Professional Snow Removal Services in Hanover, MA

Hanover Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners and occupants within Hanover, MA. Municipal ordinances and enforcement protocols set forth strict timeframes, clearance standards, and penalties to ensure public safety, accessibility, and compliance throughout the winter season. Effective snow management is essential for maintaining safe walkways, reducing slip hazards, and supporting emergency vehicle access across the town.

Hanover Department of Public Works
40 Pond Street, Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: (781) 826-3189
Official Website: Hanover Department of Public Works

Understanding Hanover's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Hanover enforces snow removal ordinances that require property owners, including both residential and commercial, to clear public sidewalks adjacent to their properties. In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, municipalities have the authority to regulate and enforce snow removal. As stipulated in the Hanover General Bylaws (Section 6-1), the following requirements are in effect:

• Timeframe for Clearing: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. If snow falls overnight, clearing must occur by the following day.
• Minimum Path Width: An accessible path of at least 36 inches must be maintained for pedestrian safety and ADA compliance.
• Ice Removal: Property owners must remove ice or treat it with sand or other suitable material to provide safe passage. Bare pavement is preferred when possible.
• Prohibition on Snow Deposition: It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets, sidewalks, or abutting properties.

Fines for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines of $50 per day for residential properties and $100 per day for commercial properties. Depositing snow onto public ways may incur an additional fine of $100 per incident. Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate violation and may be separately enforced.

Hanover Inspectional Services
Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: (781) 826-5000 x1022
Official Website: Inspectional Services/Code Enforcement

Hanover Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods throughout Hanover present unique challenges for snow removal enforcement and compliance. Local complaint trends, as reported via the Hanover Report a Concern system, often reflect these varying difficulties:

• Four Corners: Features a mix of commercial corridors and high-traffic intersections, making timely snow clearance vital for business access and pedestrian safety.
• Assinippi: Characterized by rolling terrain and older homes, resulting in sloped driveways and sidewalks that may become hazardous during severe winter storms.
• Hanover Center: Includes historic buildings and narrow streets, where snow accumulation can quickly block access and limit parking availability.
• West Hanover: A largely residential district with higher-density developments and cul-de-sacs, creating logistical challenges for both municipal and private plowing operations.
• South Hanover: Contains several senior housing complexes, necessitating prioritized snow and ice removal to ensure accessibility for elderly residents.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Hanover Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining over 90 lane miles of roads, including a network of primary and secondary plowing routes. Priority is given to arterial and emergency access routes, followed by residential streets and cul-de-sacs. The DPW deploys a fleet of plow trucks and contractors to ensure routes are cleared as quickly as possible following snowfall events.

Hanover Office of Emergency Management
40 Pond Street, Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: (781) 826-5984
Official Website: Hanover Emergency Management

• Plow Coordination: Municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances; property owners should plan additional clearance accordingly.
• Side Street Schedules: Secondary and residential streets may be cleared after main routes, requiring patience and awareness of DPW updates.
• Emergency Declarations: Monitor the town website and local alerts for snow emergency declarations and parking bans.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must follow municipal guidelines and avoid depositing snow onto public ways.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

During major snow events, Hanover enforces town-wide parking bans on all public roads to facilitate plowing and emergency access. Residents are notified through official town alerts, local news, and the Hanover website. Illegally parked vehicles during snow emergencies are subject to towing and fines of $50 per violation. There are no official space saver policies in Hanover; reserving parking spots with objects is not permitted and such items may be removed by DPW. Alternative parking locations are made available at select municipal lots during declared emergencies.

For more on parking regulations, visit the Hanover General Bylaws.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Hanover does not utilize a 311 system; instead, residents may file snow removal and accessibility complaints through the Hanover Report a Concern online portal, by phone, or by email. To report violations:

• Online: Report a Concern Portal
• Phone: (781) 826-3189 (Department of Public Works)
• Email: publicworks@hanover-ma.gov

Accessibility-related violations, such as blocked curb cuts or inaccessible sidewalks, may also be reported to:

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

Property owners in Hanover are legally obligated to exercise reasonable care in managing snow and ice hazards. The Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) decision eliminated the distinction between natural and unnatural accumulations, holding all accumulations to the same liability standard. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on sidewalks abutting their property. Claims for injury must be filed within 30 days of the incident, per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20. This duty extends to parking areas, walkways, entrances, and stairways.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Hanover

Four Corners: A bustling area featuring mixed-use properties, multiple shopping centers, and high-traffic commercial corridors. Snow removal here requires coordinated timing due to heavy vehicle and pedestrian use, large parking lots, and interconnected driveways.

Assinippi: Known for its historic homes and sloped streets, this neighborhood presents unique challenges for snow melt management and safe sidewalk passage. Narrow roadways and mature trees often require specialized equipment and additional attention during plowing.

Hanover Center: The town’s traditional hub, with a concentration of municipal buildings, churches, and older residences. Limited on-street parking and tight street patterns necessitate prompt snow clearance and efficient use of available space.

West Hanover: Primarily residential with several subdivisions and cul-de-sacs. High-density housing and limited driveway space require close coordination to ensure thorough sidewalk and roadway access for all residents.

South Hanover: A mix of residential areas and senior living communities, with wide streets and apartment complexes. Snow removal must prioritize accessibility for elderly residents, especially near medical facilities and bus stops.

North Hanover: Characterized by a combination of light industrial parks, office complexes, and single-family homes. This area often requires large-scale operations to clear extensive parking lots and access roads following heavy snowfalls.

Columbia Road Corridor: An important arterial route lined with commercial businesses, service stations, and retail plazas. Maintaining clear access is vital for business continuity and traffic flow during winter weather events.

Barstow Village: A predominantly residential neighborhood featuring newer developments, playgrounds, and community facilities. Curved roads and cul-de-sacs require careful plow routing and timing to prevent blockages.

Laurelwood: Composed of townhouse complexes and multi-family residences, this neighborhood’s high density and private roadways necessitate additional coordination between property managers and municipal plowing crews.

Indian Head: A mix of single-family homes and open spaces, with recreational areas and several school zones. Snow removal here must address both pedestrian safety for students and the unique needs of recreational site access.

Stetson Village: Contains a blend of historic homes, small businesses, and public green spaces. Narrow streets and preservation guidelines require specialized snow management practices and sensitivity to infrastructure limitations.