Professional Snow Removal Services in Walpole, MA

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Walpole Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for property owners in Walpole, MA, particularly during the winter months when snow accumulation can create hazardous conditions. The municipality enforces strict ordinances that establish timeframes for snow clearance, minimum standards for accessibility, and penalties for non-compliance, ensuring public safety and accessibility for all residents.

Contact the Walpole Department of Public Works
Walpole Department of Public Works
50 East Street, Walpole, MA 02081
Phone: 311 or (508) 660-7300
Official Website: Walpole Public Works
 

Understanding Walpole's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Walpole's snow removal ordinances dictate the responsibilities of property owners regarding snow and ice clearance. Under these regulations, property owners must clear snow from sidewalks within a specified timeframe after the snowfall stops. The Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 establishes the municipal snow removal authority, which can be referenced here.

Specific requirements include:

• Timeframe: Snow must be cleared within 6 hours after the snowfall ends during the day and 12 hours for overnight snow.
• Minimum Path Width: A minimum accessible path width of 36 inches is required for pedestrian safety.
• Ice Removal: Property owners must ensure that sidewalks are treated with either bare pavement or traction materials to prevent hazardous conditions.
• Prohibition: Depositing snow onto public streets is strictly prohibited.

Contact the Walpole Inspectional Services
Walpole Inspectional Services
50 East Street, Walpole, MA 02081
Phone: (508) 660-7300
Official Website: Walpole Inspectional Services
 

The fine structure for non-compliance includes:

• Commercial Property Fines: Fines can range up to $300 per violation.
• Residential Property Fines: Fines can vary by building size, starting at $100.
• Street Deposition Fines: Fines for depositing snow on public streets may reach $200.
• Violations: Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate violation.

Walpole Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Walpole comprises several distinct neighborhoods, each presenting unique challenges for snow removal. The city's 311 system allows residents to report issues, which helps identify patterns in complaints related to snow management.

• East Walpole: Features narrow streets that complicate plowing and parking.
• Walpole Village: Contains historic buildings and narrow sidewalks requiring careful snow management.
• Oak Street: A residential area with steep hills, posing challenges for snow removal and public safety.
• North Walpole: Includes a mix of commercial and residential properties, increasing the complexity of snow management.
• South Walpole: Has high-density housing which can lead to parking issues during snow events.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Walpole Department of Public Works operates a comprehensive snow removal strategy, covering a significant number of lane miles and employing multiple plowing routes to ensure public safety. Priority clearing routes include arterial roads and emergency access routes to facilitate quick responses during snow events.

Contact the Walpole Office of Emergency Management
Walpole Office of Emergency Management
50 East Street, Walpole, MA 02081
Phone: (508) 660-7300
Official Website: Walpole Emergency Management
 

Property owners should be aware of municipal operations to coordinate effectively:

• Municipal plows may deposit snow across driveways, necessitating additional clearing by property owners.
• Side street plowing schedules can vary; residents should monitor announcements.
• Stay informed about snow emergency declarations through local news and the municipal website.
• Coordinate with contractors to align private plowing operations with municipal efforts.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Walpole has established policies for snow emergencies that dictate parking rules during snow events. Space savers are not permitted in Walpole; thus, residents must adhere to designated parking regulations during snow emergencies.

Snow emergency parking bans include:

• Designated Emergency Snow Routes: Specific roads designated for emergency snow removal.
• Towing Policies: Vehicles parked in violation of snow emergency regulations may be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Alerts: Residents receive alerts through local news and municipal communications regarding snow emergencies.
• Alternative Parking: Designated lots may be available for resident use during snow events.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Residents can report snow removal violations using the 311 reporting system or other municipal platforms. Walpole offers various methods for residents to file complaints regarding snow and ice management.

Reporting options include:

• Mobile App: Check if the city provides a mobile app for reporting.
• Phone Numbers: Call 311 or (508) 660-7300 for immediate assistance.
• Online System: Submit complaints online via Walpole’s 311 portal.
• Email Options: Directly email municipal departments for specific concerns.

Accessibility violation reporting can be directed to:

MA 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

Property owners in Walpole must be aware of their legal obligations concerning snow and ice management. The landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) established that property owners are liable for both natural and artificial accumulations of snow and ice.

Under Massachusetts law:

• Reasonable Care: Property owners must exercise reasonable care to address snow and ice hazards on their property.
• Liability Extent: This duty extends beyond sidewalks to include parking areas, entrances, and stairways.
• Liability for Dangerous Conditions: Refer to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15 for liability details here.
• Notice Requirement: Injured parties must provide a 30-day notice for claims as stipulated in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20 here.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Walpole

Walpole is home to several neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics and service requirements. Below are descriptions of notable neighborhoods:

East Walpole: A mix of residential and small commercial properties, East Walpole features narrow streets that become challenging to navigate during snow events.

Walpole Village: This neighborhood has a rich historical background, with many older homes and narrow sidewalks that necessitate careful snow management.

Oak Street: Known for its steep hills, Oak Street presents unique challenges for snow plowing and pedestrian safety during winter months.

North Walpole: Characterized by a combination of residential and commercial properties,