SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITIES & POLICY
As the first major snowstorm of the winter is just passed, the Town is reminding residents of its snow plow policy. The Town's priority is to clear main arteries for emergency vehicle access. We also ask residents to help the Fire Department by shoveling hydrants in their neighborhood when we get significant accumulations. Thank you.
PRIORITIES:
1. The DPW’s first priority is to ensure that police, fire and medical emergency
equipment can move safely on Town streets.
2. The DPW’s second priority is to open main and secondary roads for use by the
public.
3. The DPW’s third priority is to open residential streets. (Because of budget
considerations, it may take additional time before some residential streets are
opened.)
4. The DPW’s fourth priority is to clear sidewalks used to walk to schools.
POLICY:
1. Driveways: Snow from driveways may not remain on public streets. If it is
necessary to push snow onto the street when clearing a driveway or private way,
the snow must be subsequently plowed into the windrows on either side of the
street. Persons depositing snow in the street are subject to a $50 fine per day for
creating a hazardous condition. (Bylaw 30150, Article D)
2. Plowing residential streets and ways: By Massachusetts law the Department of
Public Works is permitted to spend public funds only on publicly accepted streets
(MGL Chapter 40, Section 6C.) While the DPW will continue the current
practice of insuring passage of emergency vehicles on all streets, over the next
several months the Town will be reviewing its current policies relative to cost and
snow removal on non-accepted streets.
3. Liability: The Town is not responsible for damage to private property (cars,
mailboxes, hockey nets, etc.) or private improvements (grassy areas, irrigation
systems, fences, shrubs, steps, etc.) that fall within the public street layout. The
public street layout is generally 40’ wide.
4. Sump pumps: Residents may not deposit water onto the street thereby creating
an icing hazard. Violations will result in a fine of $50 per day until corrected.
(Bylaw 30150, Article D)
5. On-street parking: The Highway Department requests that cars not be parked
on the street during storms to expedite snow removal activities and reduce
potential damage to vehicles. Once a Snow Emergency is declared by the Police
Department, vehicles parked on the street are subject to fines and towing at the
owners’ expense. (Bylaw 30150, Article E)
6. Private plowing: Contractors plowing for the Town shall not plow driveways,
etc., while on duty with the Town.
7. Fire Hydrants: The Fire Department requests that residents remove snow from
around nearby fire hydrants to improve the safety of their property.
8. Street Catch Basins: The Highway Department requests that residents remove
snow and debris from nearby street drainage catch basins to reduce flooding.