Professional Snow Removal Services in Marshfield, MA

Marshfield Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal and public safety responsibility for all property owners in Marshfield, MA. The Town enforces strict municipal ordinances establishing mandatory timeframes for snow and ice removal, minimum clearance standards, and a defined penalty structure for violations. Compliance ensures accessible sidewalks, safe passage for all residents, and reduces liability risks for property owners throughout the winter months.

Marshfield Department of Public Works
876 E Main Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5593
Official Website: Marshfield Department of Public Works

Understanding Marshfield's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Marshfield’s General Bylaws (see Article 27) require that property owners, including both residents and commercial entities, remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. The sidewalk must be cleared to a minimum width of 36 inches to provide accessible passage for pedestrians, including those using mobility devices. In cases where snow or ice cannot be completely removed, property owners are required to treat the area with sand or other suitable material to ensure safety. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, the Town of Marshfield is authorized to enforce municipal snow removal rules and issue penalties for violations.

• Clearing Deadline: Snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. For overnight storms, clearing must be completed by 10:00 a.m. the following morning.
• Minimum Path Width: A clear path of at least 36 inches must be maintained along the full length of the sidewalk.
• Ice Removal: Ice must be removed or treated with sand or similar materials to prevent hazards.
• Street Deposition: It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice from private property onto public streets or sidewalks.

Marshfield Inspectional Services
870 Moraine Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5555
Official Website: Marshfield Inspectional Services

Violation of these ordinances results in the following fines:

• Residential Properties: $50 per day for each day the violation continues.
• Commercial Properties: $100 per day for each day the violation continues.
• Street Deposition: $100 per incident for illegal snow placement on public streets or sidewalks.

Each day of non-compliance is a separate offense and subject to additional fines.

Marshfield Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods throughout Marshfield face unique challenges during winter weather events. Variations in topography, infrastructure, and building types can complicate snow removal and access. Ongoing complaint trends are managed through the Town’s municipal website reporting system.

• Brant Rock: Coastal location with narrow streets, high winds, and saltwater exposure complicating snow stacking and melting.
• Green Harbor: Mix of seasonal and year-round homes, with dense parking and elevated walkways requiring extra caution for snow and ice removal.
• Marshfield Hills: Sloped terrain and winding roads increase the hazard of untreated ice and hinder plow access, especially near historic properties.
• Rexhame: Proximity to the beach, sand drift, and foot traffic from public access points create persistent sidewalk clearing issues.
• Ocean Bluff: Dense residential streets with limited off-street parking, frequent on-street parking during storms, and pedestrian congestion near local businesses.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Marshfield Department of Public Works manages winter storm response for over 135 lane miles of public roadways, divided into prioritized plowing routes. Arterial and emergency access roads receive top priority, followed by residential side streets and school zones. DPW coordinates with public safety officials to ensure emergency routes remain clear at all times.

Marshfield Office of Emergency Management
870 Moraine Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5554
Official Website: Marshfield Office of Emergency Management

• Plow Operations: Snow pushed by plows may block driveways; property owners are responsible for clearing driveway entrances after street plowing.
• Side Street Schedules: Residential streets may be plowed later than arterial routes; monitor official communications for status updates.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Stay alert for town-issued snow emergencies, which may affect parking and plowing schedules.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must not deposit snow onto public streets and should coordinate operations with DPW schedules.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

The Town of Marshfield implements town-wide snow emergency parking bans during declared winter storms. During these periods, parking is prohibited on all public ways to facilitate efficient snow removal. Vehicles in violation are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner's expense. Marshfield does not recognize the use of space savers to reserve parking after a snow emergency. Residents are required to move vehicles promptly after notification of a parking ban and may utilize designated municipal lots for alternative parking.

• Parking Ban Notification: Residents receive alerts via the Town website, CodeRED system, and local media.
• Towing and Fines: Towed vehicles incur a $50 ticket plus towing and storage fees.
• Alternative Parking: Municipal lots and school parking areas are available during bans, as posted by the Town.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Marshfield utilizes a phone-based and online reporting system for snow removal violations. Residents may submit complaints regarding uncleared sidewalks, accessibility barriers, or improper snow placement through the Town website, by phone, or by email. There is currently no 311 or SeeClickFix service; instead, complaints are directed to the Department of Public Works and Inspectional Services. Accessibility concerns, such as blocked curb ramps or inaccessible sidewalks, may also be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Phone Reporting: Call the Department of Public Works at (781) 834-5593.
• Online Reporting: Submit violation forms at the DPW website.
• Email: Email DPW at publicworks@townofmarshfield.org.
• Accessibility Violations: File complaints with the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

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 imposes a strict duty on property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions during and after winter storms. The landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations, increasing owner liability for all snow and ice hazards. All property types, including residential, commercial, and institutional, must address snow and ice on sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners are liable for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions caused by snow or ice. Any individual injured due to unsafe snow or ice conditions must provide written notice to the property owner and the Town within 30 days as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Owners must take timely action to remove or treat snow and ice hazards on all walkways and access points.
• Scope of Duty: Obligations extend to parking areas, building entrances, sidewalks, and outdoor stairs.
• Injury Claims: 30-day written notice required for filing a claim related to snow or ice injuries.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Marshfield

Brant Rock: Characterized by a mix of seasonal cottages and year-round homes, Brant Rock faces frequent, high winds and narrow coastal streets that complicate plowing and sidewalk clearing. The dense residential layout requires careful equipment coordination to access all properties.

Green Harbor: This neighborhood features compact housing, small commercial areas, and significant visitor traffic, especially near the harbor. Streets are often tight, with limited off-street parking and challenges posed by snowdrifts from open coastal areas.

Marshfield Hills: With historic homes, winding roads, and steep hills, snow removal in Marshfield Hills is impacted by difficult terrain and preservation requirements. Access to older properties often necessitates specialized equipment and careful timing.

Rexhame: Known for its beach access and dense summer population, Rexhame experiences high demand for sidewalk clearing and parking management. Narrow roads and shifting sand require extra attention during snow removal operations.

Ocean Bluff: Ocean Bluff contains closely spaced homes and a busy business corridor. The area’s on-street parking and pedestrian activity near shops make timely sidewalk and curb ramp clearing essential for public safety.

North Marshfield: Featuring rural roadways and larger residential lots, North Marshfield is subject to drifting snow and delayed access in outlying areas. Lower density allows for greater snow storage, but long driveways and private roads can present additional clearance needs.

Fieldston: Primarily residential, Fieldston’s grid street pattern can lead to snow piling at intersections and corners. The neighborhood contains numerous school bus stops, requiring early morning sidewalk treatment and curb access.

South Marshfield: South Marshfield’s blend of residential subdivisions and light commercial properties results in variable plowing schedules. Mixed-use zoning means both sidewalk and parking lot clearing are necessary throughout the winter season.

Webster Square: A central neighborhood with significant retail, institutional, and municipal buildings, Webster Square demands coordinated snow removal for pedestrian routes, parking lots, and emergency vehicle access.

Blackmount: Residential streets wind through wooded areas, making plow navigation and snow storage difficult. The neighborhood’s topography can cause persistent icy patches on shaded sidewalks and driveways.

Humarock: Humarock’s unique position as a barrier beach community presents frequent flooding and heavy snow challenges. Limited access routes and high water tables require rapid post-storm response and ongoing monitoring.

Proprietors Green: This neighborhood is home to senior living communities and assisted living facilities. Special provisions are made for accessibility and expedited snow and ice removal around building entrances, walkways, and curb ramps.