Professional Snow Removal Services in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and managers in Cambridge, MA. The City enforces comprehensive municipal ordinances that establish strict timeframes, clearance standards, and penalties to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility during winter weather. Adhering to these protocols is essential for maintaining safe walkways and avoiding legal or financial consequences.

Cambridge Department of Public Works
147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 349-4800
Official Website: Cambridge Department of Public Works

Understanding Cambridge's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Cambridge ordinances require all property owners and occupants, whether residential or commercial, to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, curb ramps, and accessible paths within 12 hours after snow stops falling during the day, or by 1 PM if snow ends overnight. The cleared path must be at least 36 inches wide to ensure accessibility for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities. Where ice cannot be removed, property owners must apply sand, salt, or similar materials to provide safe traction. Depositing snow or ice onto public streets or city property is strictly prohibited under Cambridge municipal code.

• Timeframe: Snow and ice must be cleared within 12 hours after the snowfall ends during daytime or by 1 PM after overnight storms.
• Minimum Width: Cleared pathways must be at least 36 inches wide.
• Ice Management: Property owners must treat ice with sand, salt, or approved materials if it cannot be fully cleared.
• Street Deposition Prohibited: Shoveling or plowing snow into city streets or onto public property is not permitted.

For full details, see the City of Cambridge Snow Ordinance and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Cambridge Inspectional Services Department
831 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 349-6100
Official Website: Cambridge Inspectional Services

• Fines for Non-Compliance: Residential properties: $50 per day; Commercial properties: $100 per day; Improper street deposition: up to $200 per incident. Each day a violation persists constitutes a separate offense.

Cambridge Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Snow removal in Cambridge presents unique challenges across its diverse neighborhoods, each with specific infrastructure, topography, and population considerations. The city receives frequent 311 complaints regarding sidewalk accessibility and improper clearing, which reflect neighborhood-specific obstacles faced during winter.

• Porter Square: High density of retail, MBTA station, and multi-family residences. Narrow sidewalks and heavy pedestrian use require prompt, thorough clearing.
• Riverside: Mixed residential and student housing near Harvard. On-street parking and older building stock increase snow storage and clearance difficulties.
• East Cambridge: Historic residential blocks and commercial corridors. Limited sidewalk width and high parking demands can delay snow removal.
• North Cambridge: Includes sloped streets and residential side roads, making plowing and shoveling more challenging during large storms.
• Kendall Square: Large commercial buildings, biotech facilities, and high pedestrian traffic. Rapid clearance is essential to meet business and commuter needs.

Cambridge’s 311 system tracks complaint data and assists in identifying areas requiring additional enforcement and support.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Cambridge Department of Public Works deploys a coordinated snow removal operation covering over 125 miles of city streets and hundreds of sidewalk miles. Plowing is prioritized for arterial roads, emergency routes, and major intersections, followed by secondary streets and residential areas. Municipal operations utilize a fleet of plows, sanders, and loaders to maintain roadway access and public safety during storms.

Cambridge Emergency Management Department
147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 349-4842
Official Website: Cambridge Emergency Management

• Plow Deposits: Municipal plows may push snow onto driveways or sidewalk edges; property owners are responsible for clearing these deposits.
• Side Street Schedules: Side streets may be plowed later than main roads—monitor city alerts for timing updates.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Check the city’s website and emergency notifications for declarations and parking restrictions.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must comply with city snow dumping and equipment operation rules to avoid violations.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

During declared snow emergencies, Cambridge enforces citywide parking bans on designated snow emergency routes. Vehicles parked in these restricted zones are subject to immediate towing and fines. The city does not permit the use of space savers to reserve cleared parking spaces at any time. Residents are required to relocate vehicles to approved off-street parking facilities or alternative locations as directed in city alerts.

• Snow Emergency Routes: Clearly marked emergency routes must remain clear for plows and emergency vehicles.
• Towing and Fines: Vehicles in violation are towed at the owner’s expense; fines for illegal parking start at $50 plus towing fees.
• Resident Notifications: Alerts are distributed via the city’s website, email notifications, and local media. Residents can sign up for alerts on the Cambridge Alerts page.
• Alternative Parking: The city provides a list of municipal lots and garages available during snow emergencies. Refer to Cambridge Snow Parking for current locations.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Cambridge operates a robust 311 system for reporting snow and ice removal violations. Residents and business owners may submit complaints via phone, online form, or mobile app. Reports may address uncleared sidewalks, inaccessible curb ramps, or improper snow deposition. The 311 system supports anonymous submissions and tracks enforcement follow-up by city inspectors. Accessibility-related snow removal barriers can also be reported for compliance with ADA and state disability access laws.

• Online System: Submit complaints at Cambridge 311.
• Mobile App: Cambridge 311 app available for iOS and Android devices.
• Phone: Dial 311 from within Cambridge or (617) 349-4000.
• Email: Contact the city at snow@cambridgema.gov for snow-related concerns.

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 bear a legal duty to maintain all walkways, entrances, and parking areas in a reasonably safe condition during and after winter weather. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) removed the distinction between "natural" and "unnatural" snow or ice accumulation, making property owners responsible for all hazardous conditions. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners may be held liable for injuries caused by dangerous snow or ice, and must act with reasonable care to prevent hazards. If an injury occurs, claimants must provide written notice to the property owner within 30 days as outlined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Cambridge

Harvard Square: This historic and commercial hub features high-density mixed-use buildings, frequent pedestrian activity, and significant institutional properties. Snow removal must accommodate narrow sidewalks, heavy foot traffic, and historic preservation standards, requiring timely and coordinated service.

Central Square: Central Square is characterized by diverse commercial corridors, multi-family residences, and dense public transit connections. The area faces challenges from high parking demand, narrow streets, and a mix of ground-floor businesses, necessitating rapid and thorough snow clearance.

Porter Square: With a blend of retail, residential, and transit facilities, Porter Square sees substantial commuter and pedestrian use. The combination of apartment complexes, small businesses, and a busy MBTA station demands continuous monitoring and prompt snow and ice removal.

Kendall Square: As a major innovation district, Kendall Square features large commercial buildings, research centers, and high-rise apartments. The concentration of institutions, parking garages, and heavy daytime traffic create unique service timing and access requirements for snow management.

East Cambridge: This neighborhood consists of historic homes, new developments, and commercial corridors. Narrow sidewalks, limited snow storage, and dense parking conditions make snow removal complex, particularly along Cambridge and First Streets.

North Cambridge: Residential neighborhoods with a mix of single-family houses and multi-unit dwellings, intersected by sloped streets and side roads. The area’s varied topography and driveway density require strategic deployment of equipment and clear communication with residents.

Riverside: Riverside is a residential area adjacent to Harvard University, featuring triple-deckers, student apartments, and older infrastructure. Limited on-street parking and proximity to university properties require careful coordination to maintain accessible walkways and curb ramps.

Cambridgeport: Located along the Charles River, Cambridgeport is composed of a mix of rowhouses, small apartment buildings, and institutional facilities. The proximity to the river presents additional challenges related to ice accumulation and stormwater management during melt events.

Agassiz: A largely residential neighborhood with a significant student population, Agassiz contains older housing stock and tree-lined streets. Snow removal services must account for narrow lanes, limited off-street parking, and access for emergency vehicles.

Wellington-Harrington: This area features tightly packed homes, small businesses, and a diverse population. The dense layout and limited snow storage options necessitate prompt and efficient removal practices, especially on one-way streets.

West Cambridge: West Cambridge includes larger single-family homes, institutional sites, and parkland. Broader street widths allow for easier plowing, though the presence of schools and recreational facilities increases the importance of maintaining clear pedestrian access.

The Port: The Port is a vibrant, high-density urban district with multi-family buildings, public housing, and a network of narrow streets. Snow removal must be closely coordinated to avoid service disruptions and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.