Professional Snow Removal Services in Pembroke, MA

Pembroke Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Pembroke, MA. Adherence to municipal regulations ensures public safety, pedestrian accessibility, and reduces liability risks during winter storm events. The Town of Pembroke enforces strict ordinances governing snow and ice removal, including specific timeframes for clearing, sidewalk accessibility standards, and penalties for non-compliance. Understanding these requirements is essential for all residents and businesses to maintain safe conditions and avoid violations.

Pembroke Department of Public Works
387 Mattakeesett St, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 709-1431
Official Website: Pembroke Department of Public Works

Understanding Pembroke's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

The Town of Pembroke requires all property owners, both residential and commercial, to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties. According to the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, municipalities hold authority to enforce snow removal from sidewalks and streets. Pembroke’s local ordinance mandates that sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours following the cessation of snowfall. Overnight accumulations must still be removed within the same 24-hour period. Property owners must ensure a minimum accessible path width of 36 inches for safe pedestrian passage. Ice must be removed, or treated promptly with sand or a similar traction material to prevent hazards. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow onto public streets or sidewalks that have already been cleared by the Department of Public Works. Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation. The town imposes fines of $25 per day for residential properties and $50 per day for commercial properties. Additional fines of $100 per occurrence are assessed for depositing snow onto public streets.

Property owners are encouraged to review the full text of Pembroke’s snow removal bylaws at the Pembroke Town Bylaws webpage.

• Mandatory Clearing Timeline: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends, including overnight events.
• Minimum Path Width: A minimum of 36 inches must be cleared for pedestrian access.
• Ice Removal: All ice must be removed or made safe with sand or similar materials.
• Prohibited Actions: No snow or ice may be deposited onto public streets or sidewalks.
• Fine Structure: $25/day (residential), $50/day (commercial), $100/occurrence for illegal street deposition.

Pembroke Inspectional Services
100 Center St, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 709-1401
Official Website: Pembroke Building Department

Pembroke Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Snow removal challenges in Pembroke vary by neighborhood due to differing topography, infrastructure, and property types. Neighborhoods with older infrastructure, densely packed homes, and limited street width face unique obstacles during severe winter weather. Below are some of the most significant neighborhood-specific factors:

• North Pembroke: Features a mix of commercial properties and residential developments with high traffic volumes and busy intersections, causing increased accumulation and snowbank management challenges.
• Hobomock: Characterized by hilly terrain and winding roads, which can complicate plowing and lead to drifting snow on elevated areas.
• Bryantville: Includes older homes and narrow streets, where parking density and limited curb space can impede snow storage and equipment access.
• East Pembroke: Contains several schools and public buildings, increasing the importance of timely and thorough sidewalk clearing for student and pedestrian safety.
• Mattakeesett Village: Residential areas with mature trees and historic structures, where low-hanging branches and varied lot lines present additional removal complexities.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Pembroke Department of Public Works manages snow and ice operations across approximately 90 lane miles of roadway, divided into strategically planned plowing routes. Priority is given to arterial roads, school zones, and emergency response routes to ensure continued access for first responders and essential services. The Town deploys a fleet of plow trucks and coordinates with private contractors as necessary during major storm events. Residents should be aware that municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances and that side streets may be plowed after main roads are clear. Snow emergency declarations are publicized via town alerts, and property owners are advised to plan accordingly and coordinate with private snow removal contractors if applicable.

Pembroke Office of Emergency Management
114 Center St, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 709-1425
Official Website: Pembroke Emergency Management

• Plow Coordination: Municipal plows may block driveways; schedule private clearance accordingly.
• Emergency Alerts: Monitor town notifications for snow emergency declarations and parking bans.
• Side Street Plowing: Secondary streets are cleared after priority routes; allow additional time in these areas.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must not deposit snow onto public ways or block fire hydrants.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Pembroke enforces snow emergency parking bans on designated streets during major winter storms to facilitate safe and efficient snow plowing. The Town does not recognize or permit the use of space savers to reserve parking spaces. During declared snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on all public roads until plowing operations are complete. Vehicles found in violation are subject to towing at the owner’s expense, with fees set at $100 per tow plus daily storage charges.

• Snow Emergency Parking Ban: No on-street parking allowed during declared snow emergencies.
• Towing Policies: Vehicles may be towed and stored at the owner's expense.
• Resident Alerts: The Town notifies residents through its website, social media, and local news outlets.
• Alternative Parking: Residents must utilize off-street or designated municipal lots during bans.

For more information, reference the Pembroke Snow & Ice Removal Policy.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Pembroke does not operate a 311 system; instead, residents may report snow removal violations or accessibility issues directly to the Department of Public Works or the Inspectional Services office. Reports can be made by phone, email, or via the Town’s DPW contact form. For accessibility violations, the Massachusetts Office on Disability provides additional guidance and resources for upholding ADA standards.

• Phone Reporting: Call (781) 709-1431 (DPW) or (781) 709-1401 (Inspectional Services).
• Online Reporting: Use the DPW website contact form to submit concerns or violations.
• Email: dpw@pembroke-ma.gov for Department of Public Works; building@pembroke-ma.gov for Inspectional Services.
• Accessibility Violations: Contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability for issues related to ADA compliance.

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 Pembroke are subject to premises liability standards established by Massachusetts law. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations of snow and ice, holding all property owners to a duty of reasonable care. This obligation extends to all areas accessible to pedestrians, including sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners may be held liable for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions, including snow and ice. Injured parties must provide written notice of any claim within 30 days of the incident, as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care Standard: Applies to all snow and ice accumulations on sidewalks, parking lots, and access routes.
• Scope of Duty: Includes entrances, stairs, ramps, and other pedestrian pathways.
• Notice Requirement: 30-day written notice required for injury claims related to snow or ice.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Pembroke

North Pembroke: A mixed-use district with significant commercial plazas and residential subdivisions, North Pembroke faces heavy traffic and wide parking areas requiring coordinated snow removal. Plow access and snow storage are critical to maintaining safety for both shoppers and residents, especially along Route 53.

Bryantville: This historic village is characterized by older homes, narrow side streets, and limited on-street parking. Dense tree cover and winding roads create additional challenges for plowing and snow storage, while property lines require careful attention during sidewalk clearing.

Hobomock: With its hilly terrain and cul-de-sac neighborhoods, Hobomock experiences snow drifting and accumulation in low-lying areas. Many single-family homes have extended driveways, necessitating timely plowing and ice management for safe access.

East Pembroke: Home to schools and community centers, East Pembroke prioritizes pedestrian safety on sidewalks and pathways. Regular plowing and de-icing are essential for student access and maintaining ADA compliance around public facilities.

Mattakeesett Village: Featuring a blend of historic properties and newer developments, Mattakeesett Village encounters narrow thoroughfares that require precision in snow removal to avoid damage to curbing and mature landscaping.

Indian Head: Suburban streets with moderate residential density and proximity to conservation areas present drainage and plowing complexities. Seasonal flooding and shaded roads can lead to persistent icy patches if not promptly addressed.

Stetson Heights: This predominantly residential neighborhood with modern subdivisions benefits from wider streets and driveways, but requires ongoing coordination to keep intersections and bus stops free of snow and ice.

Pembroke Center: As the civic hub, Pembroke Center includes municipal buildings, churches, and local businesses. High pedestrian activity and frequent public events demand rapid snow clearance and clear access routes at all times.

High Street District: Featuring older homes and interconnected roads, High Street District poses challenges due to limited off-street parking and tight corners that require agile plowing equipment.

Robbins Road Area: Residential streets with mixed housing types, including multi-family units, call for careful coordination to ensure that driveways and common walkways remain accessible throughout winter storms.

Birch Street Corridor: A growing area with new construction, Birch Street requires attention to fast-changing infrastructure and increased traffic from ongoing development activities, impacting both timing and frequency of municipal plowing.

Oldham Pond Vicinity: Properties near Oldham Pond face unique challenges from wind-blown snow and variable road grades. Maintaining safe lake access paths and driveways is critical, particularly for emergency vehicle response during severe weather.