Professional Snow Removal Services in Randolph, MA

Randolph Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Randolph, MA. The Town of Randolph enforces strict municipal ordinances that establish specific timeframes, clearance standards, and penalty structures to ensure sidewalks and public ways remain accessible and safe during winter weather events. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining public safety, supporting emergency response, and minimizing slip and fall hazards across the community.

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

Randolph Department of Public Works
41 South Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368
Phone: (781) 961-0940
Official Website: Randolph Department of Public Works

Understanding Randolph's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Randolph's snow removal ordinances require that all property owners, including both residential and commercial, clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. In cases of overnight snow, the same 24-hour rule applies, ensuring that sidewalks are accessible by the following day. The cleared path must be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate pedestrians, including those with disabilities or mobility aids. Property owners must also remove or treat ice, either to bare pavement or by applying sand or other traction materials. Depositing snow onto public streets or sidewalks is strictly prohibited by both local and state law.

• Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of snow accumulation.
• Minimum Path Width: At least 36 inches of sidewalk must be accessible for pedestrian passage.
• Ice Removal: Ice must be treated or removed to minimize slip hazards.
• Street Deposition: Prohibited to shovel or plow snow into public streets or sidewalks.

State authority for municipal snow removal enforcement is provided by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5. For the full Randolph ordinances, visit the Randolph Town Code – Streets and Sidewalks.

Non-compliance may result in fines issued by the Town:

• Residential violation: $50 per day per occurrence
• Commercial violation: $100 per day per occurrence
• Depositing snow onto public ways: $100 per incident
• Each day constitutes a separate violation.

For enforcement questions or to report violations, contact:

Randolph Inspectional Services
41 South Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368
Phone: (781) 961-0922
Official Website: Randolph Inspectional Services

Randolph Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Randolph consists of several distinct neighborhoods, each presenting unique winter weather and snow removal challenges. The mix of residential, commercial, and institutional properties, combined with varying topography, creates differing levels of difficulty for property owners and municipal crews. Complaint data submitted via the Randolph "Report a Concern" system highlights these local issues.

• North Randolph: Hilly terrain and older multi-family homes often lead to snow accumulation on steep sidewalks and driveways, complicating safe passage for both residents and schoolchildren.
• Downtown/Center: Dense commercial corridors with high pedestrian traffic and limited off-street parking increase the urgency of rapid sidewalk clearance and safe crosswalk access.
• Union Square: Narrow historic streets and a mix of single-family and triple-decker homes require careful coordination to prevent snow piles from obstructing roadways and curb cuts.
• South Randolph: Suburban-style neighborhoods with wider lots but longer sidewalks, posing sustained workload challenges for property owners during repeated storms.
• Randolph Highlands: Elevated, wind-exposed streets lead to drifting snow and ice formation, necessitating frequent re-clearing and vigilant ice control.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Randolph Department of Public Works manages snow removal operations across approximately 100 lane miles of public roadway. The DPW organizes its fleet into multiple plowing routes, prioritizing main arterial roads, emergency response corridors, and access to schools and municipal facilities. Side streets and residential areas are cleared once main roads are safe and passable. Property owners should be aware that municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances, a normal result of street plowing operations. Coordination is essential to prevent snow from being returned to public ways after municipal clearing.

• Monitor snow emergencies: Follow municipal announcements for parking bans and plowing schedules.
• Side street plowing: May occur several hours after main road clearance is completed.
• Contractor coordination: Private snow contractors must comply with all town ordinances and coordinate with DPW operations.
• Emergency access: Priority routes include Randolph Avenue, North Main, and Warren Street.

For emergency management or major storm updates, contact:

Randolph Office of Emergency Management
41 South Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368
Phone: (781) 961-0991
Official Website: Randolph Emergency Management

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

During declared snow emergencies in Randolph, a parking ban is enacted on all public streets to allow for uninterrupted snow plowing and emergency vehicle access. Vehicles left on the roadway during a ban are subject to towing and fines. Residents are notified of parking bans via town website alerts, local media, and the town's emergency notification system. Randolph does not permit the use of space savers to reserve parking spots after snow events; any objects placed on public streets may be removed by town staff.

• Snow emergency parking ban: In effect for the duration of declared emergencies until streets are cleared.
• Towing policy: Vehicles in violation may be towed at owner expense, in addition to fines.
• Alternative parking: Residents are advised to use private driveways or designated municipal lots if available during bans.
• Space savers: Not recognized or allowed under Randolph regulations.

For updates on parking bans and emergency routes, refer to the Randolph Snow Removal page.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Randolph does not operate a traditional 311 system, but residents can report snow removal violations and accessibility concerns via the town's Report a Concern online portal, by phone, or by contacting the Department of Public Works directly. Complaints can be submitted for unshoveled sidewalks, ice hazards, or illegal snow dumping. The town also accepts accessibility-related complaints regarding blocked curb cuts or inaccessible sidewalks.

• Online reporting: Randolph Report a Concern
• Phone: (781) 961-0940 (DPW)
• Email: See departmental contacts on the DPW website

For accessibility violations impacting disability access:

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 holds property owners responsible for maintaining all areas under their control in a reasonably safe condition during winter weather. The landmark case Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between natural and artificial snow or ice accumulations, making owners potentially liable for injuries resulting from any hazardous condition. Obligations extend beyond sidewalks to parking lots, stairways, and building entrances. Liability for dangerous conditions is governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15. Injury claims against property owners must be filed within 30 days per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable care: Owners must take all reasonable steps to prevent and address snow and ice hazards.
• Scope of duty: Responsibility includes walkways, stairs, driveways, and parking areas.
• Legal notice: Injury claims require written notice within 30 days of incident.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Randolph

North Randolph: This area features a mix of older homes and newer developments on hilly terrain. Narrow, sloped streets and longer driveway aprons pose challenges for snow clearance and require prompt attention to keep sidewalks open for schoolchildren and commuters. Equipment access and coordination with municipal plows are essential due to limited on-street parking.

Downtown/Center: The commercial heart of Randolph is characterized by dense mixed-use buildings, retail storefronts, and multi-family residences. High pedestrian volumes, on-street parking, and closely spaced curb cuts necessitate frequent sidewalk and crosswalk clearing to meet accessibility standards and support local businesses.

Union Square: A historic hub with a blend of single-family, triple-decker, and small apartment buildings. Narrow, tree-lined streets and older infrastructure require careful snow placement to avoid blocking driveways and accessible routes. Increased service timing is needed during storms to prevent ice buildup in shaded areas.

Randolph Highlands: Elevated residential streets and cul-de-sacs are prone to drifting snow and icy patches, particularly at intersections and bends. The neighborhood's suburban layout allows for wider equipment but demands consistent attention to prevent hazardous accumulations on sidewalks and driveway aprons.

South Randolph: Predominantly single-family homes with larger lots and longer sidewalks. Property owners face sustained snow removal duties, especially after major storms, and must coordinate with DPW to keep crosswalks and bus stops clear for student safety.

Blue Hills Area: Adjacent to conservation land and recreational trails, this neighborhood contains winding roads and steep grades, complicating both municipal and private snow removal. Environmental protections require careful placement of cleared snow to avoid blocking drainage or impacting natural areas.

Liberty Street Corridor: A key east-west artery with a mix of commercial and light industrial properties. Wide curb cuts and loading zones demand regular attention, and business owners must ensure compliance with both local and state snow removal laws to maintain safe customer access.

West Street District: Residential neighborhoods along West Street feature a variety of housing types and school facilities. Proximity to schools makes timely clearance of sidewalks and bus stops especially critical during winter weather events.

Belcher Park Area: Includes parkland, playgrounds, and adjacent residential blocks. Snow removal must prioritize safe access to recreational facilities and walking paths, with consideration for both children and elderly residents.

South Main Street: This corridor combines commercial zones, multi-unit dwellings, and high-traffic intersections. The presence of public transit stops and medical offices heightens the need for rapid, thorough snow and ice clearing on both sidewalks and curb ramps.

Canton Street Neighborhood: Featuring a blend of mid-century homes and newer developments, Canton Street’s moderate slopes and frequent driveways create unique clearance demands, especially during heavy snowfalls. Service coordination is required for both residential and institutional properties.