Professional Snow Removal Services in Beverly, MA

Beverly Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal in Beverly, MA is a critical legal obligation for all property owners, rooted in municipal ordinances and Massachusetts law to ensure public safety, pedestrian accessibility, and community mobility during winter months. The City of Beverly enforces strict requirements regarding the prompt removal of snow and ice, establishing clear standards for sidewalk clearance, minimum accessibility, and penalties for non-compliance. Property owners must remain vigilant to comply with these regulations and avoid significant fines or liability exposure.

Beverly Department of Public Services
148 Park Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-6053
Official Website: Beverly Department of Public Services

Understanding Beverly's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Beverly's municipal ordinances require all property owners, both residential and commercial, to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after snowfall ends. The minimum required path is at least 36 inches wide to ensure safe pedestrian passage, including for individuals with disabilities. If ice cannot be removed, property owners must apply sand or other suitable materials to provide traction until conditions permit complete removal. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets or sidewalks. Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation, subject to additional fines. Overnight snowfall does not extend the 24-hour deadline. Municipal enforcement is guided by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, which grants cities authority to regulate snow removal. The City of Beverly’s snow removal ordinance is available at Beverly Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance.

• Timeframe for Clearing: Must clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends, regardless of overnight accumulation.
• Clearance Width: Minimum 36-inch-wide path to allow accessibility.
• Ice Removal: Apply sand or salt if removal is not immediately possible; maintain traction until cleared.
• Prohibited Actions: No depositing snow/ice onto streets, sidewalks, or public ways.

Beverly Inspectional Services Department
191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-6025
Official Website: Beverly Inspectional Services

• Fine Structure: Residential properties: $50 per violation per day; Commercial properties: $100 per violation per day; Depositing snow onto public ways: $100 per occurrence. Each day is a separate offense.

Beverly Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Beverly’s diverse neighborhoods present unique snow removal challenges due to variations in topography, building types, infrastructure, and population demographics. Complaint patterns and enforcement actions are tracked by the city to identify problematic areas, using municipal reporting systems such as the Beverly 311 portal.

• Ryal Side: Low-lying and near the Danvers River, prone to wet, heavy snow accumulation and frequent driveway blockages due to plowing.
• Centerville: Suburban area with single-family homes and long driveways, which increases the burden on residents during major storms.
• Downtown Beverly: Dense commercial and mixed-use buildings, narrow sidewalks, limited parking, and high pedestrian traffic create clearance and accessibility concerns.
• Montserrat: Hilly terrain leads to slippery sidewalks and difficult plowing conditions, especially near the commuter rail station.
• Beverly Farms: Coastal exposure results in drifting snow and icy conditions, with narrow streets that complicate plow access and on-street parking management.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Beverly Department of Public Services manages snow removal operations citywide, covering over 100 lane miles and organizing plowing into more than 20 routes prioritized by emergency access and arterial roads. Main thoroughfares, school zones, and public transit corridors receive the highest priority, followed by residential side streets and cul-de-sacs.

Beverly Office of Emergency Management
15 Park Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 969-1710
Official Website: Beverly Emergency Management

• Plow Coordination: Property owners should be aware that municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances. Plan for additional clearing after plows pass.
• Side Street Schedules: Secondary streets may be plowed later; monitor city updates for timing.
• Emergency Declarations: Stay informed of snow emergencies via city alerts or website notifications.
• Contractor Collaboration: Coordinate with private contractors to avoid conflicts with municipal operations and to comply with all local regulations.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Beverly enforces citywide snow emergency parking bans during major storms to facilitate plowing and emergency vehicle access. Residents are notified of bans via the city’s website, email alerts, and social media. Parking is prohibited on designated emergency routes, and violators are subject to towing and fines, typically $25-$50 per infraction plus towing fees. Alternative off-street parking is available at municipal lots during declared emergencies. Beverly does not allow the use of space savers to reserve parking spaces following snowstorms. All residents must remove vehicles from posted routes for the duration of the ban. For additional guidance, consult the City of Beverly official website for current snow emergency information and policies.

• Designated Routes: Main roads and downtown corridors prioritized as emergency snow routes.
• Towing Policies: Vehicles left in violation will be ticketed and towed at owner’s expense.
• Resident Notification: Alerts issued via email, website postings, and local news outlets.
• Alternative Parking: Municipal lots available for off-street parking during declared bans.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

To report sidewalk snow removal violations or accessibility barriers in Beverly, residents may contact the city through the Beverly 311 system or by phone. Reports can be made online via the official municipal website, by calling (978) 921-6000, or by emailing snow@beverlyma.gov. The system accepts reports of uncleared sidewalks, icy conditions, and improper snow dumping. Complaint data is tracked for enforcement and compliance purposes. For accessibility-related issues, such as blocked curb ramps or hazardous conditions affecting individuals with disabilities, residents should also contact the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Beverly 311 portal
• Phone: (978) 921-6000
• Email: snow@beverlyma.gov
• Mobile App: Not currently available

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

Massachusetts law imposes a duty of reasonable care on all property owners to address snow and ice hazards, as established in the landmark decision Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010). This decision eliminated prior distinctions between natural and artificial accumulations, reinforcing that owners must take proactive steps to mitigate all slip-and-fall risks. Liability extends to sidewalks, entrances, parking areas, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners may be held responsible for injuries caused by dangerous conditions. Injured parties must file a written notice within 30 days, as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Duty of Care: Owners must remove or treat all snow and ice on walkways, entrances, and parking areas.
• Scope of Liability: Applies to all public-access areas, not just sidewalks.
• 30-Day Notice: Injury claims require written notification to the city within 30 days of incident.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Beverly

Ryal Side: Primarily residential with single-family homes and some waterfront properties, Ryal Side faces drainage challenges and heavy accumulations due to its proximity to the Danvers River. Narrow streets and frequent driveway curb cuts necessitate careful snow placement and timely removal to prevent flooding and access issues.

Centerville: A suburban district featuring spacious lots and long driveways, Centerville’s wide roadways ease municipal plowing, but residents must often clear significant snow from private sidewalks and curbside mailbox areas. School zones require extra attention for safe student passage.

Downtown Beverly: Characterized by high-density mixed-use buildings, commercial storefronts, and historic landmarks, Downtown Beverly presents complex snow management due to narrow sidewalks, substantial foot traffic, and limited on-street parking. Timely and thorough clearance is essential to maintain business operations and pedestrian safety.

Montserrat: This hilly residential and institutional area, home to Montserrat College of Art, experiences rapid snow and ice buildup on steep streets and walkways. Sidewalks near the commuter rail and college require enhanced traction materials and frequent monitoring for hazardous conditions.

Beverly Farms: With its coastal exposure and historic homes, Beverly Farms contends with drifting snow, icy coastal winds, and limited plowing access on narrow, winding streets. Parking and sidewalk clearance are complicated by dense housing and preservation restrictions.

Prides Crossing: Lined with wooded estates and older homes, Prides Crossing poses removal challenges related to long private drives, heavy shade causing persistent ice, and limited municipal road width for plow maneuvering. Coordination with private contractors is vital.

North Beverly: A blend of suburban homes and commercial corridors, North Beverly’s wide arterial roads are prioritized for plowing, but retail areas and large parking lots demand diligent owner attention to keep walking routes and entrances clear for customers and employees.

Goat Hill: This compact neighborhood features closely spaced homes, narrow streets, and limited parking, leading to frequent snow storage issues and increased risk of sidewalk obstructions. Timely removal is essential to maintain emergency access.

Salem-Beverly Bridge Area: As a gateway for commuters, this area’s major intersections and bridges require rapid snow clearance and de-icing to prevent hazardous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. High traffic volumes and bus stops increase service complexity.

Manor Section: Predominantly residential with moderate density, the Manor Section’s grid layout simplifies plowing, but aging sidewalks and curb ramps necessitate extra attention to ensure accessibility for the elderly and disabled residents.

Edgewater: Located along the Bass River, Edgewater’s variable elevation and waterfront proximity result in frequent freeze-thaw cycles, creating persistent sidewalk and driveway icing. Owners must remain vigilant with sand or salt applications.

Colgate Park: A family-oriented neighborhood with schools, parks, and recreational facilities, Colgate Park requires prompt snow removal from sidewalks and public paths to ensure safe access for students and local events. School-day timing is a key service consideration.