Professional Snow Removal Services in Brookline, MA

Brookline Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal obligation for all property owners and occupants in Brookline, MA. The Town of Brookline enforces strict municipal ordinances mandating timely snow and ice removal to maintain public safety and ensure accessibility. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant fines and increased liability exposure. This page details Brookline’s winter weather regulations, enforcement procedures, and public safety standards for all neighborhoods.

Brookline Department of Public Works
333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: (617) 730-2156
Official Website: Brookline Department of Public Works

Understanding Brookline's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Brookline’s snow removal ordinances require property owners, tenants, or their agents to clear all sidewalks abutting their property within three (3) hours after the end of snowfall during daytime hours, or before 10:00 AM if snow falls overnight. The cleared path must be at least 36 inches wide to ensure accessible passage for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities. Sidewalks must be rendered safe by removing snow and treating icy areas with sand, salt, or similar material. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto any public street or sidewalk. These local regulations are enforced in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which grants municipalities authority over snow removal requirements.

Brookline’s ordinances are published online at Brookline Code of Ordinances: Snow and Ice Removal for further reference.

• Clearing Deadline: Within 3 hours after snowfall ends, or by 10:00 AM if snow ends overnight.
• Minimum Clearance: 36-inch-wide path on all sidewalks abutting the property.
• Ice Removal: Sidewalks must be rendered safe and not slippery; use sand, salt, or melting agents as needed.
• Prohibited Actions: Depositing snow or ice onto public ways is not allowed.
• Enforcement: Each day a violation exists constitutes a separate offense.
• Penalties: Fines for non-compliance are $100 for residential properties and $250 for commercial properties per day. Additional fines may apply for obstructing streets or repeated violations.

Brookline Inspectional Services/By-Law Enforcement
333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: (617) 730-2100
Official Website: Brookline Inspectional Services

Brookline Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Brookline encompasses a diverse range of neighborhoods, each presenting unique challenges for snow and ice management. Complaint data submitted through Brookline's 311 system illustrate recurring issues that vary by district due to differences in topography, building styles, infrastructure, and population density. Addressing these challenges requires tailored approaches to ensure compliance and maintain pedestrian safety.

• Coolidge Corner: High-density mixed-use area with heavy foot traffic, numerous storefronts, and limited space for snow storage. Narrow sidewalks and busy intersections complicate clearing efforts.
• Washington Square: Characterized by hilly terrain, historic buildings, and a mix of residential and commercial properties. Sloped sidewalks and curb cuts increase risk of icy conditions.
• Brookline Village: Dense business district with older infrastructure and limited street parking. Frequent bus stops and crosswalks require extra attention to maintain accessibility.
• Longwood Medical Area: Proximity to major hospitals and institutional buildings increases the need for continuous, high-standard snow removal to protect vulnerable populations.
• Chestnut Hill: Predominantly single-family homes on winding, elevated streets. Driveways and walkways are often steep, making snow and ice removal more labor-intensive.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Brookline Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for municipal snow and ice operations, covering approximately 104 lane miles of public roadway. DPW manages a fleet of plows and salt spreaders divided among prioritized plowing routes, focusing first on arterial roads, emergency routes, and school zones before clearing residential side streets. During severe storms, DPW may deploy additional contractors and will coordinate closely with emergency management officials to ensure critical infrastructure remains accessible.

Brookline Office of Emergency Management
350 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: (617) 730-2220
Official Website: Brookline Office of Emergency Management

• Plow Deposits: Municipal plows may leave windrows of snow across driveway entrances; property owners are responsible for clearing these areas.
• Side Street Schedules: Side streets are cleared after main roads; delays may occur during severe storms.
• Snow Emergencies: Monitor official alerts for snow emergency declarations, which may include parking bans or route changes.
• Contractors: Coordinate with private snow removal contractors to avoid conflicts with municipal plowing operations.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Brookline enforces townwide snow emergency parking bans during major winter storms. When a snow emergency is declared, parking is prohibited on all public streets and in certain municipal lots until the ban is lifted. Vehicles parked in violation of the ban are subject to towing and fines, with current towing fees typically starting at $100 in addition to parking citations. The Town of Brookline does not allow space savers to reserve parking spaces after shoveling. Residents will receive alerts regarding snow emergencies through the town’s CodeRED system, official website, and local media. Alternative parking locations are made available at designated municipal lots during declared bans.

For detailed parking ban regulations, see the Brookline Parking Regulations page.

• Snow Emergency Routes: All public streets subject to ban; no parking allowed until ban lifted.
• Space Saver Policy: Use of objects to save parking spaces is prohibited at all times.
• Notifications: Alerts issued via CodeRED, town website, and local news outlets.
• Towing: Vehicles in violation may be towed at owner’s expense.
• Alternative Parking: Designated municipal lots are available during declared emergencies.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Residents may report unshoveled sidewalks, dangerous icy conditions, or accessibility violations using Brookline’s official 311 system. Complaints can be submitted online, by phone, or via the BrookONline mobile app. Reports are directed to the appropriate municipal departments for inspection and enforcement. For accessibility concerns, individuals may also contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Brookline 311 Online Complaint Form
• Phone: Call 311 or (617) 730-2000 (Brookline Town Hall)
• Mobile App: BrookONline app available for iOS and Android
• Email: townofbrookline@brooklinema.gov
• Accessibility Complaints: Contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability below

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

All property owners in Brookline are subject to Massachusetts premises liability law, as clarified in the landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010), which holds owners to a reasonable care standard for all snow and ice hazards—regardless of whether the accumulation is natural or artificial. The duty to maintain safe conditions extends beyond sidewalks to include driveways, parking lots, entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners may be held liable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions on their premises. If an individual is injured due to snow or ice, claims must be filed within 30 days in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care: Owners must act promptly to address snow and ice hazards.
• Scope of Duty: Includes sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, and entrances.
• Liability: Failure to comply may result in civil liability for injuries and damages.
• Notice Requirement: Injury claims must be submitted within 30 days of the incident.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Brookline

Coolidge Corner: This vibrant commercial and residential district features multi-story apartment buildings, historic storefronts, and busy intersections. Narrow sidewalks and high pedestrian volumes increase the urgency and complexity of snow removal, with limited space for storing plowed snow and heavy demand for rapid clearance.

Washington Square: Known for its blend of classic brownstones and modern condominiums along Beacon Street, Washington Square’s sloped streets and historic infrastructure require careful attention to prevent icy hazards and maintain safe access for residents and visitors.

Brookline Village: The town’s civic center and business hub, Brookline Village has a mix of older homes, municipal buildings, and retail spaces. High traffic and frequent bus routes necessitate continuous snow management, especially at crosswalks and transit stops.

Longwood Medical Area: This area contains major hospitals, research institutes, and multi-unit residences. The presence of healthcare institutions means snow removal must be prompt and thorough to ensure emergency access and protect vulnerable populations.

Chestnut Hill: Characterized by single-family residences, private schools, and winding roads, Chestnut Hill’s terrain poses challenges with steep driveways and limited on-street parking, requiring timely and coordinated snow clearing efforts.

North Brookline: With high-density rental apartments, student housing, and limited parking, North Brookline requires frequent monitoring to maintain clear sidewalks and minimize risk for a diverse, transient population.

Fisher Hill: This predominantly residential neighborhood features large homes, private drives, and rolling landscapes. Wide lots and mature trees create obstacles for plowing, while narrow roads require strategic snow placement.

Buttonwood Village: Composed of low-rise apartments and senior living facilities, Buttonwood Village demands accessible walkways and curb cuts, with special focus on elderly and mobility-impaired residents.

South Brookline: Known for its suburban layout and expansive parklands, South Brookline experiences snowdrifts along open areas and school zones, necessitating prioritized municipal attention and equipment capable of navigating less dense environments.

St. Mary’s: Bordering Boston, St. Mary’s blends historic rowhouses with newer condominiums. Tight street grids and frequent transit connections require rapid sidewalk and bus stop clearance to maintain commuter safety.

Reservoir: With a mix of multi-family residences and parkland, Reservoir faces challenges from hilly streets and heavy recreational use, especially near the Brookline Reservoir and surrounding paths.

Cypress Street Corridor: Hosting a range of residential, commercial, and institutional properties, this corridor’s diverse usage patterns necessitate ongoing coordination to ensure that snow removal meets the needs of businesses, schools, and homeowners alike.