Professional Snow Removal Services in Lexington, MA

Lexington Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Lexington, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants. The Town of Lexington enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish precise timeframes for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, define clearance standards, and set forth penalty structures for violations. Compliance with these requirements is essential to ensure public safety, maintain accessibility, and avoid legal and financial liability.

For questions about municipal snow operations or general winter weather preparedness, contact:

Lexington Department of Public Works
201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: (781) 274-8300
Official Website: Lexington Department of Public Works

Understanding Lexington's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Lexington's snow removal ordinance requires property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall has ceased. For snow or ice that falls overnight, clearing must be completed by noon the following day. A minimum accessible path of 36 inches must be maintained to ensure pedestrian and wheelchair access. Ice must be removed to bare pavement or treated with sand, salt, or similar material if removal is impracticable. Depositing snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited.

• Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of snowfall; by noon if snow falls overnight.
• Clearance Width: Minimum 36-inch-wide accessible path required.
• Ice Removal: Remove to bare pavement or apply sand/salt for traction.
• Street Deposition: Prohibited to move snow/ice onto public ways.

Lexington’s snow removal requirements are outlined in town bylaws, which can be referenced on the Lexington Code of Ordinances (Chapter 246, Article IX). State authority is provided under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Enforcement is conducted by the Town’s Inspectional Services/Code Enforcement. Violation fines are:

• Residential properties: $50 per day, per violation
• Commercial properties: $100 per day, per violation
• Street deposition: $100 per incidence

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

Lexington Inspectional Services
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: (781) 698-4530
Official Website: Lexington Inspectional Services

Lexington Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Lexington contains a range of neighborhoods with distinct topographical, infrastructural, and demographic challenges affecting snow management:

• Lexington Center: Dense commercial/residential mix, high pedestrian traffic, narrow sidewalks, parking congestion, and historic properties complicate snow clearing and require rapid response.
• Follen Heights: Hilly terrain and winding roads increase plowing difficulty, particularly on steep driveways and intersections. Many homes are single-family with long walks and private drives.
• East Lexington: Older housing stock and mature tree canopies can restrict snow equipment access. Public transit stops and proximity to schools heighten need for prompt sidewalk clearing.
• Five Fields: Modernist residences on cul-de-sacs with limited street width can result in snow accumulation at curb lines and driveway aprons.
• Battle Green District: Historic district with tourism and civic destinations, requiring careful snow management to preserve accessibility and protect heritage infrastructure.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Lexington Department of Public Works manages snow removal for approximately 130 lane miles of roadway, utilizing a fleet of municipal and contracted plows. The town is divided into multiple plow routes, with priority given to arterial roads, emergency routes, and school zones. Sidewalk plowing is performed on major pedestrian corridors as resources allow.

Lexington Office of Emergency Management
201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: (781) 862-0500
Official Website: Lexington Office of Emergency Management

• Municipal plows: Snow is often pushed into driveway openings; residents should plan for secondary shoveling after plow passes.
• Side street plowing: May occur later than main roads based on priority schedule; monitor town alerts for updates.
• Snow emergency declarations: Check for town-issued alerts regarding parking bans and operational changes during major storms.
• Contractor coordination: Private plow services must not deposit snow onto public streets and should coordinate with town operations to avoid conflicts.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Lexington does not permit the use of space savers to reserve parking spaces after snow events. During declared snow emergencies, a town-wide parking ban goes into effect, prohibiting on-street parking on all public ways until the ban is lifted. This policy is strictly enforced to allow unimpeded access for snow plows and emergency vehicles.

• Emergency snow routes: All public streets subject to parking bans during emergencies
• Towing policies: Vehicles in violation are subject to ticketing and towing at owner’s expense; fees are posted on the Lexington Parking page
• Resident alerts: Notifications are issued via town website, email, and text alerts (LexAlert system)
• Alternative parking: Residents may use municipal lots or private driveways when parking bans are in effect

Snow emergency parking regulations are supported by Lexington Code of Ordinances (Chapter 246, Article IX).

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Lexington does not maintain a 311 system but accepts snow removal complaints and sidewalk accessibility reports through its official Report a Concern web portal, by phone, or in person at Town offices. Residents can report violations such as uncleared sidewalks, ice hazards, or illegal snow deposition using the online system or by calling the Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services.

• Online: Report a Concern form (available 24/7)
• Phone: Department of Public Works at (781) 274-8300 or Inspectional Services at (781) 698-4530
• Email: Use department contact information on the town website for direct communication

For reporting accessibility violations impacting persons with disabilities:

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 strict liability on property owners for injuries resulting from snow and ice hazards. The Supreme Judicial Court decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between "natural" and "unnatural" snow accumulations, requiring owners to exercise reasonable care for all snow and ice conditions. The duty extends to sidewalks, parking lots, walkways, entrances, and stairways.

Liability for injuries caused by hazardous conditions is governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15. Individuals injured on a snow- or ice-covered public way must provide written notice of claim within 30 days, as outlined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable care required: Owners must address hazards promptly and maintain safe conditions for all users.
• Scope of duty: Applies to all areas accessible to the public, not just sidewalks.
• Notice for claims: 30-day written notice required for injury claims against municipalities.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Lexington

Lexington Center: The town’s bustling downtown features mixed-use commercial and residential buildings, historic sites, and busy sidewalks. High pedestrian volumes and parking scarcity demand consistent snow clearing and rapid response to maintain accessibility and business continuity.

Follen Heights: Characterized by single-family homes on hilly, tree-lined streets, this neighborhood faces snow drifting and accumulation on slopes. Narrow roads and limited off-street parking can present operational challenges for plows and residents alike.

East Lexington: A blend of vintage homes, multi-family residences, and local businesses, East Lexington’s older infrastructure can restrict snow removal equipment. Proximity to schools and public transit stops increases the importance of prompt and thorough sidewalk clearance.

Five Fields: Known for its mid-century modern architecture and cul-de-sac street layout, Five Fields presents unique access issues for plows. Coordinating snow removal is essential to prevent blocked driveways and ensure emergency access.

Battle Green District: As the historic heart of Lexington, this area features civic institutions, monuments, and event spaces. Snow management must preserve both accessibility and the integrity of heritage structures and landscapes.

Munroe Hill: Featuring large lots and varying elevations, Munroe Hill experiences drifting and runoff issues during melt cycles. The area’s quiet, residential nature requires coordinated timing to minimize disruption to residents.

Hastings Park: Anchored by recreational facilities and open space, Hastings Park’s broad roadways and parking lots require extensive plowing. Event traffic during winter increases the need for clear, safe pedestrian routes.

Liberty Heights: A mix of apartment complexes and single-family homes, Liberty Heights has moderate density and diverse property types. Snow removal must accommodate both high-traffic corridors and quieter residential streets.

Turning Mill: This neighborhood’s wooded, curving streets and split-level homes challenge snow removal teams, especially during back-to-back storms. Equipment must be sized appropriately to navigate tight corners and driveways.

Adams Street Area: With its blend of historic and modern homes, the Adams Street corridor faces parking constraints and narrow rights-of-way. Close coordination ensures timely snow clearance while preserving the neighborhood’s residential character.

Loring Hill: Elevated terrain and winding streets cause significant snow drifting and icing concerns. The area’s low density and large setbacks require careful planning for equipment access and service scheduling.

Brookhaven/Woodhaven: Home to senior living communities and single-family residences, this area places a premium on safe, prompt snow removal to protect vulnerable populations and maintain emergency access routes.