Professional Snow Removal Services in Medfield, MA

Medfield Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Medfield, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants during the winter months. Municipal ordinances require timely and thorough clearing of snow and ice from public sidewalks and private walkways, with strict enforcement to ensure public safety and accessibility. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in fines, increased liability, and potential hazards for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Medfield’s Department of Public Works enforces snow removal standards, provides operational updates, and responds to emergency conditions. Property owners are expected to comply fully with all municipal protocols and to remain informed of current regulations.

Medfield Department of Public Works
17 Ice House Road, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 906-3003
Official Website: Medfield Department of Public Works

Understanding Medfield's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Medfield’s snow removal ordinance requires that property owners and occupants clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. During overnight events, clearing must be completed by the following evening. The minimum accessible path width is set at 36 inches to accommodate pedestrian and wheelchair access. If ice cannot be removed, the affected area must be treated with sand, salt, or a similar material to ensure safe passage. Depositing snow onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited, as it interferes with municipal plowing operations and creates additional hazards. For full legal context, see Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 granting municipal snow removal authority. Medfield’s local code can be found here (see General Bylaws, Section 14.7).

• 24-Hour Rule: Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Overnight Snow: If snow falls overnight, clearing must be completed by the following evening.
• Path Width: Minimum 36 inches of clear, accessible sidewalk required.
• Ice Treatment: Apply traction materials if ice cannot be removed.
• Street Deposition Prohibited: Do not shovel or plow snow onto streets or sidewalks.

Medfield Inspectional Services
Town House, 459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 906-3027
Official Website: Medfield Building Department

Non-compliance with snow removal ordinances may result in fines. For residential properties, each violation is subject to a $25.00 fine per day. For commercial properties, the fine is $50.00 per day. Depositing snow onto public ways is a separate violation, also subject to a $50.00 fine per occurrence. Each day that a violation continues is considered a separate offense.

Medfield Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Medfield’s neighborhoods present distinct challenges for snow removal due to variations in topography, infrastructure, and building types. Local complaint patterns, as reported via the Medfield municipal website, reflect these localized issues.

• Medfield Center: Narrow sidewalks, dense street parking, and historic storefronts create limited space for snow storage and complicate sidewalk access.
• Harding Street Corridor: Steep hills and winding roadways increase the risk of ice accumulation and present obstacles for both plows and property owners.
• North Medfield: Predominantly single-family homes with long driveways require substantial effort to clear, especially at driveway-street intersections where municipal plows deposit snow berms.
• Hospital Hill: Institutional properties and medical facilities demand continuous access, with large parking lots and pedestrian walkways requiring coordinated clearing.
• Bakerville: Older infrastructure, mature trees, and frequent shade cause persistent icy patches and demand extra attention to treatment and clearance.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Medfield Department of Public Works manages winter storm response with a fleet of plow trucks covering approximately 80 lane miles of public roadway. Plowing operations follow established routes that prioritize arterial roads, emergency access routes, and school zones before moving to side streets. Updates on plowing progress and emergency declarations are provided through the town’s website and local notifications.

Medfield Office of Emergency Management
459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 359-2315
Official Website: Medfield Emergency Management

• Municipal Plows: Snow may be deposited at driveway entrances; property owners should plan for secondary clearing.
• Side Street Schedules: Plowing of residential streets may occur later than main roads; monitor municipal updates for timing.
• Snow Emergencies: Follow local declarations and adjust parking and removal practices accordingly.
• Contractor Coordination: Private snow contractors must not deposit snow onto public ways and should coordinate with DPW guidelines.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Medfield enforces snow emergency parking bans during declared winter storms. Street parking is prohibited on all public roads during these bans to allow safe and effective plowing. Vehicles found in violation may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense, with fees determined by the town’s towing regulations. Residents are notified of parking bans via the town’s website, local cable channel, and CodeRED alert system. Alternative parking locations are designated at select municipal lots during emergencies.

Medfield does not permit the use of space savers to reserve parking spaces following snow removal operations. Any objects placed on public streets to hold parking may be removed by DPW personnel. For legal details, reference Medfield General Bylaws and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Medfield does not operate a 311 system. Snow removal complaints and accessibility concerns can be reported directly via the Snow & Ice Removal Concern Form on the municipal website or by contacting the Department of Public Works by phone. For urgent accessibility violations impacting individuals with disabilities, contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Snow & Ice Removal Concern Form
• Phone: (508) 906-3003 (Medfield DPW)
• Email: Available via DPW website contact page

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 property owners are subject to stringent liability standards for snow and ice hazards. The landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) established that there is no distinction between natural and artificial accumulations; all property owners must exercise reasonable care to address winter hazards. The duty of care extends to sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners may be held liable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions. If an injury occurs, claimants must provide written notice within 30 days in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Medfield

Medfield Center: The heart of the town, Medfield Center features a mixture of historic commercial buildings and medium-density residential properties. Narrow sidewalks and high pedestrian activity present persistent snow removal and accessibility challenges, requiring frequent clearing and special attention to slip hazards.

North Medfield: This area is characterized by single-family homes on spacious lots, with long driveways and intersecting rural roads. Snow plow berms and drifting snow often accumulate at driveway entries, necessitating coordinated removal efforts and clear access routes for emergency vehicles.

Hospital Hill: Home to large institutional complexes, including former medical facilities and new developments, Hospital Hill requires robust snow management for extensive parking lots and pedestrian paths. The area’s elevation can lead to prolonged icy conditions after storms.

Bakerville: A neighborhood with older homes, narrow lanes, and mature tree cover, Bakerville is prone to shade-related ice patches and limited snow storage. The winding street layout can delay plowing and complicate equipment access.

Harding Street Corridor: This mixed-use district features sloped streets and a blend of residential and business properties. Steep inclines can cause ice to persist, and the proximity to main roads increases the volume of plowed snow deposited at curb cuts.

South Medfield: With newer subdivisions and cul-de-sacs, South Medfield presents wide driveways and larger frontages but also faces challenges with snow pushed onto sidewalks by municipal plows. The neighborhood benefits from modern infrastructure but still requires prompt clearing for school bus routes.

West Medfield: Predominantly rural, West Medfield contains agricultural properties and scattered homes along country roads. Snow drifts and reduced visibility may hinder both plowing and property owner efforts; equipment with higher clearance is often needed.

Indian Hill: Known for winding roads and split-level homes, Indian Hill faces frequent plow blockages and complex driveway arrangements. The area’s topography makes coordinated snow removal essential for safe vehicle and pedestrian passage.

Philips Street Area: Featuring a cluster of townhouses and apartment complexes, this district requires simultaneous attention to shared walkways, parking lots, and building entrances. High occupancy rates demand timely snow removal for resident safety.

Pine Needle Park: A residential enclave with a mix of single- and multi-family homes, Pine Needle Park contends with moderate density and limited curb space. Snow piles can obstruct sight lines and crossings, particularly near school zones.

Green Street Corridor: Combining older homes and small businesses, this area has narrow sidewalks and limited off-street parking, necessitating precise snow removal to keep walkways open for heavy pedestrian traffic.

Rocky Lane: This hilly residential district is susceptible to rapid snow accumulation and challenging plow access, especially on steep gradients. Residents must coordinate closely with town plowing operations for effective snow management.