owners in Massachusetts are liable for both natural and artificial accumulations of snow and ice. Owners must exercise reasonable care to prevent injuries from snow and ice hazards on sidewalks, parking areas, building entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions, and a 30-day notice is required to file injury claims per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Burlington

Pine Glen: This residential neighborhood is characterized by single-family homes, gentle slopes, and quiet streets. Sidewalk coverage is present on main roads, but limited in cul-de-sacs, necessitating individualized snow removal strategies and attention to school bus stops.

Town Center: The commercial core features a mix of retail, municipal, and multi-use properties. High pedestrian volumes, frequent curb cuts, and extensive parking lots present complex snow management needs, demanding rapid response and coordination with business owners.

Fox Hill: A primarily residential section with established single-family homes and moderate traffic. Wide front lawns and driveway aprons require consistent maintenance, and school routes necessitate early morning clearance for student safety.

Winnmere: Home to both residential and light industrial properties, this area’s narrow roads and higher on-street parking density create operational challenges for plows and snow storage, often requiring multiple passes and targeted enforcement.

Burlington Heights: Contains multi-family housing complexes and some of the town’s steeper grades. The elderly population in this area requires prioritized sidewalk and entranceway clearing to maintain accessibility during winter weather events.

Francis Wyman: A blend of residential homes and woodland areas, Francis Wyman’s winding streets and limited street lighting necessitate diligent snow removal to ensure safe travel and pedestrian mobility during storms.

Grandview Farm District: Featuring historic structures and event venues, this district’s mix of public buildings and open spaces imposes unique requirements for snow removal equipment and timing, particularly during town events or seasonal functions.

Mill Pond Area: Known for recreational facilities, schools, and water resources, the Mill Pond neighborhood requires careful winter management to protect public paths, parking lots, and access to community amenities.

Overlook: Suburban in character, Overlook’s residential density and tree-lined streets require focused sidewalk and curb ramp maintenance, especially near intersections and common play areas.

Peach Orchard: This neighborhood features a mix of traditional homes and newer subdivisions. Street patterns and variable lot sizes increase the complexity of snow removal, particularly along shared driveways and cul-de-sacs.

Maple Ridge: Composed of mid-century homes and small parks, Maple Ridge presents moderate hills and winding roads, requiring close coordination between municipal plowing and homeowner efforts to ensure safety and access.

Shawsheen: Encompassing residential, educational, and institutional properties, Shawsheen’s broad avenues and proximity to major roads necessitate timely clearing of sidewalks, crosswalks, and school entrances to maintain safe passage for all users.