Professional Snow Removal Services in Quincy, MA

Quincy Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal obligation for all property owners in Quincy, MA, playing a central role in maintaining public safety, accessibility, and mobility throughout the winter season. The City of Quincy enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish clear timeframes for snow and ice removal, define minimum clearance standards for sidewalks and curb cuts, and outline substantial penalties for non-compliance. Understanding and complying with these requirements is essential for residential, commercial, and institutional property holders in all Quincy neighborhoods.

Quincy Department of Public Works
55 Sea Street, Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: (617) 376-1959
Official Website: Quincy Department of Public Works

Understanding Quincy's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Quincy’s municipal code requires that property owners, tenants, or managers promptly clear snow and ice from all abutting sidewalks, curb ramps, and accessible routes. According to Quincy ordinances, snow must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall ends during daylight hours and by noon following overnight accumulation. A minimum pathway width of 36 inches must be maintained on all sidewalks to ensure pedestrian and accessibility access. Property owners are also required to remove or treat ice with sand or other suitable materials to prevent hazardous conditions. The city strictly prohibits shoveling or depositing snow onto public streets or city plowed areas, as this can obstruct traffic and impede municipal operations.

• Timeframe: Snow and ice must be cleared within 12 hours after the end of snowfall, or by noon if accumulation occurs overnight.
• Clearance Width: Sidewalks must be cleared to at least 36 inches wide for accessibility.
• Ice Treatment: Ice must be removed or treated with sand or an equivalent substance if complete removal is not possible.
• Street Deposition: It is illegal to deposit snow or ice onto any public street or sidewalk already cleared by the city.

For official city regulations, see the Quincy Municipal Code (Chapter 16.08 - Removal of Snow and Ice).

These local ordinances are enforced under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which grants municipalities the authority to set and enforce snow removal rules.

Inspectional Services Department
25 Cottage Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: (617) 376-2010
Official Website: Quincy Inspectional Services

• Residential Fine: $50 per day for each violation by residential property owners.
• Commercial Fine: $100 per day for each violation by commercial property owners.
• Street Deposition Fine: $200 per incident for depositing snow onto public streets or sidewalks.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day the condition persists is considered a separate offense.

Quincy Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Quincy’s diverse neighborhoods present unique snow management concerns due to their varied topography, building types, and infrastructure. The city’s 311 system (Quincy 311) regularly receives snow and ice removal complaints, reflecting distinct challenges in each district:

• North Quincy: Dense multifamily housing, busy transit corridors, and high sidewalk usage create significant clearance demands.
• Wollaston: Narrow residential streets and a mix of single- and multi-family homes complicate plowing and sidewalk access.
• Quincy Center: High foot traffic, commercial storefronts, and parking scarcity require rapid and coordinated snow removal efforts.
• Merrymount: Hilly terrain and older infrastructure pose hazards for both pedestrian and vehicular passage during storms.
• Houghs Neck: Coastal location increases exposure to drifting and icing, while narrow roads challenge large equipment access.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Quincy Department of Public Works manages winter weather response with a fleet of snowplows, sanders, and emergency vehicles covering approximately 230 lane miles citywide. The city is divided into 24 plow routes, prioritizing main arterials, emergency access routes, and public transportation corridors before residential side streets. Emergency snow declarations activate intensified operations and may involve contracted support to ensure prompt and thorough coverage.

Quincy Office of Emergency Management
40 Sea Street, Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: (617) 376-1105
Official Website: Quincy Emergency Management

• Plow Operations: Be aware that city plows may block driveways during street clearing; residents are responsible for post-plow access to their property.
• Side Street Schedules: Residential streets are cleared after main routes; monitor city notifications for updates.
• Emergency Declarations: Sign up for city alerts to receive real-time updates on snow emergencies and parking bans.
• Contractor Coordination: If using a snow removal contractor, ensure they are familiar with city rules and do not deposit snow in prohibited areas.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Quincy enforces citywide snow emergency parking bans on designated streets during major storms to facilitate efficient plowing and emergency vehicle movement. Residents are required to remove vehicles from posted snow emergency routes, or risk towing and associated fees. The city notifies residents of parking bans through local news, official city alerts, and the Quincy website. Alternative parking locations are announced in advance of storms.

Unlike Boston, Quincy does not officially recognize space saver practices. The use of space savers to reserve on-street parking spaces after snow removal is not permitted and items left in the street may be removed by city crews. Adherence to parking bans and prompt vehicle removal is strictly enforced to avoid delays in snow operations.

• Designated Routes: Check the Snow Emergency Routes List for affected streets.
• Towing Policy: Vehicles not removed are subject to towing and fines of $50 or more, plus associated storage fees.
• Resident Alerts: Receive notifications via Quincy Alert System and city social media channels.
• Alternative Parking: Use city-designated municipal lots during declared snow emergencies.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Quincy uses a comprehensive 311 system for residents to report snow and ice removal violations, accessibility barriers, or hazardous conditions. Complaints may be submitted via phone, online portal, or mobile app, and are directed to appropriate city departments for investigation and enforcement. For accessibility-related violations affecting individuals with disabilities, additional reporting resources are available at the state level.

• Phone Reporting: Dial 311 within Quincy or (617) 376-1500 for direct access.
• Online: Submit reports through the Quincy 311 Portal.
• Mobile App: The Quincy 311 mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.
• Email: General concerns may also be sent to snow@quincyma.gov.

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 of care on property owners for the safe maintenance of external premises during winter weather. Under the landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), the distinction between natural and artificial snow accumulation was abolished, making owners legally responsible for all hazardous snow and ice conditions on their property. This responsibility extends to sidewalks, driveways, walkways, parking areas, and building entrances.

The relevant statutes include Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, which addresses liability for injuries caused by defective public ways. For any injury claim related to snow or ice hazards, claimants must provide written notice to the city within 30 days, as stipulated by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Owners must take reasonable steps to prevent and mitigate slip and fall hazards from snow and ice.
• Scope of Duty: Responsibility applies to all access points, not just public sidewalks.
• Notice Requirement: Written notice to the city within 30 days is required for claims involving public property.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Quincy

North Quincy: Characterized by high-density apartment complexes, transit stations, and commercial plazas. Sidewalk snow removal is complicated by foot traffic, limited off-street parking, and frequent MBTA stops, requiring careful scheduling and wide clearance for commuters and residents alike.

Wollaston: Predominantly residential with a mix of triple-deckers and two-family homes. Narrow, tree-lined streets and older infrastructure challenge equipment access, and proximity to schools increases the importance of timely snow clearance for student safety.

Quincy Center: The city’s downtown district combines historic structures, office buildings, and retail storefronts. High traffic volume, limited parking, and a concentration of municipal and institutional properties demand coordinated snow removal and pedestrian accessibility enforcement.

Merrymount: A neighborhood of single-family homes, steep hills, and winding roads. Topographical variation leads to quick ice buildup and tricky plowing conditions, especially at intersections and along shaded routes.

Houghs Neck: A coastal peninsula with older housing stock and narrow roads. Exposure to wind-driven snow and icing from tidal flooding necessitates frequent attention to both sidewalks and roadways, with additional focus on access to emergency services.

Montclair: Primarily residential area adjacent to Wollaston, featuring schools, playgrounds, and small commercial strips. School proximity and moderate hills require early and thorough treatment of sidewalks and crosswalks to ensure safe passage for children and families.

Adams Shore: Waterfront neighborhood with a mix of homes and seasonal properties. The close proximity to the Fore River creates microclimate challenges, with drifting snow and refreezing on both public and private ways.

West Quincy: Includes a blend of single-family homes, townhouses, and light industrial properties. Wide arterial roads, overpasses, and access to I-93 require both large-scale plowing and detailed sidewalk maintenance, especially near public transit access points.

Germantown: Dense, multi-unit housing and public housing complexes dominate this peninsula. Limited off-street parking and a high concentration of elderly residents increase the need for prompt, accessible snow clearance on all sidewalks and entrances.

South Quincy: Diverse housing mix with commercial corridors along Washington Street and Centre Street. High traffic volumes, school zones, and frequent bus stops require coordinated snow removal for both pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Squantum: Residential peninsula with a unique street grid and historic homes. Limited street width and exposure to coastal winds create additional snow drift and accessibility challenges, especially for emergency vehicle passage.

Marina Bay: Modern mixed-use waterfront development with condominiums, retail, and restaurants. Large surface parking lots and boardwalks require specialized snow removal equipment and attention to maintain access for residents, employees, and visitors.