Professional Snow Removal Services in Sharon, MA

Sharon Winter Weather & Snow Removal Resources

Snow removal is a critical legal and public safety responsibility for all property owners in Sharon, MA. The Town of Sharon enforces strict municipal ordinances that specify required timeframes, minimum clearance standards, and penalties for non-compliance to ensure sidewalks and public pathways remain safe and accessible during winter weather events. Adhering to these requirements is essential to prevent accidents and maintain mobility for all residents and visitors.

Property owners, tenants, and businesses must familiarize themselves with Sharon’s winter maintenance obligations and enforcement protocols. Failure to comply can result in fines and increased liability exposure under state and local law. For questions or to coordinate with municipal snow operations, contact:

Sharon Department of Public Works
217R South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1525
Official Website: Department of Public Works

Understanding Sharon's Snow Removal Ordinances and Legal Requirements

Sharon’s snow removal ordinances establish clear legal expectations for both residential and commercial property owners. According to local bylaws, property owners are required to clear snow and ice from abutting public sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. If snow falls overnight, clearing must be completed by the end of the following day. The minimum accessible path width must be at least 36 inches to allow for safe pedestrian passage and compliance with accessibility standards.

• Timeframe: Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of snowfall. Accumulations occurring overnight must be addressed by the end of the next day.
• Minimum Clearance: A minimum 36-inch-wide path must be maintained free of snow and ice.
• Ice Removal: Ice must be removed, or if not practicable, treated with sand or another suitable material to prevent slipping hazards.
• Prohibition: It is strictly prohibited to deposit snow onto public streets, roadways, or abutting properties.
• Enforcement Authority: Sharon enforces these requirements under its local bylaws and pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 5.

Non-compliance may result in fines of $50 per day for residential properties and $100 per day for commercial properties. Illegally depositing snow onto streets may result in additional fines. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense. The current Sharon General Bylaws, including snow removal obligations, are available via the Town Clerk’s website.

Sharon Inspectional Services
90 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1500
Official Website: Inspectional Services

Sharon Neighborhood Snow Management Challenges

Sharon features a variety of neighborhoods, each presenting unique snow removal challenges due to differences in topography, infrastructure, and property types. These challenges can impact both compliance and the effectiveness of snow clearing operations across the community.

• Sharon Heights: Characterized by hilly terrain and winding roads, making snow removal and safe pedestrian passage especially challenging during heavy accumulations.
• East Sharon: Predominantly single-family homes with long driveways and limited on-street parking, requiring intensive individual property owner efforts.
• Downtown Sharon: Higher density of commercial and public buildings with narrow sidewalks and frequent pedestrian traffic, increasing the need for prompt and thorough clearing.
• Sharon Woods: Residential area with mature trees and shaded streets, leading to persistent icy patches and slower melting after storms.
• Lake Massapoag Area: Waterfront properties with sloped streets and recreational pathways, where drifting snow and access to public amenities require extra attention.

Complaint data from Sharon’s reporting system indicates that sidewalk clearance violations most often occur in neighborhoods with steep grades and densely parked streets.

Municipal Snow Operations and Emergency Response

The Sharon Department of Public Works manages municipal snow operations across an estimated 100+ lane miles of roadway, divided into prioritized plow routes. Main arteries, school access roads, and emergency response routes receive first attention, followed by secondary and residential streets. Schedules are adjusted for storm severity and timing to maintain safe travel corridors throughout the community.

Sharon Office of Emergency Management
211 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1522
Official Website: Office of Emergency Management

• Driveway Clearing: Municipal plows may leave windrows blocking driveways; property owners are responsible for secondary clearing.
• Side Street Schedules: Monitor posted plowing schedules, as side streets may be cleared later than main roads.
• Snow Emergency Declarations: Stay alert to town-issued snow emergency notifications for parking bans and updated plowing priorities.
• Contractor Coordination: Private snow removal contractors must coordinate activities to avoid obstructing public plowing operations.

Snow Emergency Parking and Space Saver Policies

Sharon enforces town-wide parking bans during declared snow emergencies to facilitate efficient plowing and emergency vehicle access. Residents are notified through the town website, local news outlets, and automated phone alerts. Vehicles parked on streets during snow emergencies are subject to towing and fines of $50-100 per occurrence. Designated alternative parking locations are made available at municipal lots and school properties during storms.

Sharon does not permit the use of space savers to reserve cleared on-street parking spaces. All residents must remove vehicles from streets as directed during snow emergencies. Full parking ban details and a current list of emergency routes are available on the Department of Public Works Snow Removal page.

Filing Snow Removal Complaints Through 311 or Municipal Reporting System

To report unshoveled sidewalks, illegal street snow deposits, or accessibility violations, residents may contact Sharon’s Department of Public Works by phone at (781) 784-1525 or by using the online snow removal complaint form on the town website. Sharon does not currently operate a 311 system or SeeClickFix platform; reporting is managed via website forms, email, and phone.

• Online: Snow Removal Complaint Form
• Phone: (781) 784-1525
• Email: dpw@townofsharon.org

Accessibility-related snow removal violations impacting individuals with disabilities may also be reported to the state:

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

Following the 2010 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368, all property owners in Sharon are legally required to exercise reasonable care in removing snow and ice from their premises. The law no longer distinguishes between natural and artificial accumulations; liability applies regardless of the source. This duty includes sidewalks, parking areas, entrances, and stairways.

• Statutory Liability: Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 15, owners are responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions due to snow and ice.
• Notice for Claims: Individuals injured due to snow or ice must file notice within 30 days as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Sections 18-20.
• Scope of Duty: The duty of care extends to all areas of the property accessible to the public, not just sidewalks.

Neighborhoods We Serve Throughout Sharon

Sharon Heights: This elevated, residential neighborhood features winding streets and steep driveways, posing significant challenges for snow removal equipment access and safe passage. The area consists primarily of single-family homes on larger lots, requiring extensive sidewalk and driveway clearing during winter weather.

Downtown Sharon: The town center includes a mix of commercial storefronts, small businesses, and multi-unit residences. Dense pedestrian traffic and narrow streets necessitate prompt, coordinated snow removal to maintain accessibility and safety, especially near the commuter rail station and public buildings.

East Sharon: Characterized by suburban subdivisions and cul-de-sacs, East Sharon’s residential layout and limited on-street parking require diligent maintenance by individual property owners. Plowing challenges include lengthy driveways and neighborhood-school access routes.

Sharon Woods: This wooded residential area contains homes set along tree-lined roads, where shaded conditions slow the melting of snow and ice. Narrow streets and limited sidewalk coverage increase the need for proactive snow clearing and sand application.

Lake Massapoag Area: Properties surrounding Lake Massapoag include year-round residences, rental cottages, and recreational facilities. Sloped lakefront roads and public beach access points require careful snow management to prevent hazardous conditions and ensure emergency vehicle access.

Moose Hill: Encompassing conservation land and low-density residential housing, Moose Hill features winding, hilly roads and limited street lighting. Snow removal is complicated by steep terrain, unpaved driveways, and the need for minimal disturbance to natural areas.

Knob Hill: A suburban development with moderate residential density, Knob Hill’s wide streets and interconnected sidewalks support family-oriented living. Snow removal efforts focus on safe school bus routes and maintaining pedestrian access to parks and community amenities.

Bay Road Corridor: This mixed-use area includes residential properties, small businesses, and institutional buildings along a primary arterial route. High traffic volumes and commercial driveways require coordinated snow clearing and enforcement of sidewalk accessibility standards.

Old Post Road District: A historic neighborhood featuring older homes, narrow carriage roads, and mature landscaping. The preservation of stone walls and historic features necessitates careful snow plowing and limited use of de-icing chemicals.

Upland Road/Fox Hill: Set on gently rolling terrain, this residential district presents moderate snow removal challenges, with emphasis on maintaining clear access to local schools and minimizing snow pile encroachment on roadways.

Massapoag Estates: A planned community with homeowners’ association oversight, Massapoag Estates coordinates both municipal and private contractor snow services to ensure timely and uniform clearing of common areas, sidewalks, and driveways.

South Sharon: The southern section of town combines rural acreage with newer residential developments. Snow removal requirements vary, with some areas relying on private roads and common driveways that must be coordinated independently of town services.