Professional Snow Removal Services in Foxboro, MA

Foxboro Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Foxboro, MA. Strict enforcement protocols and municipal ordinances establish specific timeframes, clearance standards, and penalty structures to ensure public safety and accessibility during winter months. Effective compliance mitigates hazards for pedestrians and motorists, while supporting the municipality’s coordinated response to severe weather events.

Foxboro Department of Public Works
70 Elm Street, Foxborough, MA 02035
Phone: (508) 543-1228
Official Website: Foxboro Department of Public Works

Understanding Foxboro's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

The Town of Foxboro enforces local snow and ice removal requirements that apply to all property owners, as detailed in municipal code and Massachusetts state law. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5, municipalities have the authority to regulate snow removal and to impose penalties for violations. Foxboro’s local ordinance requires property owners to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after a storm ends. Overnight snowfall does not extend this window. The minimum accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs and pedestrian traffic. Ice must be removed or treated with sand or other traction materials to prevent slip hazards. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto any street or public way, as this creates additional hazards for plows and emergency vehicles.

• Clearance Timeline: Sidewalks must be fully cleared within 24 hours after the end of snowfall, including overnight accumulation.
• Accessible Width: A minimum of 36 inches must be maintained free of snow and ice for public accessibility.
• Ice Removal: Surfaces must be treated to achieve bare pavement or safe traction.
• Street Deposition Ban: Placing snow or ice into the street is subject to fines.

For the most current and detailed regulations, refer to the Foxborough Town Code – Streets and Sidewalks.

Foxboro Inspectional Services
40 South Street, Foxborough, MA 02035
Phone: (508) 543-1206
Official Website: Foxboro Inspectional Services

• Residential Properties: Fines begin at $25 per day for first violations and increase for subsequent offenses.
• Commercial Properties: Fines may reach $50 to $100 per day depending on property size and severity.
• Street Deposition: Each incident of depositing snow onto public streets incurs an additional $50 fine.
• Ongoing Violations: Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate violation and may result in cumulative penalties.

Foxboro Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Distinct neighborhoods across Foxboro face unique snow management challenges due to topography, building types, infrastructure, and population density. Complaint data submitted to the Town often indicates recurring issues in specific districts.

• Downtown Foxborough: Historic commercial buildings and narrow sidewalks require coordinated snow clearance to maintain business access and fire safety. High foot traffic and limited on-street parking complicate snow storage.
• South Foxboro: Predominantly residential with wide lots, but sloped roads and cul-de-sacs create additional plowing and ice control challenges for both private and municipal crews.
• Foxfield: Dense single-family subdivisions with winding roads and driveway clusters; snow piles at intersections can obstruct lines of sight for drivers.
• East Foxboro/Village District: Older homes with minimal setbacks and mature trees, where sidewalk clearance is often impacted by drifting and tree limbs weighed down by snow.
• Lafayette Estates: Mixed-use area with multi-unit housing and retail; parking density and shared access walks require enhanced coordination for snow and ice clearance.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Foxboro Department of Public Works maintains a fleet of snow plows and de-icing vehicles responsible for over 100 lane miles of roadway across the town. Snow operations are prioritized by emergency routes, major arterial roads, and school access corridors, with secondary streets and residential areas cleared following initial storm response. The DPW manages 12-15 plowing routes based on storm severity and resource allocation.

Foxboro Office of Emergency Management
8 Chestnut Street, Foxborough, MA 02035
Phone: (508) 543-1238
Official Website: Foxboro Emergency Management

• Plow Coordination: Property owners should anticipate that municipal plows may deposit snow at driveway aprons and should promptly clear these areas after street plowing is complete.
• Side Street Schedules: Secondary and cul-de-sac plowing may lag main roads; monitor town announcements for updated schedules.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Stay informed via the town website or local alerts for parking bans and route priorities during severe weather events.
• Contractor Coordination: Private plowing services must operate in compliance with municipal snow protocols and not deposit snow onto public streets.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Foxboro enforces snow emergency parking bans on designated routes to ensure effective plowing and emergency access. When a snow emergency is declared, parking is prohibited on specified streets until the ban is lifted. Residents will receive notifications through the town website, automated phone calls, and local media outlets. Vehicles parked in violation of the ban are subject to towing, with fees set at $100 per tow and additional daily storage costs. Alternative parking locations are provided at selected municipal lots during emergencies. Foxboro does not permit the use of space savers to hold cleared parking spaces; space savers left curbside may be removed by town personnel. For detailed parking ban routes and alert procedures, consult the Foxboro Police Department website.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Foxboro does not operate a formal 311 system; however, residents can report snow removal violations and accessibility issues through the municipal website, by phone, or by email. Complaints may be submitted via the Report a Concern portal, by calling the Department of Public Works, or by contacting Inspectional Services. Photos and detailed location information are encouraged to support enforcement. For accessibility-related violations affecting persons with disabilities, reports may also be filed with the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Online Reporting: Report a Concern Portal
• Phone: (508) 543-1228 (DPW) or (508) 543-1206 (Inspectional Services)
• Email: See department directories on the official website

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 strict premises liability obligations on property owners for snow and ice hazards. The decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) abolished the distinction between natural and artificial accumulations, requiring property owners to exercise reasonable care in addressing all snow and ice conditions. This duty extends beyond the sidewalk to include parking lots, entrances, and common areas.

• Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15: Establishes liability for injuries resulting from dangerous snow or ice conditions on public ways. Read the law
• Notice Requirement: Injured parties must provide written notice to the municipality within 30 days of an incident, as set forth in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

Property owners should maintain prompt and thorough snow and ice removal practices to reduce liability exposure and protect public safety.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Foxboro

Downtown Foxborough: The historic town center features mixed-use commercial and residential buildings, narrow streets, and high pedestrian traffic. Snow removal is complicated by limited parking, older infrastructure, and the need to maintain access to businesses and municipal facilities.

South Foxboro: Characterized by low-density residential development with larger lots and rural roads, South Foxboro faces challenges with drifting snow, longer driveway lengths, and the need for coordinated service along cul-de-sacs and unpaved sections.

Foxfield: A planned residential subdivision with moderate density, Foxfield’s winding roads and clustered driveways require efficient plowing and careful attention to snow storage at intersections and mailboxes.

East Foxboro/Village District: This neighborhood contains older homes, mature trees, and narrow sidewalks. Historic preservation concerns and overhead utilities present unique obstacles for both manual and mechanical snow removal.

Lafayette Estates: A mix of multi-unit residential buildings and neighborhood retail, Lafayette Estates experiences high parking demand and shared access walks, necessitating frequent coordination between property managers and the town DPW.

West Foxboro: With a blend of single-family homes and light industrial properties, West Foxboro’s broad streets allow for easier plowing, but proximity to Route 140 and commercial corridors increases traffic and snowbank management needs.

Willow Street Area: This residential pocket is situated near schools and athletic fields, creating additional pressure for timely clearance to ensure safe passage for students and families during winter events.

Mechanic Street Corridor: A primary thoroughfare with a mix of businesses and service providers. Heavy traffic volume and multiple curb cuts require diligent snow removal to maintain accessibility and reduce accident risks.

Oak Street Neighborhood: Predominantly residential, this neighborhood faces challenges from mature tree canopies that can impede snow melting and sidewalk clearance. Street width limitations may affect plow maneuverability.

Foxborough Heights: Higher elevation and sloped streets in this district can experience drifting and rapid re-icing, requiring rapid response and ongoing monitoring during and after snow events.

Patriot Place Vicinity: The commercial and entertainment complex surrounding Gillette Stadium requires continuous, large-scale snow removal operations to ensure visitor safety and maintain compliance with accessibility regulations during major events.

Lakeview/Neponset Reservoir Area: Residential properties along the waterfront are subject to unique microclimates, with blowing snow, ice buildup, and access issues exacerbated by limited road width and private driveways.