Professional Snow Removal Services in Bourne, MA

Bourne Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal responsibility for all property owners in Bourne, MA. Municipal ordinances set forth strict requirements for clearing sidewalks, driveways, and access points to ensure public safety and accessibility during winter weather. The town enforces these standards through defined timeframes, minimum clearance widths, and structured penalties for non-compliance. Adherence to these protocols is essential to maintain safe pedestrian passage and minimize hazardous conditions throughout the winter season.

Bourne Department of Public Works
35 Ernest Valeri Road, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600
Official Website: Bourne Department of Public Works

Understanding Bourne's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Bourne’s snow removal ordinances require property owners, tenants, or managers to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks abutting their premises. According to town regulations, snow must be removed within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. If snow falls overnight, clearing must be completed by the following morning. The accessible path must be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate pedestrians and mobility devices. All ice must be removed, or treated with sand or other suitable materials to ensure safe passage. It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow or ice onto public streets, sidewalks, or abutting properties.

• Clearance Timeline: Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
• Overnight Provisions: Snowfall occurring overnight must be cleared by 9:00 am the following day.
• Minimum Width: Sidewalk path must be cleared to a minimum of 36 inches for accessibility.
• Ice Removal: If ice cannot be removed, sand, salt, or similar material must be applied for traction.
• Street Deposition: It is unlawful to shovel or plow snow into public streets or sidewalks.

For further legal context, see Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5 regarding municipal snow removal authority. Bourne’s local ordinances can be referenced via the Bourne Code of Ordinances (see Chapter 215, Streets and Sidewalks).

Bourne Inspectional Services
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1344
Official Website: Bourne Inspectional Services

• Residential Properties: Fines start at $50 per day for failure to clear sidewalks.
• Commercial Properties: Fines start at $100 per day per violation.
• Depositing Snow on Streets: Fines may be $100 per offense.
• Repeat Violations: Each calendar day is considered a separate violation and subject to additional fines.

Bourne Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Bourne’s diverse neighborhoods each present distinct snow removal challenges, influenced by coastal geography, housing density, and infrastructure limitations. The town does not operate a 311 system; snow removal complaints are typically reported directly to municipal departments. Key neighborhood factors include:

• Bourne Village: Narrow historic streets, older homes with limited off-street parking, and pedestrian-heavy areas increase snow pile-up and complicate sidewalk clearing.
• Sagamore: Proximity to the Cape Cod Canal creates exposure to strong winds and drifting snow; commercial corridors require prompt clearance for business access.
• Monument Beach: Steep grades and hilly terrain increase the risk of ice accumulation; many homes are set close to the street, limiting snow storage space.
• Pocasset: Coastal flooding potential and high water tables can lead to ice hazards; mix of summer and year-round residences affects compliance consistency.
• Gray Gables: Dense residential patterns and narrow lanes challenge plowing equipment access and timely sidewalk maintenance.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Bourne Department of Public Works manages snow and ice removal on all public roads, major sidewalks, and key municipal facilities. The town is divided into multiple plowing routes, covering approximately 120 lane miles. Priority is given to arterial and emergency routes, including Main Street, Sandwich Road, and access roads to Bourne Public Safety facilities. Side streets and cul-de-sacs receive service following main route clearance. Plows may deposit snow at driveway entrances, and property owners are responsible for clearing these access points.

• Monitor Snow Emergencies: Stay informed about declared snow emergencies and related parking bans.
• Side Street Scheduling: Secondary and residential streets may be cleared at different intervals depending on storm severity.
• Contractor Coordination: Private contractors must coordinate with municipal plowing schedules to avoid redundant or obstructive snow deposition.

Bourne Office of Emergency Management
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1347
Official Website: Bourne Emergency Management

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Bourne enforces snow emergency parking bans during significant winter storms. During declared snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on designated snow emergency routes to allow plows full access. Vehicles parked in violation are subject to towing and fines. Alerts about parking bans are issued through the town website, local news, and automated phone notifications. Residents are encouraged to use off-street parking or designated municipal lots during emergencies.

• Snow Emergency Routes: Main Street, Sandwich Road, and key collector roads are prioritized and subject to parking bans.
• Towing Policies: Vehicles impeding snow operations are towed at owner’s expense; fees are posted on the town website.
• Space Saver Policy: Bourne does not permit the use of space savers to reserve shoveled parking spaces after storms.
• Alternative Parking: Municipal lots are available for temporary parking during declared emergencies.

For additional legal authority, see Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

Bourne does not operate a 311 system; however, residents can report snow removal violations and accessibility barriers directly to municipal departments. Complaints may be filed by phone or via the online contact forms on the town’s official website. Residents should provide specific addresses, nature of the violation, and any relevant photos if emailing the department. Accessibility-related snow removal issues may also be reported to the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

• Phone Reports: Call (508) 759-0600 for Department of Public Works or Inspectional Services.
• Online Submissions: Use Bourne’s municipal contact form for reporting issues.
• Email Reports: Direct emails can be sent to [email protected].
• Accessibility Complaints: File with the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

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 requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in the removal of snow and ice to prevent slip and fall injuries. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010) eliminated distinctions between natural and unnatural snow accumulations, holding owners responsible for all hazardous conditions on their premises. The duty to maintain safe conditions applies to sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances, and stairways. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, injured parties may seek damages for injuries caused by unsafe conditions, provided written notice is given to the property owner within 30 days, as established by Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.

• Reasonable Care Standard: Owners are responsible for prompt clearance of snow and ice on all access routes.
• Premises Scope: Legal obligations extend to sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, entrances, and stairways.
• Notice Requirement: Injury claims must be reported in writing within 30 days of the incident.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Bourne

Bourne Village: Characterized by historic homes, dense residential blocks, and a concentration of municipal buildings. Narrow streets and limited parking require coordinated snow removal to maintain access for emergency vehicles and pedestrians. Sidewalks often abut the curb, increasing the need for diligent clearance and ice control.

Monument Beach: Primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes and cottages. The area’s hilly terrain and proximity to the shoreline pose challenges in managing ice and drifting snow. Public beach parking lots and access roads require timely plowing for year-round accessibility.

Gray Gables: A coastal neighborhood with compact lots and narrow lanes, Gray Gables presents significant constraints for plowing equipment. The prevalence of seasonal homes can lead to inconsistent snow removal on unoccupied properties, impacting pedestrian safety.

Pocasset: This district features both waterfront and inland properties, with a combination of permanent residences and vacation homes. High groundwater levels can create persistent ice hazards, necessitating the regular application of sand or salt on sidewalks and driveways.

Sagamore: A busy commercial and residential area adjacent to the Cape Cod Canal, Sagamore experiences high traffic volumes and increased snow accumulation from canal winds. The mix of business corridors and apartment complexes requires a tailored approach to both public and private snow clearance.

Bournedale: Known for its rural landscape and larger property lots, Bournedale’s winding roads and limited street lighting require early and thorough snow plowing. The presence of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy adds institutional requirements for uninterrupted access.

Buzzards Bay: The downtown hub for transit and commerce, Buzzards Bay hosts multi-story buildings, retail centers, and commuter rail access. High parking density and heavy pedestrian use make prompt sidewalk and crosswalk clearance essential to prevent hazards.

Cataumet: A primarily residential neighborhood with scattered commercial establishments, Cataumet’s mixture of private roads and public streets requires clear delineation of snow removal responsibilities. Tree-lined avenues and limited parking space complicate snow storage and removal efforts.

Red Brook Harbor: Featuring marinas, restaurants, and waterfront residences, Red Brook Harbor receives substantial snow drift from open water. Public parking and dock access must be maintained for emergency response and year-round maritime traffic.

Queen Sewell: A compact neighborhood with moderate-density housing, Queen Sewell’s grid street pattern simplifies plowing, but high rates of on-street parking can impede equipment access and slow sidewalk clearance.

Patuisset: A small peninsula community with a combination of summer cottages and year-round homes, Patuisset’s narrow and winding roads limit plow movement. Flood risk and ice formation from tidal action increase the need for prompt and thorough snow and ice management.

Brookside: Primarily comprised of planned residential developments and golf course communities, Brookside’s private roads require coordinated snow removal efforts between homeowners’ associations and municipal services. Accessibility for service vehicles is a key consideration during significant snow events.