Professional Snow Removal Services in Mansfield, MA

Mansfield Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Proper snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Mansfield, MA. Compliance with local ordinances and state laws is strictly enforced to maintain safe pedestrian passage, prevent accidents, and ensure public access throughout the winter season. Mansfield has established specific timeframes, clearance standards, and penalty structures to uphold these safety and accessibility expectations for residents and businesses alike.

For guidance on snow removal regulations and municipal plowing operations, contact:

Mansfield Department of Public Works
500 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 261-7336
Official Website: Mansfield Department of Public Works

Understanding Mansfield's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Property owners in Mansfield must comply with strict snow and ice removal ordinances that reflect both municipal and state mandates. Mansfield’s bylaws require that all sidewalks abutting residential and commercial properties be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. Overnight accumulations must be cleared promptly the following morning. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to ensure pedestrian and wheelchair access. Ice must be removed or treated with sand or salt to provide traction and minimize slip hazards. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow from private property onto any public street or sidewalk.

• Clearing Timeframe: Sidewalks and walks must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Minimum Path Width: At least 36 inches must be kept clear for safe pedestrian passage.
• Ice Removal: Surfaces must be kept free of ice or made safe with sand, salt, or other suitable material.
• Street Deposition Prohibited: No snow may be shoveled, plowed, or blown onto public roads.

For further details, refer to Mansfield General Bylaws and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 regarding municipal snow removal authority.

Enforcement of these requirements includes the issuance of fines for non-compliance:

• Residential Properties: $50 per day for failure to clear abutting sidewalks.
• Commercial Properties: $100 per day for failure to comply with clearance standards.
• Street Deposition: $200 per instance of depositing snow onto public streets. Each day constitutes a separate violation.

To report violations or request guidance, contact:

Mansfield Inspectional Services / Code Enforcement
6 Park Row, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 261-7363
Official Website: Mansfield Inspectional Services

Mansfield Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods across Mansfield face unique snow removal challenges due to variations in topography, building types, and infrastructure. The following areas illustrate the diversity of local snow management concerns:

• Downtown Mansfield: High concentration of businesses, narrow sidewalks, and dense on-street parking increase removal complexity.
• East Mansfield: Hilly terrain and winding roads require extra effort for traction and safe clearance.
• Robinson Hill: Predominantly residential with driveways sloping toward the street, resulting in frequent snowbank buildup and driveway blockages.
• West Mansfield: Mix of single-family homes and open lots, but limited sidewalk coverage can lead to inconsistent walkability after storms.
• Maple Park Area: Older homes and mature trees create visibility and access issues for snow equipment operators.

Residents can review snow complaint data and submit concerns via the Mansfield Request Tracker system.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Mansfield Department of Public Works manages an extensive snow removal operation, covering over 120 lane miles of public roads, with multiple dedicated plowing routes for both major and residential streets. Priority is placed on clearing main arterials, emergency routes, and access to schools and public facilities before servicing secondary roads and cul-de-sacs. Plowing schedules are coordinated to ensure efficient coverage and safe passage throughout Mansfield.

Mansfield Office of Emergency Management
500 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 261-7466
Official Website: Mansfield Emergency Management

• Property owners should: Expect plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances during clearing.
• Check side street schedules: Secondary and dead-end roads may not be cleared immediately following a storm.
• Monitor snow emergency alerts: Declarations and updates are issued via town website and emergency alert systems.
• Coordinate with contractors: Private snow removal should not obstruct municipal plows or deposit snow onto public ways.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Mansfield does not permit the use of space savers to reserve on-street parking following snow emergencies. The town enforces seasonal overnight parking bans from November 1 through April 1, prohibiting on-street parking between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. during this period to facilitate plowing. When a snow emergency is declared, additional parking restrictions may be enacted, including designated emergency snow routes. Vehicles parked in violation are subject to towing and associated fees as outlined by local ordinance.

• Alternative Parking: Residents are encouraged to use driveways or designated municipal lots during snow emergencies.
• Notification: Alerts are distributed via the town website and emergency notification systems.
• Towing Fees: Owners are responsible for all costs incurred if vehicles are removed from snow routes.

For further details, consult the Mansfield General Bylaws.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Mansfield does not operate a traditional 311 system but provides an online Request Tracker for residents to report snow removal violations, uncleared sidewalks, or accessibility concerns. Complaints can also be submitted by phone to the Department of Public Works or via email through the town website. Accessibility violations may be reported directly to the Massachusetts Office on Disability, which monitors compliance with state and federal access requirements.

• Online System: Mansfield Request Tracker
• Phone: (508) 261-7336 (Department of Public Works)
• Email: Use contact forms on the town website

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 duty of reasonable care on all property owners to address snow and ice hazards. The landmark decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations, requiring prompt and effective action on all snow and ice conditions. Liability extends to sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairways.

Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, property owners are responsible for injuries caused by dangerous conditions resulting from snow or ice. Injury claims must be filed within 30 days, as specified in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20. Failure to comply with local and state regulations can result in substantial civil liability and penalties.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Mansfield

Downtown Mansfield: The commercial core features dense storefronts, mixed-use buildings, and high pedestrian volume. Narrow sidewalks and heavy on-street parking present ongoing challenges for timely snow removal, requiring coordinated scheduling to minimize disruption during business hours.

East Mansfield: This primarily residential area includes newer subdivisions and cul-de-sacs with moderate to high density. Rolling terrain and curved roadway patterns can slow equipment access, making adherence to plow schedules and driveway clearance essential for safety.

Robinson Hill: Known for its elevated topography and sloping lots, Robinson Hill presents additional difficulty for both pedestrian and vehicular access during snow events. Properties often require extra attention to prevent icy conditions along hilly sidewalks and driveways.

West Mansfield: A mix of single-family homes and large parcels, West Mansfield’s lower density eases equipment access but can lead to variable sidewalk maintenance. Some roads lack continuous sidewalks, making consistent compliance a focus for safety and walkability.

Maple Park Area: Characterized by mature trees and older homes, this neighborhood’s infrastructure includes narrow roads and limited off-street parking. Snow storage and visibility for plows are key considerations, particularly near intersections.

Mansfield Crossing: This major commercial district includes retail centers and large parking lots. Clearing vast paved areas quickly is vital for business operations, with additional requirements for maintaining accessible parking and walkways.

Jordan Jackson School District: Home to several Mansfield schools and recreational fields, this area demands top priority for plowing to support student and community access. Walkway and crosswalk clearance is especially important during school days.

White Oak Estates: A residential subdivision with private roads and homeowner associations, White Oak Estates faces coordination needs for snow removal contractors and adherence to both town and association standards.

Rumford Avenue Corridor: Featuring a mix of commercial and multi-family residential buildings, the Rumford Avenue area requires attention to both sidewalk accessibility and parking lot safety, often complicated by high traffic volume.

South Mansfield: Rural and semi-rural in character, South Mansfield includes long driveways and limited public sidewalks. Plowing is focused on main roads and intersections, with property owners responsible for clearing access to private residences.

Pratt Farm Historic District: This area includes historic homes and landmarks, where preservation concerns must be balanced with effective snow removal. Narrow streets and stone walls limit equipment maneuverability, making timely and careful clearing essential.