Professional Snow Removal Services in Milton, MA

Milton Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Milton, MA is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners, including residential, commercial, and institutional entities. The Town of Milton enforces strict snow removal protocols through municipal ordinances to ensure public safety, pedestrian accessibility, and compliance with state and local regulations. Enforcement mechanisms establish clear timeframes, minimum clearance standards, and a defined penalty structure for non-compliance with snow and ice removal requirements.

Milton Department of Public Works
629 Randolph Avenue, Milton, MA 02186
Phone: (617) 898-4900
Official Website: Milton Department of Public Works

Understanding Milton's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

The Town of Milton’s snow removal ordinances require that property owners clear sidewalks abutting their property to maintain safe, passable conditions for pedestrians. In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, municipalities have the authority to establish and enforce such requirements. Milton’s local bylaw (see Town of Milton General Bylaws, Article III, Section 23) mandates the following:

• Clearing Timeline: Sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. For overnight storms, clearing must be completed by the end of the following day.
• Clearance Width: A minimum accessible path of 36 inches must be maintained across the entire sidewalk frontage.
• Ice Treatment: All ice must be either removed or treated with sand, salt, or other materials to ensure safe passage.
• Prohibition on Street Deposition: Depositing snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited.

Milton’s snow removal ordinances are available at: Town of Milton General Bylaws (PDF).

Milton Inspectional Services
525 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186
Phone: (617) 898-4925
Official Website: Milton Inspectional Services

• Fine Structure for Non-Compliance:
  • Residential Properties: $25 per violation, per day.
  • Commercial Properties: $50 per violation, per day.
  • Street Deposition: $50 per occurrence for depositing snow or ice onto the street.
  • Each day the violation persists constitutes a separate offense.

Milton Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Milton’s diverse neighborhoods present unique snow management challenges based on topography, building types, and infrastructure. Complaint data submitted through the Milton SeeClickFix system highlights these localized issues:

• East Milton Square: Dense commercial corridors, high pedestrian volumes, and limited on-street parking complicate snow removal operations.
• Milton Hill: Steep slopes and narrow, historic streets increase the difficulty of plowing and sidewalk clearance, particularly for older homes without driveways.
• Cunningham Park Area: Predominantly single-family homes with longer sidewalk frontages and proximity to parkland require coordinated efforts for access and compliance.
• Blue Hills Parkway: Wide arterial roadways and high-speed traffic create added hazards for both municipal crews and adjacent property owners during snow events.
• Collicot/Cunningham School District: Concentration of school properties and student pedestrian traffic necessitate enhanced timing and thoroughness for sidewalk clearance.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Milton Department of Public Works manages all municipal snow and ice removal operations, including approximately 120 lane miles of roadways and multiple prioritized plow routes. Plowing operations focus initially on main arterial roads, school zones, and emergency routes, followed by secondary and residential streets. Crews operate on rotating schedules during storms to maintain passable conditions throughout the town.

Milton Office of Emergency Management
525 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186
Phone: (617) 898-4900
Official Website: Milton Office of Emergency Management

• Plow Operations: Municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances; residents should plan to clear these areas after plowing is complete.
• Side Street Plowing: Side streets are cleared after primary routes. Property owners should anticipate delayed plowing during heavy storms.
• Emergency Declarations: Monitor town alerts for snow emergencies, parking bans, and school closings.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must operate in compliance with town ordinances and coordinate with municipal schedules to avoid interference.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Milton enforces snow emergency parking bans during declared storms. When a snow emergency is declared, parking is prohibited on all designated emergency routes and certain secondary roads to facilitate efficient snow removal. Vehicles left in violation are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense. The town notifies residents via the official website, local news, and automated phone/email alerts. Alternative off-street parking locations are designated as needed during extended bans.

Milton does not permit the use of "space savers" to reserve cleared parking spots following snowstorms. All residents are required to adhere strictly to parking bans and promptly remove vehicles when notified. Full details on parking bans and enforcement procedures are available through the Milton DPW Snow Removal & Parking Information page.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Milton utilizes the SeeClickFix online reporting system for the submission of snow removal violations, including uncleared sidewalks and accessibility barriers. Residents may submit complaints via the SeeClickFix mobile app, the town website, or by phone directly to the Department of Public Works. Email reporting is also accepted through the municipal contact directory.

• SeeClickFix Online: https://seeclickfix.com/milton_2
• Phone: (617) 898-4900 (DPW Main Line)
• Email: dpw@townofmilton.org

Accessibility violations, including blocked curb cuts or impassable walkways affecting persons with disabilities, should also be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability:

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 Milton are subject to state-level premises liability standards as established in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), which eliminated the distinction between "natural" and "artificial" snow and ice accumulations. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners must exercise reasonable care in removing snow and ice from all accessible areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, and stairways. In the event of an injury due to snow or ice, claimants must provide written notice within 30 days as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Milton

East Milton Square: This vibrant commercial and residential district features mixed-use buildings, high-density housing, and busy retail corridors. Snow removal is complicated by limited parking, frequent pedestrian traffic, and narrow side streets, demanding careful timing and equipment access to maintain safety and accessibility.

Milton Hill: Characterized by historic homes, sloped terrain, and winding roads, Milton Hill presents challenges related to steep driveways, limited off-street parking, and difficult-to-access sidewalks. Many properties are adjacent to the Neponset River, requiring additional attention to icing and drainage.

Cunningham Park Area: This family-oriented neighborhood includes single-family homes, several schools, and expansive parkland. Wide frontage lots and heavy school traffic require coordinated sidewalk clearance, especially during morning and afternoon hours.

Blue Hills Parkway: With its major thoroughfares and proximity to the Blue Hills Reservation, this district includes large lots, public facilities, and state-managed roadways. Snow removal often requires collaboration between municipal and state agencies, particularly around public entrances and trailheads.

Collicot/Cunningham School District: Centered around educational facilities, this area sees significant foot traffic and priority sidewalk plowing. School start times and after-school programs necessitate early and thorough clearing to avoid hazardous conditions for students and families.

Scott’s Woods: This residential district features wooded lots, cul-de-sacs, and limited road access. Snow removal equipment must navigate narrow, tree-lined streets with minimal street lighting, making compliance and coordination essential for resident safety.

Brush Hill Road: Home to large estates and historic properties, Brush Hill Road has extended driveways and stone walls close to the roadway. Plowing operations require extra care to preserve landscaping and historic features while ensuring adequate access.

Indian Cliffs: Built along the eastern edge of Milton, Indian Cliffs comprises hilly terrain, winding streets, and a mix of single-family and multi-family residences. The area is prone to drifting snow and icy conditions due to its elevation and tree cover.

Central Avenue Corridor: This mixed-use corridor includes apartment buildings, retail businesses, and transit access. Frequent bus stops and high walkability place added emphasis on prompt and continuous sidewalk clearing.

Milton Village: A historic neighborhood with a blend of residential, commercial, and institutional properties. Narrow streets and dense development challenge plowing routes, while the presence of MBTA stations increases the need for timely and accessible pathways.

Readville Line/Edge Hill: Located along the southern border, this area features a range of housing types and commuter facilities. Railroad crossings and grade changes require special attention during snow events to maintain safe travel and prevent icing around infrastructure.